CommScope has introduced its GroundSmart grounding products into its BiMetals family of wire and cable solutions. These products are designed to help reduce the costs of managing and maintaining electricity transmission and distribution networks by deterring theft and vandalism.
According to CommScope, the use of copper-clad steel in its GroundSmart products provides a safer and more reliable alternative to the use of solid and stranded copper for grounding applications. The products are specifically designed to disperse fault currents and lightning strikes at a lower total cost of ownership compared to pure copper, the company adds.
‘A survey published last year estimated that theft of copper wiring from electrical utility sites creates more than 7,500 hours of downtime and costs the industry more than $60 million annually,’ says Paul Bedder, vice president of CommScope BiMetals. ‘Copper-clad steel wire and cable products provide the same reliability, performance and durability as solid copper but are unattractive to would-be thieves and vandals.’
CommScope adds that its copper-clad steel wire and cable products meet the relevant National Electric Code and ASTM wire and cable standards, and are approved by the Rural Utilities Service.
SOURCE: CommScope
