AEP Replaces Copper Wire With Substitute

GAHANNA, Ohio—The high commodity price being paid for salvaged copper has created a dramatic increase in wire thefts at AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power.

NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS Thursday.

These thefts and subsequent or related damages to electrical facilities have cost the company millions of dollars.

This expense, combined with customer inconveniences due to related power outages as well as the extreme dangers posed to AEP employees and the public, has pushed the company to implement new wiring standards throughout its operating territory.

In the past, solid copper was the material of choice when it came to electrical wiring and grounding options.

However, AEP Ohio has switched to installing copper-clad materials at its facilities.

Although copper-clad products provide an equal level of functionality and looks very much the same as solid copper wiring, it is not.

What makes it different from solid copper is its metal content. Copper-clad wiring is made up of a steel core and copper exterior.

This bi-metallic wiring has no scrap-dollar value and is very difficult to cut.

“Anyone who survives the act of stealing metal from AEP Ohio facilities will be sorely disappointed when they try to capitalize on their heist,” said Daniel Recker, director transmission region operations.  “Scrap dealers are well-aware of the metallic differences between copper and copper-clad. Would-be thieves are warned that stealing equipment from AEP Ohio facilities is very dangerous and could cost them their lives.”

AEP Ohio’s switch to copper-clad ground rods and wiring was a direct result of the copper-theft epidemic.

The company also will deploy new security technology around its facilities and substations.

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