What Is CCS Tracer Wire?

CCS tracer wire is tracer wire made with a solid copper-clad steel conductor. A steel core provides mechanical strength while the copper cladding provides the conductive path used for underground utility locating.

CCS stands for copper-clad steel. It is different from copper-clad aluminum (CCA) and from solid copper wire because the conductor core is steel.

AITE Cable manufactures CCS tracer wire for Open Trench / Open Cut and HDD applications with HMWPE/HDPE direct-burial insulation, multiple strength series and OEM options.

How Copper-Clad Steel Tracer Wire Is Constructed

The conductor consists of a solid steel core with copper metallurgically bonded around the steel. The completed conductor is then insulated for underground installation.

Conductor	Solid copper-clad steel
Conductivity	21% IACS for the current AITE CCS range
Insulation	HMWPE / HDPE direct-burial insulation
Thickness	30 mil or 45 mil depending on product series
Purpose	Conductive locating path for non-metallic underground utilities

Why Copper-Clad Steel Is Used for Tracer Wire

CCS combines the conductive function needed for locating with the mechanical strength of a steel-core conductor. This makes it suitable for tracer wire constructions where handling, installation strength and material cost are important purchasing considerations.

• Mechanical strength: the steel core provides higher mechanical strength than a comparable soft solid-copper conductor.
• Locating conductivity: the copper cladding provides the conductive path required for utility-locating signals.
• Direct-burial construction: HMWPE/HDPE insulation protects the conductor against underground moisture, common chemicals, oil, impact, crush and abrasion.
• Cost control: CCS can reduce conductor material cost compared with an equivalent solid-copper tracer wire construction.

CCS Tracer Wire vs Solid Copper Tracer Wire

Both conductor types are used for underground utility locating. The main difference is the conductor construction and the resulting balance between conductivity, mechanical strength and material cost.

AITE CCS Tracer Wire Product Range

AITE separates CCS tracer wire into three strength series for Open Trench / Open Cut and HDD applications.

Other gauges and custom break-load requirements are available upon request.

View AITE CCS Tracer Wire Specifications

Detailed break-load values, gauge options and construction information are available on the individual product pages.

High-Flex & High-Strength CCS for Open Trench   ·   Extra High-Strength CCS for HDD

OEM & Private-Label CCS Tracer Wire

AITE supports specification-based production for distributors, importers, tracer wire brands and project buyers.

• Insulation color and surface marking
• Foot or meter marking
• 500 ft, 1,000 ft and 2,500 ft common reel lengths
• Other reel or drum lengths upon request
• Buyer-defined labels and private-label packaging

Looking for General Tracer Wire Guidance?

For tracer wire working principles, underground utility applications, installation basics and utility identification, see the Ultimate Guide to Tracer Wire .

Need CCS Tracer Wire for a Project or OEM Program?

Send your existing specification, supplier datasheet or RFQ to AITE with the estimated quantity for project pricing.