CHARACTERISTICS

Characteristics of AACSR (Aluminum Alloy Conductor Steel Reinforced)

Basic Structure

1. Electrical Performance

1. Moderate conductivity

   6201 alloy has lower conductivity than 1350 pure aluminium, so ampacity is slightly less than equivalent ACSR under the same outer diameter.

2. Standard thermal capacity

   Continuous operating temperature: 90°C; short-time emergency temperature up to 120°C.

3. Existing magnetic losses

   Steel core still produces eddy current and hysteresis loss in AC circuits, leading to higher line loss than AAAC / ACAR / ACSR/AW.

2. Mechanical Advantages (Core Merits)

1. Higher overall tensile strength & better sag control

   Alloy outer wires have much higher tensile strength than pure aluminium. Combined with steel core reinforcement, AACSR delivers greater breaking load and far lower sag than conventional ACSR of identical cross-section. It allows longer design spans and reduces tower quantity.

2. Excellent anti-creep property

   6201 alloy resists permanent plastic deformation under long-term tension and high temperature. Sag will not increase obviously after years of operation, ensuring safe ground clearance.

3. Superior ice & wind load resistance

   Higher mechanical strength makes it suitable for heavy icing, strong wind mountainous areas where ordinary ACSR is prone to excessive sag or breakage.

3. Corrosion Performance

1. Risk of galvanic corrosion

   Galvanized steel core contacts aluminium alloy strands; potential difference may trigger electrochemical corrosion in humid, salt or industrial polluted environments, inferior to AAAC, ACAR and ACSR/AW.

2. Alloy outer layer has better oxidation resistance than pure aluminium, slowing surface corrosion aging.

4. Installation & Application

Advantages

• Compatible with standard ACSR hardware, clamps and splicing fittings; no special construction tools required.
• Perfect for long-span overhead transmission lines, mountain heavy icing zones, river-crossing lines.

Disadvantages

• Lower ampacity than same-size ACSR due to alloy’s poorer conductivity.
• Risk of bimetallic corrosion in coastal/chemical polluted areas.
• Higher material cost than conventional ACSR.
• Heavier weight than all-aluminium conductors (AAAC, ACAR), increasing tower load.