Introducing 3M’s Specialized Location and Marking Systems

• 3M Fault Finder
• ANDI Support and Service
• 3M Marker Brochures

3M System Features

Advanced Non-Destructive Inc. (ANDI) has been offering utility detection services for many years using the top-of-the-line Ridgid utility detection system, which our clients have learned to trust for reliable, comprehensive analysis in utility detection. But even the most advanced utility detection systems currently available are unable to directly detect non-conductive materials (e.g. PVC, concrete or fibreglass), non-energized power lines or low power equipment (e.g. communication lines, or 12V/24V systems). In addition, environmental, utility depth, shielding, and many other conditions can hamper utility detection. Placing a trace signal on known conductive utilities can be challenging or impossible at times. The fact is that the technician can only mark/map a traceable signal. ANDI now has a solution to these problems through 3M’s specialized marker system.

ANDI and 3M will provide you with specialized marker system tape, balls, and tags that are buried with the utilities. It’s as simple as that! Equipped with 3M’s advanced receiver, these marker systems can be easily detected for many years into the future.  The marker systems can be buried near the surface (2’),  at mid range (4’-5’) or full range (up to 8’). Simply bury markers with the utilities and forget them until it is necessary to detect and map the sytem. When that happens, ANDI can quickly and accurately locate the buried utilities.

The 3M marking systems are environmentally sealed and do not require batteries. Markers are equipped with a 3M receiver that also acts as a transmitter.  The transmitted signal activates the markers making them detectable. The markers are available in both programmable and non-programmable (passive) options.

3M Marker Benefits

This system is beneficial anywhere that buried utilities or structures exist. It has a very long potential longevity and almost limitless applications for subsurface detection. This helps improve the accuracy of utility detection because it is more reliable under difficult environments and utility conditions than regular utility detection systems.  As a result, it is of value to any company or organization that has or will install any subsurface utility or structure – including new utility installations, older subsurface equipment and structures, or any type of buried items that could require future location.

Marker Products

3M has a wide selection of marker products to fit just about any requirement. From Near-Surface Marker (2’) applications to deep Full Range Markers (8’), we have the products you need. Most markers come in either a passive (detecting of marker only) or programable option (critical facility and/or utility information can be programmed into the marker before it is buried). Programming can be done as part of the pre-site planning phase or can even be done right at the job site. Once buried, this data can be retrieved at any time using the 3M receiver. These markers are environmentally sealed and do not require a power source.

Using the appropriate colour tape/marker for each utility will make it easier to not only recognize the type of utility below the marker but also to help what safety measures need to be put in place before you continue digging.

Programmable Marker Information

Each of the marker systems is also available in a programable version. These markers can be programmed with vital facility or site information (date, facility, installer, type of utility, power information, and much more) that can be retrieved at any time without having to dig. Information can be programmed in before they are buried and retrieved anytime by Advanced Non-Destructive Inc.

These programable marker systems do not require a power source, the power is provided from the specialized receiver that also doubles as a transmitter for this marker system. There is no need to hook up external tracing equipment, so the marker can be buried just about anywhere and with the confidence that it can be traced when needed. These markers are environmentally sealed for many years of operation. If part of the caution tape or rope is cut or removed, the other markers will still provide accurate locating. These markers are also reusable.

3M Fault Finder

ANDI is also providing a means to detect and find faults in subsurface electrical cables/conduit using 3M’s Earth Contact Frame. Traveling along the path of the electrical cable, the fault finder will accurately detect the position of a fault on the cable even inside conduit. This will allow the contractor to dig only where the fault is located for necessary repairs rather than having to excavate the whole cable, making this a major time and money saver on any project.

Reliable Service and Support

Your 3M marker products will be supplied and installed by the knowledgable and experienced technicians of ANDI,  NL’s own advanced non-destructive service provider.

Your project may benefit from just one or several different types of markers.
Before you start your next sub-surface project, let ANDI help you choose the right product for your needs.

Learn More

Click on any image to open the brochures (.pdf) and learn more about the 3M mapping and detection products.

If you still have questions, let ANDI’s technicians help you decide what products are right for you.

3M Marker Brochures 

(in order of depth capabilities)

3M Mid & Full Range Markers (4’-8’)

3M Full Range Markers (8’)

3M Marker Systems & Depth Chart

Why Buy 3M Markers?

• Detect and map all types of utilities and buried structures (conductive and non-conductive)
• Fast, accurate, and reliable
• Cost-effective (save time and money over the life of the utility)
• Available in a wide range of products to fit different needs
• Reusable
• Markers are sealed, durable, long-lasting and do not require internal power
• Available in programmable or non-programmable (passive) versions
• Know where to dig or where not to dig
• With programmable markers, you can include vital information, which is especially in crowded utility areas or in any areas where the utility is required to be detected quickly and accurately. This could be a long utility run or just a single point of interest.

Marker Solutions for the Power Industry

The 3M™ Electronic Marker System (EMS) helps save electric utilities time and money by enabling utility field crews to quickly pinpoint the location of buried facilities including cable runs, splices, vaults, conduits and road crossings. Using EMS markers during construction, installation and maintenance virtually eliminates the time consuming search for hard-to-locate facilities.

Power Utility Markers include
3M Near-Surface Markers (max. 2’ depth rating)

3M Near-Surface Markers provide an accurate, convenient, long-lasting method of marking underground and street-access facilities at 2’ depth or less. These 3” high markers are available in both passive and programable. The programable 3M-iD markers enable facility data to be stored in the marker. Use them for mapping new and legacy assets such as valves, handholds, under concrete slabs & asphalt, and other points of interest.

3M Electronic Marker System (EMS) Near Surface Markers

The 3M Near-Surface Marker provides an accurate, convenient, long-lasting method of marking underground and street-access facilities. Its size and shape allow for easy installation in asphalt, concrete or dirt, without extensive digging or drilling. The Near-Surface Marker is three inches long and 0.78 inches in diameter, and has a range of up to three feet (0.9 m) from marker to locator.

3M Near-Surface Markers (max. 2’ depth rating)

3M Near-Surface Markers provide an accurate, convenient, long-lasting method of marking underground and street-access facilities at 2’ depth or less. These 3” high markers are available in both passive and programable. The programable 3M-iD markers enable facility data to be stored in the marker. Use them for mapping new and legacy assets such as valves, handholds, under concrete slabs & asphalt, and other points of interest.

3M Caution Tape & Rope (max. 4’ depth rating)

Caution tape and ropes are reusable and have a long lifespan. These products allow the utility detection technician to accurately confirm the utility location and depth.

• Caution tape is installed over the utility allowing rapid and cost-effective detection of the utility before any digging.
• Caution rope is used to haul through pipes. This is especially good for horizontal drilling for conduits and piping.

3M Electronic Marker Systems (EMS) Ball Markers (max. 4’ depth rating)

These markers come in passive and programable options. Along with being easily detectable, these 4” (overall diameter) have the added advantage of being able to be programmed with critical data such as facility information, type of application, material type and size, placement date, and other important details. This can be done as part of the pre-site planning phase or can even be done right at the job site. These markers can be installed in critical places such as junctions, valves, turns, critical areas, or buried structures. When buried, data can be retrieved at any time using the 3M receiver making it easy to rapidly identify position, depth, and programmed information before you dig.

3M Electronic Marker System Disk Markers
(max. 5’ depth rating)

The 3M Disk Marker provides an easy and accurate method of precisely locating flush-mounted facilities, which become covered by backfill. The four-inch diameter disk marker is easily fastened to the underside of non-metallic lids or covers over flush-mounted facilities, such as hand holes, manholes and other grade-level enclosures during construction and maintenance. Disk Markers are NOT intended for direct burial.

3M Mid & Full Range Markers (4’-8’)

EMS Mini-Markers
3M EMS Mini-Markers provide an accurate, convenient, long-lasting method of marking underground facilities at depths of up to six feet (1.8 m) from
marker to locator.

3M Mid-Range Markers (max. 6’ depth rating) are the same as the 3M Disk Markers but have greater depth capability and are buried directly over the utility. These come in 8.25” diameter size

3M Electronic Marker System (EMS)
Full-Range Markers (8′)

3M EMS Full-Range Markers provide an accurate, convenient, long-lasting method of marking underground facilities. The marker has a range of up to
eight feet (2.4 m) from marker to locator.

These 15’ diameter markers not only provide accurate and convenient utility locating but also acts as a digging shield over buried facilities, lessening the chances of damage. And, unlike surface markers such as stakes, flags or paint, the full-range marker cannot be inadvertently moved or worn away by weather. It is buried over the intended utility, and comes in both passive and programable options.

3M Marker Systems & Depths Chart

A complete solution for construction and maintenance.  The full line of 3M locators and markers helps to quickly and accurately identify underground assets.  Designed as fully-featured kits ith all-in-one capabilities, you will be ready for a wide range of jobs.