Uniform Color Codes For Underground Utilities Explained

As a plant of a construction project, builders many require several activities such as cutting, coring, drilling, and excavation may require before the start of building. Since most outer parts of the earth are occupied for storing utility and equipment, it is important to look for utility locating services available. The utilities are marked with either colored lines or flags so that excavators and builders can notice the presence of these vulnerable items buried beneath the ground. The following is an explanation of uniform color codes for underground utilities.

How to map color codes

Underground detection services use various types of devices to detect a buried object and its nature. First, employees at band locating services must go through an extensive one-year training program. Reputed companies employ technicians who are trained in fatigue management, field training, and worked with experienced technicians. Technicians at underground utility locating companies know how to detect and identify utility systems that are buried underground due to the nature of their function.

Some of the popular tools they use in detecting the underground utilities are ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic scan, vacuum excavation, locating sondes, and drowsing. Electromagnetic equipment with a transmitter and receiver can detect metal pipes and similar cables while radio location and ground-penetrating radars are ideal for detecting plastics and concrete.

The technicians use a fluorescent color-specific type of spray paint to mark lines and areas. They may also mark their company logo on colored flags to indicate the ownership of the lines. In gardens and parks, heads of sprinklers are marked so that excavators can notice the utility and avoid damage while carrying out their tasks.

Underground utility color codes

Utility lines buried underground are marked with designated color in accordance with the American Public Works Association (APWA). Uniform Color Codes for temporary marking of underground utilities are:

• Red: electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables

• Orange: telecommunication, alarm or signal lines, and cables, or conduit

• Yellow: natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, and other gaseous or flammable material

• Green: sewers and drain lines

• Blue: drinking water

• White: proposed excavation limits or route

The uses of the coding color guide may differ from one country to another. When you look for affordable underground utility locators, be sure the company knows the guidelines of the local government.

Who can get benefits from color code?

Various industrial sectors rely on the APWA color coding guide. This system can benefit professionals, including excavators, environmental consultants, engineers, and architects. Even if you are not associated with any of these occupations, you can still get benefits as a homeowner. When you see these in your surroundings, you will know which areas are dangerous.

Author's Bio - The writer is an avid online blogger. This article is about Color Codes For Underground Utilities.

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B&B Locating, Inc. https://bandblocating.com/ B&B Locating, Inc. Joined: April 20th, 2020