Dear Mr. Electrician: Is it necessary to use marking tape when installing an electrical service underground.
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Answer: Yes. Utility companies and some local building codes require that underground utilities such as electric, gas, water, telephone, and cable television use marking tape or something else to help locate the services without having to dig holes.
In addition to marking tape, some utilities will include an insulated copper wire for the length of the underground service. This is used to inject a signal underground that can be picked up by special detection equipment to follow the course of the underground utility.
MARKING TAPE REQUIREMENTS
Marking tape, sometimes called underground warning tape or detectable tape, is required for underground utilities mainly for safety, damage prevention, and compliance with codes
This is required so that future digging in the utility locations can be identified in advance to prevent damage and disruption to the utility.
In short, underground marking tape is required because it’s a simple, effective way to warn diggers, prevent accidents, protect infrastructure, and comply with safety regulations.
When construction crews, utility workers, or maintenance teams dig in the future, the tape provides an early warning before they hit the actual utility line. This reduces the risk of gas leaks, electrical shocks, water or sewer breaks, and service outages.
Striking underground utilities can cause serious injuries, explosions, flooding, or fires. Marking tape helps alert workers in time to stop digging.
Many building codes, utility standards, and safety regulations require marking tape, including OSHA safety practices, local and state building codes, and utility company installation standards.
Marking tape is color-coded using standardized colors such as the American Public Works Association (APWA) standards, which helps workers quickly know what kind of utility line is below.
Red tape is for electric, yellow tape is used for gas, oil or steam lines, orange is for communications such as telephone or cable TV, blue marking tape indicates that water lines are present, green tape is for sewer and drain pipes, and purple is for reclaimed water and irrigation.
For detection purposes, it is best to place the underground tape closer to the earth’s surface instead of buried deep with the actual utility service. A standard metal detector can be used to follow the marking tape along the ground. I think twelve inches (30.48 centimeters) is sufficient depth.
In most areas of the USA you can call 811 on the telephone to request a mark down of the property where future digging will be taking place. Within a few days one or more utility company locator workers will come to the site and paint colored lines on the ground and also insert colored flags to show the path of the underground utilities.
Using marking tape is a low-cost prevention tool compared to the damage caused by hitting a buried line. Avoiding utility damage helps prevent costly repairs, project delays, legal liability, and fines.
For National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) requirements for underground electrical wiring read article 300.5 and table 300.5(A)
Here’s a link to the APWA color code for marking tape web page or the PDF here.
Read the FREE version of the National Electrical Code.
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