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Why This Installer Switched to Copper-Clad Steel
When it comes to underground wire installations, many contractors assume solid copper is the gold standard. But for Jake Travis, owner of Stay Put Doggy, years of experience installing invisible pet fence systems have proven otherwise.
After nearly a decade of using copper-clad steel (CCS) tracer wire, Jake says he has no plans to go back to solid copper.
And for him, the reason is simple: better value without sacrificing performance.
The Challenge: Rising Material Costs
Jake faced the same challenge.
“So I’ve been using copper-clad for about 9 to 10 years, and I don’t see going back to copper because the cost savings is 30-50%.”
For contractors and installers, material costs can have a major impact on profitability. Copper prices are notoriously volatile, influenced by global supply, demand, energy costs, and economic conditions. As copper prices continue to fluctuate, many businesses are looking for ways to maintain quality while controlling costs.
Over the course of a year, those savings add up quickly.
“Over a year’s time it can save several thousand dollars.”
For contractors installing hundreds or thousands of feet of wire, that’s money that can be reinvested into the business—or simply retained as profit.
The Solution: High-Strength Copper-Clad Steel
Unlike solid copper wire, High-Strength Copper-Clad Steel (HS-CCS) combines the conductivity benefits of copper with the strength of a steel core.
Pro-Trace HS-CCS tracer wire delivers 227% of the break load strength of solid copper while maintaining the flexibility needed for everyday installations. The result is a wire that is tougher during installation and more resistant to damage over its service life.
For Jake, durability is just as important as cost.
“A lot of companies out there want to use a thinner wire, like a store-bought wire. I don’t do that because I want it to last. I don’t take any shortcuts.”
The Results: Performance Without Compromise
One of the most common misconceptions about CCS is that lower cost means lower performance.
Jake’s experience tells a different story.
“In my opinion, it works as good as the copper. The signal flows well for the dog fencing.”
Beyond signal performance, CCS gives installers additional options for insulation thicknesses and spool configurations to match the demands of specific projects.
“With the copper clad, I can specify between a 30, 45 and a 60 mil. I like the 60 mil because it’s going to last longer.”
Copper-clad steel tracer wire reduces that exposure while delivering the same locate performance. Because electrical signal travels along the outer surface of a conductor, known as the “skin effect”, the copper cladding carries the signal while the steel core provides superior strength and cost stability.
The added durability helps protect against environmental conditions and everyday wear, reducing the likelihood of future failures and costly callbacks.
A Better Choice for Contractors
Whether you’re installing invisible pet fence systems, irrigation controls, landscape wiring, or underground utility infrastructure, the goal is the same: install it once and install it right.
For Jake, copper-clad steel delivers the combination of savings, strength, and performance his business depends on.
His advice to other installers?
“Any installer out there that’s been using copper with today’s savings of copper-clad over copper, I would say you should use it. At least try it out.”
And perhaps his most compelling endorsement came at the end of the conversation:
“It’s going to save you 30 to 50%. At the end of the day, it’s more money in your pocket… it’s kind of a no-brainer.”
Ready to See the Difference?
If you’re still specifying solid copper, now is the time to take a closer look at High-Strength Copper-Clad Steel tracer wire. With substantial cost savings, superior break strength, customizable insulation options, and proven field performance, CCS offers contractors a smarter alternative that helps protect both their installations and their bottom line.