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Reusing overhead copper for ground grid conductors

Reusing overhead copper for ground grid conductors

Reusing overhead copper for ground grid conductors

(OP)
Would reusing 80 year old aerial copper conductor for a ground grid in a new substation be advisable?  We will be replacing several miles of copper line with larger aluminum conductor. We also have a substation where the ground resistivity is very poor, so we are looking at needing more that 10 miles of copper in the substation.  

The biggest concern so far raised is whether the conductor could be cleaned well enough to make reliable crimp connections. Any comments on this or other likely problems would be welcome.

Thanks

RE: Reusing overhead copper for ground grid conductors

I don't see a problem.  It will be hard drawn and more difficult to work with, but at least one utility in this area uses copperweld for ground grids which is a lot stiffer than hard drawn copper.  I'd use exothermic welded connections instead of crimp connections.

RE: Reusing overhead copper for ground grid conductors

This is common practice in two of the utilities I've worked in. The conductor should be cleaned if you use crimped connectors. The crimps would need to be suitable for hard drawn copper. Ideally you could use overhead line compression fittings.
Regards
Marmite

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