 |
|
|
| Copperweld: steel Dead Soft Annealed (DSA) |
|
Copperweld® wire and strand has been utilized and relied upon for years as a strong, non-rusting, efficient grounding conductor. Combining the strength of steel with the conductivity and corrosion resistance of copper, Copperweld wire and strand provides a long-lasting, low impedance path to the earth. It is also less susceptible to theft because it is a bimetallic product and does not have the high scrap value of solid copper. When annealed, Copperweld wire and strand exhibits the flexibility necessary for easy handling.
To eliminate the possibility of damage from lightning strikes or short-circuit conditions, an efficient, reliable grounding system is necessary to rapidly dissipate the surge current to ground. Whatever the grounding application may be, there is a Copperweld conductor available in the size, conductivity and strength that is required. |
| |
Applications:
Grounding Conductors for Primary Surge Arresters
Selecting Dead Soft Annealed (DSA) Copperweld wire as the grounding conductor for primary surge arresters permits a continuous length of conductor to be installed from the arrester to the buried grounding electrode. This is a practice which is not usually recommended with aluminum conductors. The steel core of the DSA Copperweld ground wire provides a rugged lead. It can withstand more mechanical abuse and is less susceptible to vibration-induced fatigue than solid copper or aluminum wire.
When DSA Copperweld wire is used in place of copper, the grounding conductor is far less likely to be stolen. This feature is important not only from an economic standpoint, but also from the standpoint of safety and reliability. Often, the fact that a copper downlead has been removed is not evident until a surge current causes a failure in the system.
Pole Ground Wire
DSA Copperweld wire is ideally suited as a downlead on transmission or distribution lines using wood, concrete, or fiberglass poles. Although mechanically strong, the pliability of DSA Copperweld wire permits the downlead to be easily formed from the connection at the overhead ground wire, along the pole and down to the buried electrode.
On metal transmission towers, short lengths of DSA Copperweld wire are often used to connect the tower legs to driven electrodes.
Other Applications
• Substation ground grid wire and fence grounds
• Building lightning protection
• Structure ground leads
|
|
|
|
|
