Preventing Damage with Copperhead's Complete Utility Locating System®

How Copperhead's 5-step approach helps stop utility strikes, downtime, and missed locates

MONTICELLO, Minn., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In underground utility construction, a missed locate can trigger a domino effect: damaged assets, costly repairs, and schedule-wrecking delays. Copperhead^® helps prevent that kind of damage with its Complete Utility Locating System^®— a five-step, product-based solution that combines proven installation practices with purpose-built components. From copper-clad steel (CCS) tracer wire with a rugged HDPE jacket, to corrosion-proof locking connectors filled with dielectric gel, to drive-in magnesium ground rods and high-powered locating equipment, each step is supported by Copperhead products that are engineered for long-term performance and reliable locating in the field.

This isn't just a better tracer wire. Copperhead's system provides the strongest, most reliable, end-to-end solution for utility locating — allowing utility operators to detect and mark the accurate location, keep jobs running, prevent damage to utilities, and avoid costly disasters.

Here's how the Complete Utility Locating System works—and where it outsmarts traditional installs.

Step 1: Conduct

Copperhead's system advocates locating accuracy and efficiency — beginning with the conductor. Copperhead copper-clad steel (CCS) tracer wire is an intelligent alternative to solid copper. Copperhead CCS delivers copper's conductivity with the strength and durability of steel. Copperhead meets ASTM B1010, which is the best measure you can take to protect against the corrosion, breakage, defects and imperfections that can cause problems when trying to locate your utility.

Whether you're trenching, plowing, directional drilling, or pipe bursting, there's a Copperhead Tracer Wire built for the job, including:

• SoloShot™ Extra-High Strength for HDD installs
• SoloShot™ Xtreme for the most demanding conditions
• High Strength and SuperFlex for open trench applications

All Copperhead tracer wire is protected by a rugged HDPE jacket and available in APWA uniform colors to properly identify the utility.

Step 2: Connect

Solid connections are critical for the locate signal to continue flowing throughout the entire tracer wire system. Weak or corroded splices can create a ground fault and interrupt the signal flow, rendering the line unlocatable. That's why Copperhead offers a full line of corrosion-proof connectors, like SnakeBite^® Locking Connector, filled with dielectric silicone gel for maximum durability or longevity.

Whether connecting a mainline to a service or tying in access points, these connections hold up underground and will stand the test of time.

Step 3: Ground

Proper grounding is often overlooked—but without it, it's difficult to create the electrical circuit needed for successful utility locating. Copperhead's system includes magnesium drive-in ground rods that draw the signal down the target line. When the electrical circuit is completed, the result is an accurate, efficient locate.

Proper grounding at dead ends and access points can be the difference between an accurate locate and a total miss. Some Copperhead access points even allow you to turn the ground on or off, giving you control over which direction your locate signal will travel.

Step 4: Access

To connect to tracer wire, you need access to it. Copperhead makes that easy with at-grade and above-grade access points, including:

• SnakePit^® Access Point and BoaBox Point
• Cobra & SnakeSkin Access Points
• Integrated Mamba^™ Marker Posts with built-in locate terminals

From single-terminal setups to five-terminal configurations, these access points allow for easy connection, grounding, and isolating sections of the utility. The components are rugged, highly visible, and purpose-built for utility environments.

Step 5: Locate

With the system complete, it's time to locate. Copperhead's ViperMag^TM Pipe & Cable Locator combines a powerful transmitter and receiver for precise tracing—whether during construction, before backfilling, or at final project handoff.

Then, mark the line with Copperhead's Mamba™ Marker Posts, available in five configurations including:

• Flat
• Round
• Locate (with access terminal)
• Cathodic (with test station)
• Triad (for marking multiple lines at once)

These highly visible markers reduce the risk of future strikes and provide a long-term access point for locates.

One System. Five Steps. Zero Guesswork.

Copperhead's Complete Utility Locating System isn't a collection of parts—it's a strategy. When installed together, each step reinforces the next, ensuring accurate, repeatable, and reliable locates long after the project is complete.

Just like its namesake, Copperhead's Complete Utility Location System is built to dominate in hostile underground environments—tough-skinned, resilient, and able to corner its target with precision.

This system helps protect critical underground assets, prevent damage, avoid callbacks, and keep projects on track.

For more information about Copperhead Industries and its Complete Utility Locating System, please visit copperheadwire.com. 

SOURCE Copperhead Industries