Bare Overhead Conductors (ACSR, ASC)

ACSR
ACSR is a composite concentric-lay-stranded conductor consisting of a central steel core around which are stranded one or more layers of aluminum alloy 1350-H19 wires. The steel core may consist of a single wire, 7, 19, 37 or more concentrically stranded wires. The steel wires are normally protected against corrosion by a zinc coating. The standard Class A coating is usually adequate for ordinary environments. Heavier Class B or Class C coatings may be specified for greater protection. A special high-strength steel core with a Class A coating is also available.

Features and Benefits:
ACSR conductors have a long service record due to their economy, dependability and favourable strength to weight ratio. Such conductors combine the light weight and high conductivity of the aluminum wires with the tensile strength and ruggedness of the steel core. For overhead line design, this enables higher tensions to be used with less conductor sag and longer spans than would be possible with most other types of conductors.

ASC
Bare overhead aluminum stranded conductors (ASC) are concentric-lay-stranded consisting of one or more layers of aluminum alloy 1350 wires wrapped helically around a central wire. Each successive layer has six wires more than the underlying one. Increasing the number of wires for any given cross-sectional area provides greater flexibility. The most commonly used strandings consist of 7, 19, 37, 61 and 91 wires.

Class AA strandings are used for bare overhead lines. The direction of lay for the outer layer is right-hand and is usually reversed in successive layers. The temper of the wires is full hard-drawn (H19).

Features and Benefits:
ASC conductors are the most economical since their lighter weight means lower unit length costs, easier handling during installation and the use of simpler fittings. They are inherently corrosion resistant due to their homogeneous construction

Applications

ACSR
Aluminum conductors, steel reinforced (ACSR) are widely used for overhead transmission and distribution lines.

ASC
Stranded bare ASC conductors may be used in overhead line installations where the design parameters do not require the higher tensile strength or temperature ratings provided by ACSR, ACCR or other types of conductors