3M Communications Facilities User Manual

							September 2010
78-9000-0281-3-A
Recommendations for  
Marking Communication \facilities   
with \bse of 3M
™ EMS Electronic Markers
3
Near-Surface Marker
A small marker which is well-suited for \fore holes 
in concrete or asphalt for marking \bush-mount 
facilities prior to repaving.
Ball Marker
Ideal for most applications, with a 
unique self-leveling feature. The core of 
the marker \boats in a non-toxic, non-
freezing liquid inside the \fall; so the 
marker can \fe dropped in a trench, and 
the self-leveling feature will assure a 
correct orientation. 
Mid-Range
Designed for applications 
where less depth is required 
than with the Full-Range 
Marker. Marker spokes help 
sta\filize it in the correct 
position after placement.\full-Range Marker
Designed for deep underground applications. 
Its large size makes it ideal for use as a digging 
shield over sensitive underground facilities.     
						

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The 3M™ electronic marker system helps make the job of 
precisely locating underground facilities easier and faster. 
The basic component of the system is a durable electronic 
marker which is buried above key underground elements 
during construction or maintenance. A stand-alone 3M
™ 
Dynatel™ marker locator model 1420-iD, an integrated 
3M™ Dynatel™ cable/marker locator 2500-iD series, or 
an integrated 3M™ Dynatel™ 2200M-iD series provides 
fast and accurate location of a marker many years after its 
placement.
Depending on the resonant frequency and the color, 
electronic markers are used to mark a wide range of 
underground facilities such as cable television networks, 
telecommunication lines, power supply networks, water 
supply pipelines, wastewater pipelines, oil and gas 
pipelines, and so on.
Two types of markers may be used for communications/
CATV applications. The first type is the solid orange-
colored marker that is used for general communications 
applications. These are tuned to 101.4 kHz and are available 
in five different form factors for varying applications:  Near Surface Marker, Ball Marker, Mid-Range Marker, 
Full Range Marker and Disk Marker. The second type is 
the orange/black-colored marker that is used specifically 
for CATV applications and is tuned to 77.0 
kHz. These are 
only available in the Near Surface (iD version), Ball (iD 
and Non-iD versions) and Disk (Non-iD version) markers. 
Communication applications use solid orange-colored 
markers exclusively. CATV can use both solid orange-
colored and orange/black-colored marker types. If more 
marker form factor types are needed than the Near Surface, 
Ball or Disk marker types, it is recommended to use the 
solid orange-colored marker that is available in all five 
form  factors.
The marker consists of a sealed shell containing a passive 
antenna: a low-frequency resonance circuit tuned to a 
certain frequency. The locator sends a signal to the marker, 
energizing it. The signal is then reflected back to the 
locator. Electronic markers are tolerant to congestion and 
extremely reliable. Electronic markers are typically installed 
during construction or repairs when the facility is visible to 
the eye, making them one of the most trusted methods for 
positive identification of buried facilities.
Signal from locator
Return signal from\C marker
Ca\fle splice
Marker
Signal from locator energizes marker\b Marker reflects signal
at selected frequen\Ccy\b
Soil
Soil
1.0 
Overview 
						

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2.0  General Recommendations 
for Electronic Marker 
Placement
2.1  Recommended Placement
• All ‘Items of Plant’ (facility items) that are assigned 
unique reference numbers on facility maps and records. 
• Handholes
• Buried splices of all types
• Repair points
• Buried service drops: Service stubs
• Slack loops
• Depth changes
• Laterals
• Bends: changes of direction, arcs
• Depth changes: lateral deflection
• Fiber optic facilities with no metallic conductor
• Conduit stubs • Encasement ends: conduit ends of horizontally directional 
drilled facilities
• Manhole covers
• Water crossings
• Major road crossings
• Rail crossings
• Utility crossings: locations where the cable crosses over or  under other utilities.
• Non-metallic facilities
• Other items of value or interest
2.2  Additional Marker Placement Information
Using the GPS interface on the 3M™ Dynatel™ Locator 
model 1420 -iD, 2500 Series and 2200M-iD series also 
helps provide positive verification of marker placement 
during construction and direct data import capability to 
leading industry standard GIS systems for electronic map 
updating.
Tee/Lateral
4-Way Cross
Servi\fe Drop
Be\bds
Be\bds
Utility Crossi\bgs
Road Crossi\bgs
Water Crossi\bgs
Rail Crossi\bgs Casi\bg E\bds
Spli\fe
Ar\f
Pla\fe marker every 1 foot (300 mm) of defe\ftio\b
Ball i\b ha\bdhole
or disk atta\fhed to lid
400
(100 m) Max
400
(100 m) Max
Path marki\bg appli\fatio\bs pla\fe markers adja\fe\bt to
above grou\bd la\bdmarks su\fh as telepho\be poles
- must mai\btai\b li\be-of-sight betwee\b poi\bts -
Various Recommended Marker Locations 
						

							4 78-9000-0281-3-A
cover with 6 in. 
(150 mm) o\f rm 
soil \be\fore \backll
tie-downta\bs
ID num\ber tag
Inset
minimum 4 in.
(100 mm) separation\)
\from metallic sur\face\)*
ca\ble
tie
See inset
1421-XR/iD  4 \feet (1.2 m) 
  (using CE-approved 
  3M marker locator)
  5 \feet (1.5 m) 
  (using U.S. 3Mmarke\)r 
  locator)
1401-XR  5 \feet (1.5 m) 
3.0 
Recommended Ball Marker 
Spacing and Depth
Note:    See Section 4 for recommended depths of other 
marker form factors.)
3.1  Recommended Depth for Ball Markers
Maximum distance from ground surface to ball marker:
3M\f Ball Marker model Read/\betection Range
1421-XR/iD   
(iD version marker) 5 feet (1.5 m) 
 
(using U.S. 3M marker locator) 
4 feet (1.2 m)   
(using CE-approved 3M marker locator)
1401-XR 
(Non-iD (passive) version 
marker) 5 feet (1.5 m) 
• To increase the detection area at ground level, it is 
recommended to place the marker at half of its rated 
depth. This will produce a detection area of approximately 
6 feet (2 meters) in diameter.
• If fill to finish grade is anticipated, place marker at a  2 foot (0.5 m) depth. This may vary depending on the 
amount of fill required.
• If a cut to finish grade is anticipated, place marker at its  maximum rated distance.
• If it is anticipated that there will be a need to rewrite an iD  marker’s information after it has been buried, place marker 
at a maximum depth of 1 foot (0.3 m).
3.2  Recommended Spacing to \btility
Place ball marker at least 4 inches (104 mm) from the facility.
3.3 Spacing Between Ball Markers
• The minimum distance between markers should be at least 
3.5 feet (1.06 m) for clear identification
• In straight sections for path marking applications, it is  recommended to place markers adjacent to existing above 
ground landmarks such as telephone or power poles 
to simplify future locating. Markers should be placed 
where there is direct line of sight to the next marker. 
Recommended 200 feet (61 m) maximum distance 
between markers with a preferred distance of 100 feet 
(31  m) between markers.
• In bends or lateral pipe deflections, it is recommended to  place one marker for every 1 foot (300 mm) deflection 
(arc) to accurately indicate cable position.
3.4  Standard Ball Marker Tie Down Procedure
1. Before placing the ball marker over the key point, decide 
if a tie down procedure is necessary to keep it in place. 
If so, secure the marker by inserting a cable tie through 
one or both tie-down tabs on the marker and attach to the 
key point.
2.  If the key point is metallic, it is recommended that the 
ball marker be separated from it with a minimum of 4 
inches (120  mm) of clean fill dirt.
3.  If the key point is non-metallic, place the marker over 
the desired location. 
4.  Hand fill at least 6 inches (150 mm) of soil over the 
marker to prevent movement, or damage, during backfill.
5.  Backfill the hole. 
						

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78-9000-0281-3-A
3.5  Alternate Ball Marker Tie Down Procedure 
for Deeper \facilities
1. Tie the ball marker to a section of steel rebar using a 
cable tie. 
Rebar
Attach ball marker\C
using cable tie
C\fmmunicati\fns Line
Bedding
\b0 in (254 mm) n\fminal
3.6  Additional Placement Recommendations for 
3M
™ Ball Marker 1421-XR/iD
Additional applications are possible with the XR/iD series 
of ball markers due to their ability to store specific facility 
information. Facility information that may be of value to 
write into the iD ball marker includes:
• Facility owner
• Utility type
• Description of facility point
• Item of plant identification number (IPID)
• Depth (to facility, or from marker to facility)
• Size of cable
 
- Fiber count (if fiber)
 
- Number of pairs (if copper)
• Type of material of cable  
- Copper
 
- PIC or Pulp
 
- Fiber
 
- Brand of manufacture or type
• Address: service drop
• Direction
• Distance or length
• Date of installation or repair
• Other description information that is of value
4.0  \form \factors
3M offers a complete line of electronic markers that 
provide solutions supporting a variety of communications 
applications.
4.1  3M™ Ball Marker 1401-XR
The unique self-leveling 
design of the 3M ball marker 
horizontally orients the 
marker coil inside the ball 
regardless of how it is placed 
in the ground. The marker 
shell is made from high-
strength plastic, which 
protects the device from 
mechanical and weather 
damage. The marker contains an antenna molded inside a 
moisture-resistant plastic disk, which is free-floating on the 
surface of a non-freezing liquid. (The liquid is a mixture of 
propylene glycol and water which is approved for use in 
pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and as a food additive. The 
mixture is readily biodegradable and will not harm humans, 
wildlife or the environment in this application.) 3M
™  Ball 
Markers 1401-XR are used to mark points of special interest 
that may need to be accessed in the future. For 
communications applications marking non-metallic fiber 
optic lines, the 1401-XR ball marker is additionally used for 
path marking due to reliability and maintenance issues with 
tracer wires or tapes.
3M\f Ball Markers 1401-XR and 1407-XR
Shell diameter 4 inches (104 mm)
Maximum installation/
detection depth 5 feet (1.5 m)
Minimum horizontal and 
vertical distance from the 
facility \feing marked 4 inches (104 mm) 
 
from the \fall center
Minimum distance \fetween 
markers 3.5 feet (1.06 m) 
						

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4.2 3M™ Ball Marker 1421-XR/iD and 1427-XR/
iD (iD Markers)
This marker is similar to the 
1401-XR ball marker in size 
and form. Additionally, the 
1421-XR/iD ball marker 
contains an RFID microchip, 
which allows introduction and 
storage of facility data. Each 
marker comes pre-programmed 
with a unique 10-digit 
identification number. This pre-
programmed number is also attached to the marker on a 
removable bar-coded tag, which can be peeled off before 
installation and attached to facility maps. (Refer to section 
3.6 for a listing of applications.) In general terms, 1421-XR/
iD ball markers are ideal for marking underground facilities 
in urban areas with a high density of underground networks, 
in rural areas where there are few physical landmarks that 
can be referenced on maps, and for marking facilities that 
cannot be located using traditional electromagnetic cable 
locating devices. Additionally, 1421-XR/iD ball markers are 
ideal for marking high-value facilities, lifeline facilities, or 
other points of special interest where service outages would 
have a significant impact and cost or hardship.
3M\f Ball Markers 1421-XR/i\b and 1427-XR/i\b
Shell diameter 4 inches (104 mm)
Maximum installation/
detection depth 5 feet (1.5 m) 
 
(using U.S. 3M marker locator) 
4 feet (1.2 m)   
(using CE-approved 3M marker locator)
Minimum horizontal and 
vertical distance from the 
facility 4 inches (104 mm) from the \fall center
Minimum distance \fetween 
markers 3.5 feet (1.06 m)
Spacing of ball markers to the buried facility:
4 in (104 mm)
4.3 
3M™ Disk Markers (Do Not Direct Bury) 
1411-XR and 1411-XR/iD
3M™ Disk Markers 1411-XR 
(non-iD (passive) version 
marker) and 1411-XR/iD (iD 
version marker) are used in 
hand hole applications where 
they are attached mechanically 
to the top cover of the hand 
hole. 1411-XR disk markers 
are identical in performance to 
the 1401-XR ball markers. (See 
note.) 1411-XR/iD disk markers contain an RFID microchip 
and are identical in performance to the 1421-XR/iD ball 
markers.
Note: 3M disk markers are not intended for direct bury 
applications or applications where they would be attached 
to solid metal manhole covers.
3M\f \bisk Markers 1411-XR, 1411-XR/i\b and 1417-XR
Shell diameter 4 inches (104 mm)
Shell height 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Maximum installation/detection depth
(1411-XR, non-iD version) 5 feet (1.5 m)
Maximum installation/detection depth
(1411-XR/iD, iD version) 5 feet (1.5 m) 
 
(using U.S. 3M marker 
locator) 
4 feet (1.2 m)   
(using CE-approved 3M 
marker locator)
Minimum distance \fetween markers 3.5 feet (1.06 m)
Attach disk marker\v
mechanically to 
top cover in handho\vle 
						

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78-9000-0281-3-A
4.4  3M™ Near Surface Markers 1432 and 
1432-XR/iD
3M™ Near Surface Markers 1432 
Non-iD (passive) version 
marker and 1432-XR/iD (iD 
version marker) are 
recommended for urban 
applications. Near-surface 
markers allow for convenient marking of facilities under 
asphalt or concrete or for marking facilities after 
construction has completed. The marker is installed 
vertically at a shallow depth in a hole drilled or gouged in 
soil or in street pavement. Near-surface markers are also 
ideal for path of facilities installed using trenchless (HDD) 
technology and for marking existing facilities. In recent 
years, near-surface markers have become increasingly 
popular for marking existing or legacy facilities due to their 
ease of installation.
3M\f Near Surface Markers 1432 , 1432 -XR/i\b and 1437-XR/i\b
Case diameter 0.8 inches (20 mm) 
Case length 3 inches (76 mm)
Maximum installation/detection depth 
(1432, non-iD version) 2 feet (610 mm)
Maximum installation/detection depth 
(1432-XR/iD, iD version) 3 feet (915 mm) 
 
(using U.S. 3M marker 
locator) 
2 feet (610 mm)   
(using CE-approved 3M 
marker locator)
Minimum vertical distance from facility 12 inches (300 mm)
Minimum horizontal distance from facility 2 inches (50 mm)
Minimum distance \fetween markers 3.5 feet (1.06 m)
Spacing of near-surface markers to the buried facility:
Minimum 12 (30 cm\a) 
vertica\f separation
\brom meta\f\fic objects\a* Minimum 2 (5 cm)
horizonta\f separation
4.5  3M™ Mid-Range Marker 1255
Note: Mid-Range Markers are only available as Non-iD 
(passive) markers.
3M
™ Mid-Range Marker 1255
is used in areas with low-
density underground facilities 
as point markers for items of 
special interest such as splices, 
repair points, slack loops, 
service stubs and as guides for 
marking linear segments of the 
paths of long cables that are 
deeper than can be accommodated with ball markers. The 
1255 mid-range marker is often used in larger ‘point’ 
excavations but not typically used in narrow trench 
applications due to its larger diameter.
3M\f Mid-Range Marker 1255
Case diameter 8.4 inches (210 mm)
Case height 1.2 inches (30 mm) 
Maximum installation/detection depth 6 feet (1.8 m)
Minimum vertical distance from facility 4 inches (104 mm)
Minimum horizontal distance from facility 4 inches (104 mm)
Minimum distance \fetween markers 3.5 feet (1.06 m)
Minimum 4 (104 mm\l) 
vertical \feparation* Minimum 4 (104 mm\l)
\borizontal \feparation*   
						

							8 78-9000-0281-3-A
4.6 3M™ \full-Range Markers 1250 and 
1250-XR/iD
The full-range marker is designed
 for marking deep underground 
facilities. Its large diameter is 
also valued by facility owners 
as a ‘dig shield’ that can help 
protect the facility from 
damage by being cut or 
damaged by a shovel during 
excavation. When placed above 
the facility, the full-range 
marker serves as a cover which warns of encroachment to 
the underground facility.
3M\f Full-Range Markers 1250 and 1250 -XR/i\b
Case diameter 15 inches (380 mm)
3M Marker
Case height 0.7 inches (17 mm) 
Maximum installation/detection depth 8 feet (2.4 m)
(using U.S. 3M Marker 
locator)
6.5 feet ( 2.0 m) (using 
CE-approved 3M Marker 
locator)
Minimum vertical distance from facility 6 inches (152 mm)
Minimum horizontal distance from facility 6 inches (152 mm)
Minimum distance \fetween markers 3.5 feet (1.06 m)
Spacing of full-range markers to the buried facility:
Maintain a minimum\e of
6 (152 mm) ve\ftica\el se\ba\fation*
(and 6 (152 mm) h\eo\fizontal se\ba\fation  if next to a bu\fied \efacility)
5.0 3M™ Dynatel™ Electronic 
Marker Locators 
3M™ Dynatel™ Electronic Marker Locators are 
recommended for locating 3M™ Electronic Markers. 
3M offers stand-alone electronic marker locators: 3M™ 
Dynatel™ 1420-iD (US) and 1420E-iD (CE approved for 
export). Additionally 3M offers integrated cable locators 
with electonic marker locating capabilities: the 3M
™ 
Dynatel™ 2200M-iD series and 2500-iD series. These 
locators provide a single integrated platform for what has 
previously been two separate test sets. This can reduce 
the initial capital expenditure, the number of pieces of 
equipment that need to be maintained, space requirements 
in the vehicle, and number of test sets that must be carried  by a technician into the field to perform a locate. The 2500-
iD series and 2200M-iD series locators can communicate 
with selected GPS devices which can help enhance 
efficiencies in documenting as-built facilities and reduce the 
need for inspection. 
3M Dynatel offers the following electronic marker and 
multipurpose locators:
3M™ Dynatel™ Marker 
Locator 1420-iD and 
1420E-iD
3M™ Dynatel™ Ca\fle/
Pipe and Marker 
Locator 2250M-iD
3M™ Dynatel™ Ca\fle/
Pipe/Fault and Marker 
Locator 2273M-iD
3M™ Dynatel™ Ca\fle/
Pipe and Marker 
Locator 2550-iD
3M™ Dynatel™ Ca\fle/
Pipe/Fault and Marker 
Locator 2573-iD
Additional information about 3M™ Dynatel™ cable and 
electronic marker locating products for communications 
applications is available at  www.3M.com/dynatel or from 
your local 3M sales professional. 
						

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78-9000-0281-3-A
6.0  3M™ Dynatel™ Electronic Marker Information 
6.1  3M™ Electronic Marker Part Numbers & Descriptions
Utility Marker ColorNon-i\b (Passive) Marker Part # Id Marker Part #
Ball Markers
Telephone Orange 1401-XR1421-XR/iD
CATV/Comm. Black/Orange 1407-XR1427-XR/iD
\bisk Markers (\bo Not \birect Bury) Telephone Orange 1411-XR1411-XR/iD
CATV/Comm. Orange 1417-XR—
Near-Surface Markers Telephone Orange 14321432-XR/iD
CATV/Comm. Black/Orange —1437-XR/iD
Mid-Range Markers Telephone Black w/Orange Printing 1255—
CATV/Comm. — ——
Full-Range Markers Telephone Orange 12501250-XR-iD
CATV/Comm. Black/Orange ——
6.2 3M™ Electronic Marker Write & Read/Detection Ranges
U.S. Model Marker Locators
3M i\b Markers Maximum Writing RangeMaximum Reading/\betection Range
Near-Surface iD Markers 6 inches (15 cm)3 feet (0.9 m)
Ball iD Markers 12 inches (30 cm)5 feet (1.5 m)
Disk iD Markers (Do Not Direct Bury) 12 inches (30 cm)5 feet (1.5 m)
Full-Range iD Markers 24 inches (61 cm)8 feet (2.4 m)
3M Non-i\b (Passive) Markers
Near-Surface Non-iD Markers —2 feet (0.6 m)
Ball Non-iD Markers —5 feet (1.5 m)
Disk Non-iD Markers (Do Not Direct Bury) —5 feet (1.5 m)
Mid-Range Non-iD Markers —6 feet (1.8 m)
Full-Range Non-iD Markers —8 feet (2.4 m) 
						

							CE Approved (Export) Model Marker Locators
3M i\b MarkersMaximum Writing RangeMaximum Reading/\betection Range
Near-Surface iD Markers 15 cm (6 inches)61 cm (24 inches)
Ball iD Markers 30 cm (12 inches)1.2 m (48 inches)
Disk iD Markers (Do Not Direct Bury) 30 cm (12 inches)1.2 m (48 inches)
Full-Range iD Markers 61 cm (24 inches)2.0 m (78 inches)
3M Non-i\b (Passive) Markers
Near-Surface   
Non-iD Markers —
0.6 m (2 feet)
Ball Non-iD Markers —1.5 m (5 feet)
Disk Non-iD Markers (Do Not Direct Bury) —1.5 m (5 feet)
Mid-Range   
Non-iD Markers —
1.8 m (6 feet)
Full-Range   
Non-iD Markers —
2.4 m (8 feet)
6.3 3M™ Electronic Marker Environmental Specifications
Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)
Storage Temperature -40°F to 158°F (-40°C to 70°C)
*    Target size and material dependent. Depth estimation may \fe adversely affected when placing the marker a\fove a large metallic o\fject, such as a 
manhole cover. To improve depth estimation accuracy, increase the vertical separation from the metallic o\fject to at least 12 inches (30 cm) or perform 
a field test for accuracy.
3
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© 3M 2010. All Rights Reserved.
78-9000-0281-3-A
3M and Dynatel are trademarks of 3M Company\f