Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Detectable Warning Tape Work?
Detectable underground warning tape helps detect, locate, identify, and protect buried utility lines such as water, gas, electrical, sewer, and telecommunications. They are made from an alum detectable underground foil that makes them easy to find with a metal detector.
Detectable tape is incredibly important, as it can help to avoid bursting pipes or cutting wires by notifying construction workers of its presence underground.
How Do You Install Detectable Warning Tape?
The detectable mesh should be buried halfway between the buried service (cable or pipe) and the surface of the earth. It needs to be easily accessible for identifying the utility item before reaching it, so can’t be buried too deep.
Unroll the wavey wire detection tape onto the backfill into the utility trench. Ensure that it’s buried at both ends, then cut lengths of the tape and backfill the trench.
How Deep Should You Install Underground Warning Tape?
It is recommended that underground traceable marker tape is buried at a depth of 12in (30cm) or less below grade. Traceable marker tape can only be detected up to 30-40cm below ground level, so it’s important not to bury it deeper than this.
When using wavey wire detection tape, please bear in mind that the end of the tape needs to be located at ground level for connection with location equipment.
What Types of Detectable Marking Tape are Available?
Our traceable marker tape comes with plenty of different text options, so you can purchase the one that best suits the utility line it needs to mark. You can choose from detectable tape options including:
- Electric
- Water
- Gas
- Communications
- Street lighting
- Fuel main
- Fibre optic
● Sewers and ducts
