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RCDD · Question #256

To reduce the chance of an accidental dig-up, plastic warning tape should be placed a MINIMUM of _________ below grade, but high enough above cables to allow detection before cables are damaged.

The correct answer is C. 300 mm (12 in). Industry standards and utility installation guidelines require plastic warning/marker tape to be buried a minimum of 300 mm (12 in) below finished grade. This depth places the tape far enough below the surface that it will be encountered by digging equipment before the cable…

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Question

To reduce the chance of an accidental dig-up, plastic warning tape should be placed a MINIMUM of _________ below grade, but high enough above cables to allow detection before cables are damaged.

Options

  • A101 mm (4 in)
  • B203 mm (8 in)
  • C300 mm (12 in)
  • D381 mm (15 in)
  • E457 mm (18 in)

How the community answered

(56 responses)
  • A
    2% (1)
  • B
    2% (1)
  • C
    79% (44)
  • D
    7% (4)
  • E
    11% (6)

Explanation

Industry standards and utility installation guidelines require plastic warning/marker tape to be buried a minimum of 300 mm (12 in) below finished grade. This depth places the tape far enough below the surface that it will be encountered by digging equipment before the cable beneath it is damaged, yet shallow enough to be detected before excavation reaches the cable itself. Depths shallower than 300 mm (12 in) risk the tape being disturbed or missed by surface disturbances, while placing it at exactly cable depth defeats its early-warning purpose.

Topics

#warning tape#direct burial#underground cable#burial marking

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