Direct Connection

Applying a locating signal by physically clipping the transmitter to the target line at a meter, valve, riser, pedestal, or panel. It is the cleanest way to energize a line because the signal goes where the operator put it.

Direct connection gives the strongest, most selective trace available and is the first choice whenever an access point exists. It is never made directly to live gas piping — there the tracer wire is clamped instead, or a signal is induced. A good ground return matters as much as the connection itself: a poor earth stake weakens the signal and pushes current onto whatever else is bonded nearby, which is a common way bleedover gets introduced.