Communication offices require thousands for pounds of copper grounding and bonding wire in which the NEC allows for Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) in these applications.

Copper Clad Aluminum is an electrical conductor which has as outer sleeve of copper metallurgically bonded to a solid aluminum core. CommScope’s improved method of cladding yields superior drawability to extra fine wire sizes approaching 44 AWG (0.00198”). CCA meets or exceeds the requirements for ASTM B-566.

GroundSmart^® Copper Clad Aluminum offers a safe, highly reliable alternative to using solid and stranded copper for grounding applications. Qualities include:

> Lighter weight than pure copper

> Higher electrical conductivity than pure aluminum

> More pliable and higher tensile strength

> Less expensive than a pure copper wire

CommScope offers 600 Volt, VQ-1, CCA replacements that meet NEC code. Although typically stranded 6 AWG is used, other gauged sizes are available for all your inside plant and grounding needs.

CommScope’s BiMetal solutions, including CCA and CCS, are used in applications ranging from substation grounding to lightning protection to long-term protection for underground cabling. To find out more information on specialized applications visit the Electric Utility, Wind Power or Communications and Data Applications solution website.