A number 18 copper tracer wire or other approved material shall be installed with and adjacent to what type of piping?

The installation of a number 18 copper tracer wire or an approved alternative is specifically intended to be used with non-metallic gas piping. The primary purpose of the tracer wire is to help locate and identify the buried piping, providing assistance for maintenance and safety checks. Non-metallic piping, being less detectable compared to metallic options, requires tracer wires to ensure that it can be identified easily by those using detection equipment.

When it comes to gas piping, particularly in safety and utility management, having a tracer wire in conjunction with non-metallic materials enhances safety and aids in the efficient management of gas lines. This requirement is particularly relevant in areas where excavation or repair may occur to avoid unintended damage to the piping system.

In contrast, the other types of piping listed—plastic water piping, metal gas piping, and steel water piping—typically either do not require tracer wires or have different methods for identification and do not benefit from the use of a designated tracer wire in the same manner as non-metallic gas piping does.