If the tracer wire is broken, what is the recommended course of action?

• A. Locate from a different access point and notify company personnel
• B. Repair the wire yourself
• C. Ignore and continue
• D. Use a different tool

Answer: (A)

When the tracer wire is broken, the signal without a continuous path can’t be relied upon to accurately locate the buried line. The safest and most effective action is to locate from a different access point and notify company personnel. Using another access point allows you to continue locating the line through alternative means or along different sections, while informing the utility ensures they’re aware of the break, can take proper safety and repair steps, and can deconflict markings if needed. This approach also keeps you out of attempting to repair the wire yourself, which can be unsafe and outside approved procedures. Ignoring the issue or continuing with the broken wire risks mis-marking underground facilities and creating hazards. Relying on a different tool alone won’t resolve the broken path because the core locator signal is compromised.