MCC-NH Gas Fitters Practice Exam

What is required to facilitate the locating of buried plastic pipe?

1. A tracer wire

2. A metal tag

3. A GPS tracker

4. An electronic beacon

The correct answer is: A tracer wire

To effectively locate buried plastic pipe, a tracer wire is essential. Tracer wire is typically made of copper or another conductive material and is laid alongside the plastic pipe during installation. This wire allows for the use of electromagnetic detection equipment, which can locate the wire and, by extension, the buried pipe. Since plastic does not conduct electricity and cannot be detected by standard underground locating techniques, the tracer wire provides a reliable means to mark the pipe's location, ensuring that it can be easily found for maintenance, repairs, or future excavation work. This method of identification is efficient and widely accepted in the industry for maintaining accuracy during underground utility work. Other options, such as a metal tag, could provide information about the pipe but would not serve the purpose of locating it over a distance. A GPS tracker would require a direct connection or signal and is not practical for this application. An electronic beacon could assist in locating pipelines but is typically used in different contexts and would not be suitable for all types of buried plastic pipes.