Traceable & Non-Traceable Rodders

Superior Traceable & Non-Traceable Rodders: Essential Tools for Professionals

Eastcom Associates, a leading dealer and distributor, is dedicated to providing top-tier traceable and non-traceable rodders, essential tools for professionals in the utility and construction industries. Our selection, available through our dealership and distribution network, is designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients, offering both precision and durability for efficient cable and pipe routing and location. As a trusted company, we ensure that our equipment is of the highest quality, available for sale at competitive pricing. Our professional-grade rodders are engineered for ease of use and reliability, making them the perfect choice for specialists seeking to enhance their operational capabilities. Explore our range and discover how Eastcom's solutions can support your projects with unmatched accuracy and performance.

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Jameson Live Tracer Directional Entry Tool

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$
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Traceable & Non-Traceable Rodders
Jameson

Duct Hunter Traceable Rodders

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$
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Plastic Pipe Locators
Traceable & Non-Traceable Rodders
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Mini Duct Hunter Traceable Rodder

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600
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Plastic Pipe Locators
Traceable & Non-Traceable Rodders
Jameson

Gas Line Tracer Kit

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758
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Plastic Pipe Locators
Traceable & Non-Traceable Rodders
Jameson

Water Line Tracer Kit

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$
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Plastic Pipe Locators
Traceable & Non-Traceable Rodders
Jameson
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Traceable & Non-Traceable Duct Rodders: Technical Guide

Traceable and Non-Traceable Duct Rodders are essential tools for installing, locating, and maintaining underground ducts, conduits, and utility pathways. Built for durability and precision, these systems are used by telecommunications, power utilities, and construction professionals for cable pulling, line tracing, and conduit maintenance.

Whether used to push a pull line through conduit or to trace the exact path of underground ducts, Eastcom’s rodders deliver high performance and dependability across demanding field environments.

How Duct Rodders Work

Duct rodders are flexible fiberglass rods wound on a reel and designed to push through conduit systems. They can be used alone (non-traceable) or integrated with a copper tracer wire (traceable) for detection with standard signal transmitters and receivers.

  • Rod Core: Constructed from high-strength fiberglass for flexibility and push strength.

  • Protective Coating: Polyethylene or nylon sheath reduces friction and protects against moisture, abrasion, and UV.

  • Frame Design: Rugged steel or aluminum frame with a guide system for smooth payout and rewind.

  • Connector Options: Rod ends can be fitted with pulling eyes, swivel joints, or threaded connectors for accessory compatibility.

Traceable vs. Non-Traceable Rodders

Type Description Primary Use
Traceable Rodders Feature an integrated copper wire core for use with signal transmitters and cable locators. Enables locating and mapping of non-conductive ducts. Utility locating, telecom path verification
Non-Traceable Rodders Fiberglass-only rods used for cable pulling, cleaning, or conduit inspection when locating is not required. Cable installation, conduit cleaning, line pulling

Core Applications

1. Utility Locating

Traceable rodders allow users to energize the copper wire with a signal transmitter, making the entire duct locatable using a standard receiver. This helps accurately map non-metallic conduits such as PVC or HDPE.

2. Cable Pulling

Both traceable and non-traceable rods can push pull lines or cables through conduits up to several hundred feet. Threaded accessories enable easy attachment of pulling eyes and grips.

3. Conduit Maintenance

Ideal for cleaning blocked ducts or verifying conduit integrity prior to cable installation. Non-traceable rods are commonly used to push sponge carriers or brushes through conduit runs.

4. Path Verification

Traceable rodders provide a direct method to confirm duct routing prior to excavation or new utility placement — minimizing accidental cross-bore risks.

Technical Features

Feature Technical Value
Rod Diameters 4 mm to 14 mm (varies by model)
Rod Lengths 50 ft to 1000 ft
Material Fiberglass core with polyethylene or nylon coating
Trace Wire (for Traceable Models) Copper or copper-clad steel, single or double conductor
Frame Type Steel or aluminum, powder-coated for corrosion resistance
End Fittings M12 threaded fittings for pulling eyes, swivels, and accessories
Temperature Range –40°F to +185°F (–40°C to +85°C)
Bend Radius Typically 8–20× rod diameter
Detection Compatibility Works with most standard electromagnetic signal transmitters and receivers

Performance Considerations

When selecting a duct rodder, consider the following performance trade-offs:

  • Rod Diameter vs. Flexibility: Larger diameters increase stiffness for longer conduit runs but reduce bend radius.

  • Coating Material: Nylon coatings offer higher wear resistance, while polyethylene reduces friction for long-distance pushes.

  • Environmental Conditions: Choose UV-stabilized coatings for outdoor storage or long-term field exposure.

  • Traceability Needs: For mapping or locating non-conductive ducts, select traceable versions compatible with standard locating transmitters.

  • Accessory Compatibility: Verify end fittings and pulling eyes match your existing field hardware.

Common Configurations

Application Recommended Rod Type Diameter Typical Length
Short telecom drops Non-traceable 4–6 mm 100–300 ft
Utility duct locating Traceable 6–9 mm 200–500 ft
Long conduit runs Non-traceable 10–14 mm 500–1000 ft
Heavy-duty industrial Traceable 12–14 mm 500–1000 ft

Key Advantages

  • Durable Construction: High tensile strength fiberglass withstands repeated use and harsh jobsite conditions.

  • Accurate Tracing: Built-in copper wire enables pinpoint duct locating when paired with a transmitter.

  • Reduced Friction: Smooth coating ensures efficient conduit insertion with minimal drag.

  • Field-Serviceable: Replaceable end fittings and accessories reduce downtime and extend product life.

  • Portable Frames: Designed for stability, ease of transport, and ergonomic handling on site.

Accessory Options

Eastcom offers a full range of compatible accessories:

  • Pulling eyes and grips

  • Flexible leaders

  • Rod repair kits

  • Swivel connectors

  • Rod guides and brushes

  • Signal transmitters for traceable rodders

Choosing the Right Rodder

Selecting the correct duct rodder depends on conduit diameter, length, and whether traceability is required. Traceable rodders are ideal for projects that involve mapping or locating non-metallic ducts, while non-traceable rods provide economical performance for basic pulling and cleaning tasks.

Eastcom’s technical specialists can help you match the right model to your project’s physical and locating requirements.

Why Eastcom?

Eastcom Associates supplies traceable and non-traceable rodders from trusted industry manufacturers known for performance, reliability, and long service life. Our team provides product training, technical support, and field guidance to ensure you get the most from your rodding equipment.

Contact Eastcom today to find the right rodder for your utility or conduit application.

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