The predominant choice for overhead conductors in distribution, sub-transmission, and transmission lines is the ACSR conductor. Comprising multiple layers of 1350-H aluminium enveloping one or more steel wires (galvanized, aluminium-clad, or Galfan-Coated), this conductor type enhances strength-to-weight ratio. This advancement enables extended span lengths and reduced overall costs. ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced) conductors are among the most widely used conductors in overhead power transmission lines due to the combination of high aluminum conductivity and steel tensile strength. The variety of these conductors is determined by the ratio of aluminum to steel and the diameter of the strands. The main classification of ACSRs is based on the number of aluminum and steel strands; the appropriate type of ACSR depends on factors such as line voltage, route length, weather conditions, current carrying capacity, and economic considerations. Finally, various standards and codes, such as ASTM B232, exist to determine the technical and dimensional specifications of these conductors, which ensure their quality and performance.
ACSR/GA
ACSR/GA conductors are the oldest and the most common conductors used in transmission lines. Comprising multiple layers of 1350-H19 aluminium strands enveloping one or more galvanized steel wires, this conductor type has a good strength-to-weight ratio. This advancement enables extended span lengths and reduced overall costs.
ACSR/MA
ACSR/MA conductors are an improved type of ACSR conductors. The steel wires placed in the core of these conductors are protected against the corrosion by implementing a zinc alloy called Galfan. Galfan is composed of Zinc - %5 Aluminium - Mischmetal which exhibits improved corrosion resistance and increased operating temperature compared to ACSR/GA.
ACSR/AW
ACSR/AW conductors are the enhanced type of ACSR conductors replacing the galvanized steel core in ACSR/GA and Galfan-Coated steel wires in ACSR/MA conductors with aluminium-clad steel core. Implementing an aluminium-clad steel results in a noteworthy 5% decrease in electrical resistance and transmission line loss. The ACSR/AW conductors also introduce excellent corosion resistance.
ACSR/TW
ACSR/TW conductors are comprised of trapezoidal-shaped aluminium wires stranded around galvanized or Galfan-Coated steel wires. Integration of trapezoidal aluminium wires results in a more compact conductor with higher electrical conductivity compared to the similar conductor with round wires.
ACSR/AW-TW
ACSR/AW-TW type of overhead conductors utilize both advantages of trapezoidal aluminium wires and aluminium-clad steel core. The utilization of compact trapezoidal strands alongside the AW core, leads to a reduction in electrical resistance and energy loss and significant improvement of the resistance to corrosion which increases the lifespan.