Copperhead’s system offers the most robust, dependable, end-to-end solution for utility locating, allowing utility operators to detect and mark the exact position, keep jobs going, prevent utility damage, and avoid costly calamities.
A missed locate in underground utility construction can have a cascade effect, resulting in damaged assets, expensive repairs, and timetable delays. Copperhead’s Complete Utility Locating System, a five-step product-based approach that combines tried-and-true installation procedures with purpose-built components, helps to prevent such damage. Copperhead products support each step, from copper-clad steel (CCS) tracer wire with a rugged HDPE jacket to corrosion-proof locking connectors filled with dielectric gel, drive-in magnesium ground rods, and high-powered locating equipment.
This is not simply a better tracer wire. Copperhead’s system offers the most robust, dependable, end-to-end solution for utility locating, allowing utility operators to detect and mark the exact position, keep jobs going, prevent utility damage, and avoid costly calamities.
Here’s how the Complete Utility Locating System works, and where it outperforms standard installations.
Step 1: Conduct
Copperhead’s approach promotes pinpoint accuracy and efficiency, starting with the conductor. Copperhead copper-clad steel (CCS) tracer wire is a better alternative to solid copper. Copperhead CCS combines copper’s conductivity with the strength and durability of steel. Copperhead satisfies ASTM B1010, which is the most effective way to guard against corrosion, breakage, faults, and irregularities that might cause problems while locating your utility.
Whether you’re trenching, plowing, directional drilling, or pipe bursting, a Copperhead Tracer Wire is built for the job, including:
- SoloShot Extra-High Strength for HDD Installations.
- SoloShot Xtreme for the toughest conditions.
- High strength and superflexibility for open trench applications.
All Copperhead tracer wire is covered by a tough HDPE jacket and comes in APWA consistent colors to help you identify the utility.
Step 2: Connect
Solid connections are required for the locate signal to continue flowing throughout the tracer wire system. Weak or corroded splices can cause a ground fault and disrupt signal flow, making the line unlocatable. That’s why Copperhead offers a whole variety of corrosion-resistant connectors, such as the SnakeBite Locking Connector, which is filled with dielectric silicone gel for optimal durability and lifespan.
These connections, whether linking a mainline to a service or tying in access points, are reliable and long-lasting underground.
Step 3: Ground
Proper grounding is crucial for successful utility locating. It is often overlooked. Copperhead’s technology comprises magnesium drive-in ground rods that direct the signal along the desired line. When the electrical circuit is complete, the outcome is an exact and efficient location.
Proper grounding at dead ends and access points can mean the difference between a successful locate and a complete miss. Some Copperhead access points even let you switch the ground on or off, giving you choice over the direction your locate signal travels.
Step 4: Access
You must have access to tracer wire before you can connect it. Copperhead makes it simple with at-grade and above-grade access points, including:
- SnakePit Access Point and BoaBox Point
- Cobra & SnakeSkin Access Points
- Integrated Mamba™ Marker Posts with built-in locate terminals
These access points, available in single- and five-terminal formats, make it simple to connect, ground, and isolate utility sections. The components are tough, highly visible, and designed specifically for utility situations.
Step 5: Locate
Now that the system is ready, it’s time to locate. Copperhead’s ViperMagTM Pipe & Cable Locator combines a strong transmitter and receiver for exact tracing, whether during construction, before backfilling, or at project completion.
Mark the line with Copperhead’s Mamba Marker Posts, which come in five configurations, including:
- Flat
- Round
- Locate (with access terminal)
- Cathodic (with test station)
- Triad (for marking multiple lines at once)
These highly visible marks help to lessen the risk of further strikes while also providing a long-term entry point for locations.
One system. Five steps. No guesswork.
Copperhead’s Complete Utility Locating System is not a collection of components; rather, it is an approach. When implemented together, each stage reinforces the previous one, resulting in accurate, repeatable, and reliable locations long after the project is completed.
Copperhead’s Complete Utility Location System, like its namesake, is designed to dominate in dangerous underground conditions, with strong skin, resilience, and the ability to precisely corner its target.
This technology helps to secure vital subsurface assets, prevent damage, eliminate callbacks, and keep projects on track.
Visit copperheadwire.com to learn more about Copperhead Industries and their Complete Utility Locating System.
