Identify the material structure
Keep the copper outer layer, steel-core grade and interface requirements explicit. If the conductor has a coating, specify the coating separately from the underlying CCS wire.
A drawing or current datasheet should define the finished geometry and the required inspection basis. Do not use the words clad and plated as interchangeable procurement descriptions.
Separate the grade from copper content
General Clad’s catalog lists 21, 25, 30, 32, 35, 40, 53 and 55% IACS conductivity classes. % IACS is an electrical conductivity designation, not a copper-content percentage or a physical layer thickness.
Confirm the available diameter and material condition for the selected class. The catalog range does not establish that every grade, diameter and temper combination is available.
Specify the finished wire
- Diameter and tolerance, plus strand construction if applicable.
- Maximum DC resistance and its test temperature.
- Tensile strength, elongation and material condition.
- Copper-layer, surface and any coating requirements.
- Application, sample acceptance plan, quantity and packaging.
Evaluate the intended application
Grounding, coaxial cable, rail connections and tracer systems ask different questions of the conductor. Start with the application requirements, then agree on sample testing and current documentation.
This guide supports initial specification review. Confirm current product data, availability and application acceptance for the exact conductor under consideration.