Leica Trace Rod 50 — Flexible Rod for Non-Metallic Pipe & Drain Location - Leica 850278

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At a Glance

Total Length: 20 feet
Collapsed Height: 57.75 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Material: Fiberglass
Sections: 5 collapsible sections
Graduations: Feet, Inches, and Eighths

Leica Geosystems850278SKU LGS-850278New

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Leica Trace Rod 50 — Flexible Rod for Non-Metallic Pipe & Drain Location - Leica

Name: Leica Trace Rod 50 — Flexible Rod for Non-Metallic Pipe & Drain Location - Leica 850278
Brand: Leica Geosystems
SKU: LGS-850278
Price: 1300.00 USD
Availability: InStock

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Quick Answer

What is the Leica Geosystems 850278?

The Leica Trace Rod 50 — Flexible Rod for Non-Metallic Pipe & Drain Location - Leica is a Leica Geosystems professional jobsite instrument. It's available from Express Tools as an authorized Leica Geosystems dealer with same-day shipping on in-stock orders.

FIELD APPLICATIONS

What contractors use this accessories for

Construction Layout

Precise positioning for structural and civil work

As-Built Documentation

Field-verified position records for project closeout

Grade Verification

Confirm elevations against design before pouring or paving

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Product Description

The Leica Trace Rod 50 is a professional-grade flexible fibreglass rod engineered for tracing non-conductive underground utilities — including PVC pipes, drainage ducts, plastic conduit, and telecom channels — that cannot be located with traditional electromagnetic induction techniques. When direct connection or inductive clamping won't work because the target pipe is non-metallic, the Trace Rod delivers a reliable signal path underground. It connects to the Leica DA175 Signal Transmitter and works seamlessly with DD-series locators to pinpoint pipe routes and blockage locations from the surface.

Key Features

Dual-Mode Operation

Switch between Line mode (trace the full route of the duct) and Sonde mode (locate a specific blockage or end-point). One rod, two essential capabilities.

50m (165ft) Length

Reaches deep into drainage systems, telecoms ducts, and long pipe runs. Flexible fibreglass construction pushes smoothly through bends and curves.

Works on Non-Metallic Pipes

Traces PVC, clay, concrete, and other non-conductive pipes that cannot carry an inductive signal — the rod physically carries the electromagnetic signal through the duct.

Fits Pipes Up to 100mm (4")

The 4.5mm rod diameter and 8mm built-in sonde diameter fit comfortably through standard 4" and smaller drain and duct work.

Rugged Fibreglass Build

Flexible and kink-resistant for repeated use in wet, dirty job site conditions. Designed for professional utility contractors and drainage teams.

Authorized Leica Accessory

Genuine OEM accessory — ensures compatibility with DA175 transmitter and DD120/DD130 locators. Article 850278.

How It Works

Locating non-metallic utilities requires a different approach than traditional EM locating. The Trace Rod solves this by physically carrying the signal through the pipe:

Connect the Trace Rod to the DA175 Signal Transmitter output.
Feed the rod into the drain, duct, or pipe access point.
Transmit — the rod radiates an electromagnetic signal along its length (Line mode) or concentrates signal at the built-in sonde tip (Sonde mode).
Locate — walk the surface with a DD120 or DD130 locator to track the signal path, map the pipe route, and measure depth.
Mark the pipe route on the surface for safe excavation or repair planning.

Related Items

Leica Detect DD120

Art. 872939

Entry-level electromagnetic utility locator for detecting buried cables and pipes.

View Product →

Leica Detect DD130

Art. 872941

Advanced DD locator with 4 detection modes and current measurement.

View Product →

Transmitter Clamp 100mm

Art. 850280

4-inch clamp applies a traceable signal to buried conductive utilities.

View Product →

Midi Sonde 8/33kHz

Art. 850289

Dual frequency sonde for tracing non-metallic drains and sewers.

View Product →

DA175 Signal Transmitter

Art. 949370

Active signal transmitter for depth estimation and cable tracing with the DD series locator.

1-877-866-5721

Manuals & Downloads

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Why This Equipment

Authorized Dealer

Genuine, factory-fresh inventory with legitimate firmware and calibration documentation.

Same-Day Shipping

In-stock orders placed before 2PM ship same day from our Texas warehouse.

Expert Support

Call or chat with a contractor equipment specialist before and after your purchase.

Free Shipping

Free ground shipping on orders $99+ to the continental US.

Why Buy This?

Professional-grade equipment, authorized dealer pricing.

The tools contractors trust on municipal infrastructure, commercial projects, and high-tolerance earthwork aren't available at hardware stores — and they shouldn't be. This equipment is engineered for professionals, and buying it through an authorized dealer means you get full manufacturer support when it matters.

Express Tools carries only factory-fresh inventory from brands contractors specify by name. No gray-market product, no import-spec units, just authentic gear with legitimate firmware and calibration documentation.

Same-day shipping on in-stock items, expert support before and after the sale, and a 30-day return window on most products. If you have questions about specs, compatibility, or applications, call us — we know this equipment.

TECHNICAL SPECS

Specifications

Technical Specs

Manufacturer data and field-verified measurements.

Total Length	20 feet
Collapsed Height	57.75 inches
Weight	7 pounds
Material	Fiberglass
Sections	5 collapsible sections
Graduations	Feet, Inches, and Eighths
Key Feature 1	20-foot measuring reach
Key Feature 2	Fiberglass construction resists warping and weathering
Key Feature 3	5 collapsible sections for compact transport
Key Feature 4	Fractional inch graduations for detailed accuracy
Key Feature 5	Ergonomic rounded back corners for comfortable grip
Key Feature 6	Durable material outlasts wooden alternatives
Use Cases	Elevation measurement in construction; Survey point establishment; Grade verification; Building height documentation; Slope and drainage surveying
Setup Steps	Extend all five sections from collapsed position \| Lock each section securely in place \| Position rod vertically on measurement point \| Read measurement at sight line
Pro Tips	Store sections extended to prevent lock mechanism stress \| Use telescoping slowly to ensure secure locking \| Keep rod vertical for accurate readings \| Clean graduation marks regularly for visibility
Compatible Equipment	Laser levels; Transit levels; Grade checkers; Survey instruments
Common Issues	Section locking mechanism wear \| Graduation marking fading in sunlight \| Difficulty reading measurements at distance

Built for Leica Geosystems equipment owners

Run the jobsite around your equipment

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