Comparison of grounding system designs using copper or Copperweld® ground conductors

This paper presents a commentary, computational procedures for design of grounding systems using copper or Copperweld® ground conductors and comparison of these designs. The methodology is based on the IEEE Std 80. Safety and integrity of the grounding system can be achieved by proper selection of ground conductor sizes and installation procedures. The paper examines the technical performance of Copperweld® ground conductor systems and provides a number of example designs. It is concluded that the performance of ground systems designed with copper conductors or with comparable Copperweld® conductors is similar. The use of Copperweld® conductors, is a viable technical solution with the additional benefit of being a good deterrent against theft.