14 GA High Strength Tracer Wire

Description

What is 14GA CCS tracer wire?

14 Gauge copper clad steel (CCS) tracer wire, which is a type of wire used for underground utility locating. It is designed to carry a low-voltage signal that can be detected above ground with locating equipment, enabling accurate mapping of buried pipelines, cables, and other utilities. The core is made of steel, which is coated with a layer of copper. The steel core offers high tensile strength, preventing stretching or breaking during installation. The copper cladding provides excellent electrical conductivity for signal transmission. CCS tracer wire typically insulated with HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) or PE (Polyethylene), which protects the wire from environmental elements such as moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation. The tracer wire is used in conjunction with a transmitter and receiver to emit and detect a traceable signal, allowing accurate identification of underground utilities.

Applications:

• Water lines
• Gas pipelines
• Sewer systems
• Telecommunication and fiber optic cables
• Electrical conduits

Features and Advantages

• Bimetal Conductor: Copper-clad steel integrates the durability of fully annealed low-carbon steel with the electrical conductivity and anti-corrosion properties of copper.
• Permanent Bond: The metals are metallurgically fused, ensuring they remain intact, resist corrosion, and offer low incentive for theft.
• High Strength: Provides increased tensile strength and higher break load compared to solid copper.
• Good Flexibility: Retains flexibility similar to solid copper while exhibiting low recoil during handling.
• Lighter Weight: Approximately 11% lighter than solid copper, which helps lower transportation costs.
• Stable Costs: Pricing is generally more consistent and less volatile than solid copper wire.
• HDPE Coating: Covered with durable 30 or 45 mil high-density polyethylene, offering enhanced protection against moisture, chemicals, and physical wear in underground conditions.
• Burial Rated: Designed and approved for direct burial in subsurface installations.

Why Use 14GA CCS Tracer Wire?

• Superior Strength and Durability The steel core provides high tensile strength, making the wire resistant to stretching, breaking, and mechanical damage during installation and use.
• Excellent Conductivity The copper cladding ensures efficient signal transmission for accurate underground utility locating.
• Corrosion Resistance Copper-clad steel, combined with HDPE insulation, offers outstanding resistance to corrosion in harsh environments, ensuring a long service life.
• Cost-Effective Solution 14GA CCS tracer wire is more affordable than solid copper wire while delivering comparable performance, making it a cost-efficient choice for large projects.
• Lightweight and Easy to Handle Being lighter than solid copper, it reduces freight and handling costs, simplifying transportation and installation.
• Stable Pricing Unlike solid copper, which is subject to significant price fluctuations, CCS tracer wire offers more predictable and stable pricing, reducing budget risks. HDPE Insulation for Underground Protection The durable
• HDPE insulation protects the wire from moisture, chemicals, and physical abrasion, making it suitable for direct burial applications.
• Reliable in Extreme Conditions Designed to operate under a wide range of environmental conditions, including high temperatures and wet or chemically aggressive soils.

By offering a combination of strength, conductivity, corrosion resistance, and cost stability, 14GA CCS tracer wire is a trusted choice for utility locating in residential, commercial, and industrial infrastructure projects.