What gauge of tracer wire or tape should be buried with plastic pipe?

The appropriate gauge for tracer wire or tape to be buried with plastic pipe is 14 AWG. Using 14 AWG wire strikes a balance between being adequately conductive while also being flexible and manageable for installation. It provides sufficient strength for tracing purposes without being overly thick, which could make installation cumbersome. The wire is also robust enough to resist environmental factors such as moisture and soil, ensuring it remains functional for locating the buried utility.

In practice, 14 AWG wire is commonly used for this application because it effectively conveys signals across reasonable distances without significant loss, making it ideal for locating piping systems using compatible locating equipment. Other gauges, while they may function to some extent, either compromise on strength or yield less effective signal transmission, making 14 AWG the most suitable choice for buried tracer wire.