Copper Clad Steel (CCS) conductors combine the high conductivity of copper with the high tensile strength and durability of steel, offering a reliable solution for grounding, overhead support, and anti-theft applications. Manufactured to meet multiple ASTM standards, CCS wire is engineered for performance in harsh electrical and environmental conditions.
Applications
CCS wire and strand are widely used in:
Buried Ground Grid Systems
Overhead Ground Wire (Shield Wire)
Messenger Wire
Lightning Protection
Guy Wire and Structural Reinforcement
Antenna Wire and Transmission Lines
Its unique composition allows CCS conductors to withstand mechanical stress and electrical fault conditions, making them ideal for critical infrastructure.
Key Features
Dual-Metal Performance
The steel core provides excellent mechanical strength, while the outer copper layer offers stable conductivity and corrosion resistance.Theft Deterrent
With minimal scrap value and high cutting resistance, CCS wire helps reduce the risk of cable theft in vulnerable installations.Fault Current Performance
Capable of withstanding high short-circuit currents without significant degradation.Corrosion Resistance
The copper cladding protects the steel core from oxidation, ensuring long service life in harsh or underground environments.
Construction
Copper Clad Steel conductors are manufactured by bonding a continuous layer of high-purity copper onto a high-strength steel core using a metallurgical process. This ensures:
Excellent adhesion between copper and steel
Uniform conductivity along the surface
Flexibility and durability across temperature variations
Available in solid or concentric-lay-stranded constructions, depending on application requirements.
Applicable Standards
ASTM B227 – Hard-Drawn Copperclad Steel Wire
ASTM B228 – Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copperclad Steel Conductors
ASTM B910 – Annealed Copperclad Steel Wire
ASTM B193 – Resistivity Testing for Electrical Conductors
ASTM B258 – AWG Size and Cross-Sectional Area Specifications
Benefits at a Glance
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Copper-Clad Design | Combines conductivity and tensile strength |
| ASTM-Compliant | Ensures international quality and dimensional standards |
| Anti-Theft Properties | Low scrap value and cutting difficulty deter vandalism |
| Long Service Life | Resistant to corrosion and harsh environments |
| Versatile Construction | Available in solid or stranded designs for varied use |