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Raytron Technical Review RESEARCH ARTICLE WP-03-01

CCS-21% IACS: Grounding Applications

Gao-Lei Xu1 *

1RAYTRON Group Technology Research Center, China

*Corresponding author

Received: 2025-12 Accepted: 2026-02 Published: 03/2026
DOI: 10.1234/raytron.2026.WP-03-01

1. Introduction

1.1 CCS for Grounding

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Figure Fig. 1 Grounding System Diagram

2. Material Specifications

3. Grounding Requirements

4. Conductivity Analysis

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Figure Fig. 2 Fault Current Distribution

5. Mechanical Advantages

6. Theft Deterrence

The steel core has low scrap value, effectively preventing theft.

7. Conclusion

CCS-21% is the ideal choice for grounding applications, offering cost-effectiveness, theft deterrence, and sufficient conductivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CCS-21% and why is it used for grounding?

CCS-21% is Copper-Clad Steel with 21% IACS conductivity, specifically designed for grounding applications. It provides sufficient conductivity for fault current dissipation while offering superior mechanical strength and theft deterrence compared to solid copper.

How does CCS-21% compare to solid copper for grounding?

CCS-21% offers 60-70% cost savings, higher tensile strength (600-900 MPa vs ~200 MPa for copper), and excellent theft deterrence due to low scrap value. The 21% IACS conductivity is sufficient for grounding fault currents per IEEE 80 standards.

Is CCS-21% suitable for all grounding applications?

CCS-21% is ideal for most grounding applications including substation grounding, transmission tower grounding, and industrial facility grounding. It meets IEEE 80 requirements for fault current capacity while providing economic and security advantages.

How does the theft deterrence work?

The steel core of CCS has minimal scrap value compared to solid copper. Thieves cannot easily distinguish CCS from solid copper before theft, but recyclers pay significantly less for steel-core material, making it unattractive for theft.

Figures

GroundingSystem Diagram

Fig. 1 Grounding System Diagram

Fault Current Distribution Diagram

Fig. 2 Fault Current Distribution

Tables

Table 1 Grounding Conductor Requirements Comparison
RequirementCuCCS-21%
Fault CurrentCapacityGoodSufficient
Mechanical Strengthin etc.High
Anti-theft PropertiesPoorExcellent
CostHighLow
Table 2 CCS-21% Advantages
AdvantageBenefit
Low costRatioCu Savings60-70%
Anti-theftSteel CoreScrap ValueLow
High strengthAnti-Mechanical Damage
SufficientConductivityMeeting Fault Current
Table 3 Material Specifications
ComponentSpecification
Core MaterialLowCarbonSteel
Cladding LayerCopper(≥99.9%)
Copper Volume Ratio20-25%
Typical Value21-23%
Table 4 Electrical Properties
PropertyValue
Conductivity20-23% IACS
ResistanceRate7.5-8.5 μΩ·cm
Tensile Strength600-900 MPa

References

  1. ASTM International ASTM B452: Copper-Clad Steel Wire ASTM (2020)
  2. IEEE IEEE 80: Grounding Design IEEE (2021)
XU

Gaolei Xu

Senior Materials Scientist

Credentials & Honors

  • CTO, Raytron Group
  • Zhejiang Provincial High-level Talent Special Support Program - Young Talent
  • Shaoxing "Technology Vice President"
  • Shaoxing Science and Technology Commissioner
  • Member of National Technical Committee 243 on Heavy Metals (SAC/TC 243/SC2)

National Standards (Lead Author) View Official

Patents (Inventor) Search Patents

  • CN104959396A - Production Process of Copper Strip for Composite Contact Materials
  • CN106077125A - Production Process of Copper Profile for Magnetic Pole Coils
  • CN201410710206 - Conductive Material for High-speed Railway Traction Motors and Production Method
  • CN201310719717 - Method for Controlling Strip Shape of Copper Strip Blank by Continuous Extrusion
  • CN201310720126 - Device for Controlling Strip Shape of Copper Strip Blank by Continuous Extrusion
  • CN201310376884 - Five-in-one Copper Strip Edge Treatment Equipment for Transformers
  • CN201420184755 - Continuous Extrusion Die Flow Promotion Device
  • CN201320761640 - Continuous Extrusion Waste Cleaning Device

Areas of Expertise

Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) Technology Copper-Clad Steel (CCS) Manufacturing Bimetallic Composite Materials PV Ribbon for Solar Cells Battery Tab Materials for EV Applications Continuous Extrusion Technology

Selected Publications

  • Research and Application of Rolling Method for Manufacturing Metal Laminated Composites, Aluminum Processing Journal, 2008
  • Annealing Process Research of Copper-Aluminum Composite Strip
  • Research on Preparation Process of Copper/Aluminum Composite Strip for Cables
  • Interface Microstructure Evolution of Rolled Copper/Aluminum Composite Strip During Annealing

Mr. Xu Gaolei is a distinguished expert in non-ferrous metal processing with over 15 years of experience. He is recognized as a Young Talent under the Zhejiang Provincial High-level Talent Special Support Program. He leads R&D initiatives in bimetallic composite technologies and has contributed significantly to the standardization of copper and bimetallic materials in China.

Click standard/patent codes to view official documents

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Our technical team is the author of multiple Chinese national standards, with 30 years of industry experience and 34 patents, delivering professional bimetallic composite material solutions. Contact us for technical support and product quotes.

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