scope:

This document is an application guide, including best practices, for the use of materials alternative to traditionally used copper primarily for above grade grounding systems at telecommunication facilities. The scope of this document covers ground bars, grounding conductors, and coaxial grounding kits.

Purpose

Copper remains the material most used in telecommunication grounding systems because it has excellent electrical characteristics and it mitigates corrosion in a wide range of conditions both below and above grade. Theft of copper grounding conductors in telecommunications grounding has become a significant industry problem (see NRSC Bulletin No. 2013-001 and < www.copper.org >). Any alternative materials chosen to replace these copper conductors need to be designed to provide acceptable electrical and corrosion performance for the intended application. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on alternative materials and/or methods available for use in telecommunications facilities. It also provides a recommended test regimen for testing of alternative materials and/or methods.