CHARACTERISTICS

Characteristics of ACSR/AW (Aluminum Conductor Aluminum Clad Steel Reinforced)

Basic Structure

1. Electrical Performance

1. Reduced magnetic power loss

   The aluminum coating on steel core weakens eddy current and hysteresis loss compared with galvanized steel ACSR. AC resistance is lower, bringing smaller line energy loss during power transmission.

2. Reliable conductive contact between core and aluminum strands

   No galvanized zinc layer to form insulating oxidation film; good electrical connection exists between inner core and outer aluminum wires.

3. Standard thermal rating

   Long-term continuous operating temperature: 90°C; short-time emergency overload temperature: 120°C, same as regular ACSR.

2. Mechanical Properties

1. High tensile strength

   Retains the high rigidity and breaking load of steel core, suitable for long-span overhead lines, heavy ice and strong wind load areas, outperforming AAC, AAAC and ACAR in mechanical strength.

2. Good sag performance

   Steel core provides stable structural support; sag variation under long-term tension and high temperature is controllable, satisfying ground clearance requirements for transmission lines.

3. Balanced weight

   Slightly lighter than traditional galvanized steel ACSR of the same specification, reducing tower load and installation stress.

3. Corrosion Resistance (Core Advantage)

1. Eliminate bimetallic galvanic corrosion

   Galvanized steel core easily generates electrochemical corrosion when contacting aluminum. Aluminum-clad steel core has aluminum on the surface, consistent with outer aluminum strands, no potential difference to trigger galvanic corrosion.

2. Superior service life in harsh environments

   Perfect for coastal salt fog, chemical industrial zones, humid and heavily polluted regions. It avoids core rust failure problems of ordinary ACSR, greatly extending service life and lowering maintenance frequency.

3. Anti-rust inside the core

   The aluminum cladding fully isolates internal steel from air and moisture, preventing steel rust expansion from damaging the whole conductor.

4. Construction & Application Advantages

1. Same erection process as conventional ACSR; compatible with standard clamps, joints and fittings without special accessories.
2. Widely used in coastal power grids, industrial polluted areas, long-distance high/medium voltage overhead transmission lines.

5. Disadvantages

1. Higher production cost than common galvanized ACSR due to aluminum-clad steel core manufacturing process.
2. Slightly higher DC resistance than ACSR/AW with thicker aluminum cladding compared to pure aluminum core conductors like AAAC.
3. Still heavier than all-aluminum conductors (AAC, AAAC, ACAR), requiring higher load-bearing capacity for transmission towers.