Rep Com International recently worked with Neptco to help a Utah broadband provider explore a tracer wire option better suited for their specific application.
The customer has used Neptco’s Trace Safe for several years and values the features it provides. But for some shorter runs, the conversation turned to two practical concerns: flexibility during installation and cost.
Those concerns gave RCI the opportunity to work with Neptco to introduce a better solution for their application.
Understanding the Application
The customer’s existing Neptco RT1800W Trace Safe product offered more tensile strength than these short run installations required. For this specific application, they were looking for a lighter product that they could blow into the duct that did not require the higher tensile strength used in their underground boring projects.
To address those needs, the customer started purchasing a lower-cost tracer wire for this application but had to give up the benefits that Trace Safe offered. RCI approached Neptco in search of an alternative that would allow the customer to retain key Trace Safe construction features while offering greater flexibility and more competitive pricing.
The goal was to match the product to the installation requirements and the customer’s budget.
Working With Neptco on Another Option
After discussing the application with Neptco, RCI’s local representative identified the customer as a good candidate to evaluate a new Trace Safe tracer wire option under development, the Neptco TST250.
The proposed product incorporates Muletape beneath the jacket, water-blocking yarns, and a 19-gauge tin-coated copper conductor. With a lower tensile strength of 250 pounds, it is intended to offer a more flexible and economical alternative for applications that do not require the strength of RT1800W.
Neptco produced a sample reel for the customer that is now under evaluation. Pending a successful trial, this new product would offer our customers the same durable design of Trace Safe in a lighter and more economical product.
Connecting Field Feedback with Manufacturer Expertise
For Rep Com, this collaboration highlights the value of staying close to customers and understanding the challenges their crews encounter.
A conversation about handling and cost gave RCI’s rep the information needed to engage Neptco and arrange a sample for evaluation. It also gave the customer an opportunity to explore another option within a product family they already knew and valued.
The field test is still ahead, but the work to support the customer is already underway: listening to the need, involving the manufacturer, and solving a problem to introduce a new solution into the field.
From Utah to customers across the country, RCI brings local relationships and manufacturer expertise together to help customers find the right fit for their networks.
Interested in learning more about Neptco’s Trace Safe solutions? Contact your RCI representative to discuss your application and available product options.