Copper Clad Steel Has Proven Reliability

Stronger than pure copper, steel provides the backbone for this product. In the trench, CCS has been proven to last decades in harsh environments.

As far as nicking the copper, that doesn’t effect GroundSmart.  The steel merely ‘scabs’ over from oxidation and creates a self-arresting barrier. This protective sheild covers the exposed steel and extends two diameters in length over the surrounding copper.

Containing Costs Is Essential To Managing A Budget

GroundSmart CCS by CommScope provides the opportunity for cost containment on any project. Because it is not copper, it costs less than copper.

The price for CSS also doesn’t vary as much as does copper pricing, providing some stability with budgets. In addition, CCS weighs less than copper, so there is the opportunity to save money on transportation costs.

CSS Cladding Technology Is An Innovative Deterrent

Despite the deployment of various types of security measures, the theft of copper continues. Security systems, masking the product or keeping it under lock and key have all failed to stop the determined thief who knows where he can find this “buried treasure”.

Marking or coding the copper is not a deterrent. It only provides identification of stolen copper. This may lead to prosecution if the stolen copper can be found prior to being melted down for re-use. However, there is evidence that prosecution of thieves does not prevent the same thief from stealing again. Identification adds cost with no evidence to reduce copper theft.

The Solution – GroundSmart CCS From CommScope

The reason is simple – it removes the object of desire for those looking to make a quick buck with limited effort.

CCS has no scrap value to the thief. Because of the cladding process that bonds the two metals, it’s virtually impossible to separate them.

Utilities Face An Increasing Problem With Copper Theft

Copper is a highly trade-able volatile commodity and is considered a precious metal. As such, it attracts the wrong kind of attention and when you consider its wide use in commercial and industrial applications; there are plenty of opportunities for theft to occur. And nowhere is there more of an opportunity for theft than in utilities – on pole grounds and substations, where exposed copper is often placed in open locations with no security or protection.

It’s no wonder that in a 2008 electrical utility industry (NRECA, Edison Institute, American Public Power) survey conducted by the Electrical Safety Foundation International, it was found that 95% of utilities in the United States reported theft as a problem. 

There's Average Measurable Cost Of  Theft Each Year

Expenses	Over $60 million
Electrical Outage	7,600 hours
Deaths	35
Injuries	52