CCS 40% for Bonding and Grounding

The Copperweld GEC Advantage

Copperweld Grounding Electrode Conductors (GEC) are made with a copper-steel bimetal called 40% copper-clad steel wire (CCS 40%). Nominally 40% of the wire’s mass is copper, which comprises 36% of the cross-sectional area. All of the copper in CCS 40% is located at the surface and periphery of the wire, which is designed to carry the great majority of the fault current during short circuit conditions. Because of its annealed steel core, a Copperweld GEC is both flexible and strong. In addition to discouraging theft by offering a fraction of the scrap value of a copper GEC, it also is very difficult to cut with tools typically used by thieves.

Product Overview

Cu-Clad Steel (CCS) 40% Conductor — The wire shall be composed of a steel core with a substantially uniform and continuous copper cladding thoroughly bonded to it throughout. The finished copper-clad steel wire shall conform to the requirements prescribed in specifications ASTM B 227 and B 910.

Application Standards – ASTM B 910, ASTM B227, NFPA 70

Conductors – Copperweld Bonding and Grounding Electrode Conductors are fully annealed for flexibility, can be either solid or stranded, and meet all scope and general requirements of 40% copper-clad steel wire of ASTM B 910, Standard Specification for Annealed Copper-Clad Steel Wire. CCS 40% wire may be insulated, covered or bare.

NFPA References for Bonding and GEC Applications of Copper-Clad Steel – Section 810.21(A) Material for GEC, Section 770.100(A)(2) Material for Bonding and GEC, Section 250.28(A) Material for Bonding, Section 250.62 Grounding Electrode Conductor Material, Section 250.68(C) Grounding Electrode Conductor Connections. For bonding and grounding applications, CCS 40% is considered to be “other corrosion-resistant material” appropriate for GEC applications, albeit still mentioned by name in sections of NFPA 70 for use as a GEC. Section 90.4 Enforcement permits “alternative methods (of bonding and grounding) where it is assured that equivalent objectives can be achieved by establishing and maintaining effective safety.” In jurisdictions of high theft, CCS 40%, due to its high shear strength, is often called for by AHJs, builders and contractors to help reduce the risk of shock and electrocution to the public.

Theft Deterrent

Metallugically bonded conductor results in lower scrap value, reducing theft.

Energy Efficient

Better energy efficiency when installed per NEC ratings.

Cost Stable

Reduced exposure to commodity fluctuation, improving your bottom line.

Identification

Identification of CCS 40% — Copperweld CCS 40% can be terminated within 18” of the ground. It can also be buried. It can be connected to terminals and lugs identified for use with copper. Torquing requirements are equivalent as those for copper conductors as indicated by terminal and equipment manufacturers. Do not over torque or under torque. Make sure the termination is secure without excessive deformation of the wire.