'Tis the Season for Loop Installation!
The best time to work on inductance vehicle detection (IVD) loops is late spring, summer, or early fall, when the weather is warm and dry.
Do not install loops if rain or heavy moisture is expected before or during installation. Installing in wet grooves can compromise the sealant and lead to "phantom detections" caused by trapped air bubbles or wire movement.
Things to consider before installing:
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Is this a saw-cut (into existing asphalt/concrete) or a direct burial (under fresh pour) installation?
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What type of gate operator are you connecting the loops to?
Quick Tips to Prevent Callbacks:
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Use high-quality stranded copper wire with XLPE insulation — not THHN/TFFN, which isn't rated for loops and invites moisture intrusion.
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Looking for an easier option? Both BD Loops and Reno A&E offer preformed loops that eliminate the guesswork of determining the correct number of turns based on loop size. Preformed loops arrive factory-built with the proper winding, helping ensure consistent inductance, reducing installation errors, and saving valuable time in the field.
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Clean the groove thoroughly with compressed air before sealing; dust and debris prevent proper sealant adhesion.
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Use a 30 oz applicator gun (not a standard 10 oz caulk gun) and let sealant flow around the wire to release trapped air before the final layer.
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Finish sealant about 1/8" below grade to protect it from being pulled out by vehicle tires.
Need help selecting the right loop?
Whether you need field-wrap wire, preformed loops from BD Loops or Reno A&E, sealant, loop detectors, or layout assistance, our team is here to help.
Contact our tech support line for more information: 866-RS-TECH1
— Jake Warren (jakew@rs-automation.com)
