Theft Deterrent Alternatives to Copper in Power Utility Earthing

Transmission & Distribution

This paper covers the perennial problem of copper theft which has been increasing substantially in recent years in Australia with higher scrap prices and the use of more ingenious methods of removal of copper from power poles. A DNSP has reported more than 74 cases of copper theft in 8 months related to copper earth cable theft from Power poles causing major outages.

The copper theft happens either during transportation and storage, construction stages or later on when the sites are operational. If the theft occurs during storage or construction, then there is economic loss and an annoyance. However, theft of copper in operational facilities is a larger concern because it brings about a serious safety problem not only for the copper thieves but the general public.

The latest analysis by a DNSP in NSW has shown criminals are increasingly moving away from breaking into depots, to now cutting down power poles with chainsaws and cutting off earth cables to strip copper from distribution poles.

In an incident in NSW, a copper thief sparked a bushfire after an offender cut down to ground, a live power pole to remove the copper earth wire from the pole.

Copper is used in earthing applications widely in bare and insulated forms. Conductors used in this application are often perceived to be “not live” and are a prime target for copper thieves.

Copper is not substituted easily with other materials because of its unique properties in terms of its conductivity and corrosion. However, there are a number of alternative thief deterrent conductor and component solutions available that can retain the use of the copper properties but yet change the composition so that it is of little or no scrap value. The conductors discussed here are well suitable for earthing applications. These newer conductors are also suited for other non-earthing applications.

This paper will show case studies and examples where alternative conductors to copper have been used by utilities.

  • Copper Coated Steel Cable.
  • Theft Deterrent Composite Cable.
  • Copper Bonded Steel Conductor
  • Galvanised Steel Strap Conductors