Acu-Tech Piping Systems, 25 Years of poly pipe manufacturing
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Detectable

Underground Tape.

The Critical Role of Detectable Underground Tape​

In the world of civil engineering, construction, and utility management, the risk of accidental damage to buried HDPE pipelines and cables is a significant concern. Such incidents can lead to power outages, gas leaks, water main bursts, and costly project delays. Acu-Tech’s Detectable Underground Warning Tape is an essential safety solution designed to mitigate these risks. Unlike standard warning tapes, ours incorporates a durable, metal-detectable tracer wire, providing a dual warning system for excavation teams. This unique feature ensures that non-metallic utilities—such as poly pipes for water, gas, or telecommunications—can be precisely located with a standard cable and pipe avoidance tool before any digging begins.

How Acu-Tech's Detectable Tape for poly pipe works

Our detectable underground tape is engineered for maximum reliability and ease of use. It is typically laid in a trench halfway between the ground surface and the buried utility. This strategic placement provides an early warning to excavation crews, alerting them to the presence of a service line before their equipment can cause damage. The tape itself is made from a highly durable, rot-resistant polyethylene, with a printed warning message that remains visible for years. The integrated stainless steel or aluminum tracer wire is the key to its functionality, allowing it to be located by a standard metal detector or cable avoidance tool (CAT). This ensures that even in situations where the visual warning is missed, the service can still be located accurately from the surface.

Detectable Underground Tape & Marker, Acu-Tech

Key Benefits of Using Our Detectable Tape

  • Enhanced Safety: Prevents potentially catastrophic accidents involving buried utilities, protecting workers and the public from injury.
  • Cost Reduction: Avoids expensive repairs, fines, and project delays that result from accidentally striking buried poly pipes and cables.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Helps projects adhere to Australian and New Zealand standards (AS/NZS 2648.1:1995), a requirement for many civil and infrastructure projects.
  • Long-Term Durability: Our tapes are manufactured to withstand harsh underground conditions, resisting chemicals and moisture to ensure a long service life.
  • Simplified Location: The detectable tracer wire allows for easy and precise location of non-metallic services, streamlining maintenance and future excavation projects.

Applications and Industry-Standard Color Coding

Acu-Tech’s detectable tapes are color-coded to align with industry standards, making them instantly recognisable and providing clear information about the type of utility buried below. Our product range includes tapes for:

  • Yellow: Gas and oil pipelines.

  • Green: Sewer and drainage lines.

  • Blue: Potable water mains.

  • Orange: Electrical cables and conduits.

  • White: Communications and fiber optic cables.

  • Purple: Recycled water or irrigation lines.

By providing a clear visual and electronic warning, Acu-Tech’s detectable tape is an indispensable tool for engineers, civil contractors, and utility professionals committed to safety and operational efficiency. Contact us today to learn more about our full range of products and how we can support your next project.

Product Code Description
99810004 Danger – Buried Gas Main Below Yellow
99810008 Danger – Buried Water Main Below Green
99810003 Danger – Buried Fire Main Below Red
99810006 Recycled/Reclaimed Water Main Below Purple
99810001 Danger – Communications Main buried below White
99810002 Danger – Buried Electricity Main below Orange
99810007 Danger – Buried Sewer Main below Cream

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