Copper Clad Steel Grounding Wire Round Type

The Copper Clad Steel Grounding Wire Round Type is manufactured by bonding high-purity electrolytic copper to a solid low-carbon steel core through continuous electroplating or high-temperature metallurgical composite technology. The copper layer is controlled at ≥0.254 mm and is continuously distributed around the steel core. Saint Ni Lightning Protection provides both soft-state and hard-state versions. Soft-state wire is annealed and supplied in 100 m coils for continuous installation, while hard-state wire is straightened and cut into fixed lengths for standardized construction.

The copper-steel composite design allows the conductor to combine the current-carrying characteristics of copper with the mechanical strength of steel. Unlike ordinary steel grounding wire, the conductive copper surface provides a dedicated low-resistance current path, while the internal steel core helps the conductor withstand pulling, bending, transportation, and backfilling.

Performance for Grounding Networks

Efficient Current Dissipation

The copper surface provides the main conductive path for lightning currents and equipment fault currents. Under high-frequency transient conditions, the surface-current distribution effect allows the conductive outer layer to participate efficiently in current transmission. Under specified conditions, the conductivity of the same-diameter product can reach more than 90% of pure copper, providing a practical solution for grounding networks requiring rapid current dissipation.

High Mechanical Strength

The solid steel core gives the round conductor higher mechanical strength than conventional pure copper conductors used for comparable grounding applications. It is less susceptible to deformation during pulling and laying, making it suitable for long grounding routes, rocky terrain, slopes, and large outdoor construction sites.

Fewer Field Connections

The soft-state version is supplied in 100 m coils, allowing contractors to install longer grounding sections continuously. Fewer intermediate connections mean less cutting, joining, and connection inspection during construction. The round profile also allows the conductor to naturally follow curved trenches, foundations, and site boundaries.

Compatible Grounding Components

The wire can be connected with copper-clad steel grounding rods, flat bars, grounding clamps, and other compatible components. It can be used for horizontal grounding-grid sections as well as connections between vertical electrodes and the main grounding network, allowing contractors to build a coordinated copper-clad grounding system.

Typical Applications

Power and Renewable Energy

The Copper Clad Steel Grounding Wire Round Type is suitable for horizontal grounding grids in substations, distribution rooms, photovoltaic power plants, wind farms, and other electrical facilities. The long-coil format is particularly useful for large grounding networks requiring continuous conductor installation.

Communication Infrastructure

For 5G base stations, microwave stations, satellite facilities, and signal towers, the round wire can be used for grounding-grid connections and lightning protection. Its coil format also simplifies transportation to remote or mountainous sites.

Industrial and Building Projects

Chemical plants, warehouses, factories, high-rise buildings, airports, and other infrastructure can use the conductor for protective grounding, lightning protection, and equipotential bonding according to the project design.

FAQ

What is the main advantage compared with pure copper?

The steel core provides higher mechanical strength while the copper outer layer supplies the main conductive path. This creates a balance between electrical performance, structural strength, material consumption, and project cost.

Is it supplied in coils?

Yes. The soft-state version is commonly supplied in 100 m coils, which helps reduce the number of intermediate connections during horizontal grounding-grid installation.

Can it be connected to grounding rods?

Yes. Copper Clad Steel Grounding Wire Round Type can be connected to compatible copper-clad steel grounding rods using suitable clamps or exothermic welding according to the project specification.

Can it be bent on site?

Yes. The soft-state version is designed for flexible installation and can follow curved trenches, foundations, slopes, and other irregular grounding routes. Sharp kinks and excessive mechanical impact should be avoided.

What sizes can Saint Ni Lightning Protection supply?

Diameter, copper-layer thickness, coil length, straight-section length, and connection configuration can be customized according to the grounding-system design and project requirements.

Real Project Case

Mountainous 5G Base Station Support System

The project involved a 5G base station located on a high-altitude rocky slope where large construction equipment could not access the site. The original grounding system used hot-dip galvanized round steel, which fractured after approximately four years and caused grounding resistance to rise to 12 Ω. The remote location also made repeated maintenance expensive.

Project Solution

Saint Ni Lightning Protection supplied Φ12 soft copper-clad steel round wire in 100 m coils as the horizontal grounding conductor. It was combined with 2 m internally threaded copper-clad steel grounding rods to form 4 m deep grounding electrodes. Exothermic welding was used for the main connections, while corrosion-resistant conductive paste was applied to the welded areas.

Application Results

After the retrofit, the grounding resistance remained within 6–8 Ω. During six years of operation, no lightning-related equipment damage was reported. The coil-based installation reduced the number of connections by approximately 70%, while the lightweight coil format allowed the remote site to be installed using small construction equipment. The unmanned base station no longer required annual excavation for grounding maintenance.

Installation

The grounding trench should be prepared according to the project design, generally with a depth of ≥0.8 m where applicable. The soft-state wire is continuously laid along the grounding route and naturally bent around curves. Connections between the wire and grounding rods or other conductors can be completed using suitable clamps or exothermic welding. After connection inspection, fine soil or approved resistance-reducing material can be used for layered backfilling, followed by grounding-resistance testing after completion.

Saint Ni Lightning Protection Quality and Supply Assurance

Saint Ni Lightning Protection specializes in grounding and lightning-protection materials and maintains standardized production and inspection procedures covering steel-core preparation, copper cladding, dimensional control, surface inspection, and finished-product testing. The company operates a quality management system certified to GB/T19001-2016 / ISO9001:2015 and an environmental management system certified to GB/T24001-2016 / ISO14001:2015.

Saint Ni Lightning Protection supports standard and customized specifications, including conductor diameter, copper-layer thickness, coil length, straight sections, and compatible grounding accessories. The Copper Clad Steel Grounding Wire Round Type can be supplied as part of a complete grounding-material package for power, renewable energy, telecommunications, industrial, and infrastructure projects.