Know Everything About ACSR Conductors

Posted by Vikaranta Marimuthu on December 8th, 2022

ACSR is a stranded conductor with a high carrying capacity that is typically used for overhead power lines. To offer extra strength to sustain the conductor’s weight, the ACSR conductor is designed so that the outside is composed of pure aluminium material and the interior is built of steel. Steel material offers more strength when compared to aluminium, allowing for the application of some mechanical force to the conductor.

Corrosion in an ACSR moose conductor can be easily avoided. The service life of the steel material used in the conductor is extended by coating or galvanising with another material. The diameter of aluminium and steel can be changed based on the kind of ACR conductor.

Available in Different Sizes

Ranging from a single or various steel wires, ACSR Rabbit conductors are available in several sizes. On most occasions, a large number of aluminium strands are used. The best part is that the ACSR part can be identified by its stranding, even if a few types of conductors are available with various steel strands.

Different Types of ACSR Conductors

All Aluminium Conductor (AAC)

Compared with any other type, this conductor has extra sag per span length and low strength. That is the reason why an AAC is used at the distribution level. At the distribution level, the conductivity of an aluminium conductor is somewhat better. The cost of both the ACSR and AAC conductors is similar.

Aluminium Conductor Aluminium Reinforce (ACAR)

ACAR combines a number of aluminium alloy strands to provide a transmission conductor including mechanical balance and excellent electrical properties. Aluminium alloy wires cover these aluminium strands. Several strands are included in the core of the conductor. All strands in the conductor are alike; hence, they allow the conductor to be designed with the best mechanical and electrical characteristics. This is the main benefit of this conductor.

All Aluminium Alloy Conductors (AAAC)

Excluding the alloy, this AAAC conductor construction is the same as AAC. It is the same in strength as an ACSR type. Having said that, its weight is less because of the nonexistence of steel. What makes this conductor expensive is the existence of alloy formation. AAAC is used for longer spans because of its stronger tensile strength as compared with AAC. That is why it is used at the distribution level. When compared with AAC, this conductor has low sag. AAAC conductors are not heavy, which is why they are applicable for sub-transmission and transmission wherever a lighter support structure is necessary, such as in mountains, swamps etc.

Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR)

These conductors have steel material filled inside. The high-strength ACSR conductors are applicable for installations relating to extra-long spans and river crossings, as well as overhead earth wires. Different tensile strengths are used during their manufacturing. A much higher radiance limit can be attained because of the high diameter.

There was a time when copper conductors were used during energy transmission, but that was some years ago. Now things are different. Aluminium conductors have taken the place of copper conductors, and there is a reason for that. These are cheaper than copper and have a high diameter. So, it is always better to use these, especially now that you know all the aspects.