What size of wire is typically used as a Tracer Wire?

Tracer wire is used in underground installations for locating and tracing gas pipelines and other utilities. The size of wire commonly utilized for this purpose often needs to balance strength, flexibility, and ease of identification, particularly through the use of non-metallic utilities over longer distances.

Using 16 gauge wire is standard in many applications because it strikes a good balance between durability and flexibility. It is thick enough to provide resistance to breakage while also allowing for adequate detection capabilities with locators. The thicker wire ensures a reliable and clear signal can be sent for tracing the path of the buried utilities, facilitating safer operations when excavating or repairing lines.

While other gauges like 14, 18, or 20 are used in specific scenarios or different applications, they do not provide the same combination of accessible detection and physical resilience that is often required for tracer wire, making the 16 gauge the preferred choice in these contexts.