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The Original Ground Cube and Tamper Resistant Breakaway Nut
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Before 2005 the recycle value of copper remained well below a dollar fifty per pound. In 2005 the resale value of copper explode reaching almost 4 dollars per pound. This caused an unprecedented increase in copper theft. The electric utility sector was no exception. In many ways was a soft target for removal of copper. Unfortunately for some thieves the soft target proved highly lethal. Our nation's electric grid is no place for unauthorized people to be. Contact with high voltage never produces a good result.
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Our primary client, CenterPoint Energy (CNP), responding by conceiving a revolutionary alternative ground connection. The design enjoyed a comparatively low recycle value, as the chosen alloy was stainless steel. This solved many issues, it has great durability even in the harshest of environments, it is very compatible with classic galvanized steel which comprises most transmission structures, cost effective, low recycle value, very, very hard to steel. We were tasked with engineering the devise for ultimate performance, efficiency, safety, cost and more. We were manufactured the two main components, the ground cube and tamper resistant break away nut. Before a large quantity was manufactured, a study was conducted to include baiting a portion of transmission circuit with both the old grounding clamp and the new ground cube design. After a year of monitoring the section of circuit it was obvious thieves had visited many times harvesting copper alloys while passing up every stainless-steel clamp.
CNP's Transmission group now uses the part exclusively. |
One of the original Ground Cube installations.
This is located on a circuit running along the north border of Houston's Hobby Airport . 
Here a Ground Cube and Tamper Resistant Break-away Nut
fight crime and proving reliable connection to ground on a new circuit running through Pearland |
