Part 1: Introducing ArcAngel
ArcAngel has the strength and theft-resistance of CCS, plus the electrical performance and flexibility of copper. It does a better job and lasts longer!
Part 2: Test Methodology
Good engineering is about first principles and following the scientific process. Repeatability depends on publication of our short circuit test method.
Part 3: Unpublished Data
A collection of dusty binders at the Copperweld CCS factory in Tennessee contains technical details that reject the Sverak Formula in IEEE Std 80.
Part 4: Range of Performance
One way to verify the fusing limit of a grounding conductor is to test 10% below the limit, just under the bottom of the fusing range, without fusing.
Part 5: Baselining with Copper
A major advantage of Copperweld CCS in grounding applications is that it does not explode like copper when it reaches its fusing limit.
Part 6: Adding More Strands
When we make our Copperweld CCS grounding conductors just right, they are 2x stronger AND more flexible than copper conductors.
Part 7: Setting Up the Targets
To improve CCS, Copperweld took aim at a new set of targets for short circuit performance, flexibility, strength, and permanent camouflage.
Part 8: Junkyard Dog
Developing ArcAngel with rapid prototyping allowed Copperweld to verify the needed Kf adjustment for CCS performance and advanced the design.
Part 9: Adding Color
ArcAngel’s permanent camouflage indicates end-of-service life by changing colors when it carries a max load. Until then, it just blends away!
Part 10: The Cost of Upsizing
ArcAngel’s performance provides a 2x electrical (short circuit) and 2x mechanical ((break load) factor of safety to your design for FREE!
Part 11: The Sandbox Test
ArcAngel’s performance underground is even better than in air. Copperweld developed the 1st below-ground performance test to prove it!
Buried 50+ Years
Copperweld is often used in substation 'ground grids'. This interview with R-Delta proves 50+ year subgrade performance in Texas without corrosion.
The Cost of Theft
Copper is at a ten-year high right now (2021). When it gets stolen, the cost to an electric utility is about 100x the recycle value that the thief pockets!
Hide™ Grounding Jacket
Our customers like the resiliency of Copperweld CCS in grounding applications, especially when we ‘hide’ it in plain sight from copper thieves.
17% More Resilient
Copperweld gives a 17% resiliency improvement over copper in grounding applications! Why? Four reasons: theft, loosening, corrosion, and breaks.
Engineered Conductors
For critical applications, engineers work with Copperweld to select the right steel core: mild, high strength, or extra high strength steel!
Theft Deterrence Test
Thieves have noticed the rising price of copper, too. Prevent $60 million in losses! Copperweld solves the risk of grounding wire theft.
Break Load Test
Copperweld brand wire is 40% stronger than copper, or more! Higher strength means it's more reliable and can harden your grid against threats.
B910 Torsion Test
ASTM B910 is the construction standard for CCS. This weld-quality check is performed on every batch of genuine Copperweld CCS.
Continuous Current Test
Trickle current can be important in overloaded grounding circuits that act as 'neutrals'. So, we verified our continuous current ratings.
Short Circuit Lab Test
By simulating short circuit fault currents at the world's best high power test labs, our engineering team has discovered the true limit of Copperweld grounding solutions. The results were surprising.
TSDOS Fuse Limit Presentation
Did you know that the fuse rating for Copper (Cu) is significantly less than the IEEE values that engineers expect and use in their calculations?
Sub-grade Transmission Tower Grounding Installation
Customer: Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE)
Location: Rural Costa Rica
Cable: Copperweld® Century 7 No. 5
Veteran's Day 2021
Copperweld is a proud employer of our nation’s veterans. To those who are wired to protect, to our nation’s veterans: we salute you!
17% More Reliable Grounding Solution Video Series
by Jeff Jordan
In this video series, Copperweld’s Jeff Jordan explores trends, technologies, and challenges to conventional thinking in the field of high voltage grounding conductor selection.
17% More Reliable Grounding Solution
by Jeff Jordan
This article introduces a method for quantifying the reliability of grounding conductors for the design of substations and other high voltage electrical applications.
Short Circuit Performance Considerations for CCS
by Jeff Jordan
This paper presents empirical evidence spanning several decades that questions the conventional short circuit performance calculations used to select copper-clad steel (CCS) conductors.
