BCCS stands for Bare Copper Clad Steel, a conductor with a steel core and an outer layer of bare copper.
Bare Copper Clad Steel (BCCS) is a composite conductor that merges the mechanical strength of steel with the electrical conductivity of copper. The steel wire core is bonded with a continuous copper layer, allowing the material to resist stretching and breakage while still supporting reliable electrical performance. Although less conductive than pure copper, BCCS provides cost savings, enhanced durability, and reduced theft risk, making it suitable for specific applications where strength is as important as conductivity.
BCCS conductors are commonly evaluated under UL and IEEE guidelines for use in electrical and communication systems requiring durability.
Copper-clad steel was developed as a cost-effective alternative to solid copper, originally for radio antennas and telecommunication lines. Over time, it became widely adopted in applications that required both strength and essential conductivity, such as coaxial and grounding cables.