GSW-Galvanized Steel Wire Strand

Basic Structure

1. Mechanical Properties

1. Ultra-high tensile strength
   Carbon steel material provides outstanding breaking load, much stronger than ACS, AAC, AAAC and other aluminum-based conductors. It can withstand heavy ice, strong wind and large pulling tension.
2. Low sag & high rigidity
   High elastic modulus leads to small elongation under tension, stable sag performance, ideal for long crossing spans.
3. Poor anti-creep performance
   Steel strands will produce permanent plastic deformation under long-term sustained load, sag increases gradually after years of operation.
4. Heavy self-weight
   Much heavier than aluminum alloy conductors with identical outer diameter, requiring transmission towers with higher bearing capacity.

2. Electrical Performance

1. Very low electrical conductivity
   Steel and zinc have far poorer conductivity than aluminum. GSW cannot be used as main power transmission conductor.
2. Severe magnetic loss under AC
   Steel is ferromagnetic material, generating obvious hysteresis loss and eddy current loss when alternating current passes through. Large energy waste if used for power delivery.
3. Main electrical function
   Only for lightning shielding, grounding and conducting tiny leakage current instead of load power.
4. Working temperature limit
   Long-term service temperature shall not exceed 80°C; zinc coating may peel off at excessive high temperature.

3. Corrosion Resistance

1. Medium anti-corrosion capacity
   Hot-dip zinc layer isolates steel from air and moisture to prevent internal steel rust.
2. Risk of coating failure in harsh environments
   In coastal salt fog, acid industrial pollution areas, zinc layer corrodes quickly. Once zinc wears out, inner steel will rust rapidly, causing strand breakage.
3. Galvanic corrosion risk when contacting aluminum
   Direct contact between galvanized steel and aluminum conductors creates potential difference, accelerating corrosion of aluminum wires. Separate insulation fittings are mandatory if matched with aluminum cables.

4. Installation & Application Features

Advantages

• Low raw material cost compared with aluminum-clad steel (ACS) and alloy conductors.
• Mature production process, widely matched with standard line hardware, clamps and tension fittings.

Disadvantages

• Heavy weight raises transportation, hoisting and tower construction cost.
• Easy corrosion in coastal and industrial heavily polluted regions, short service life without extra anti-corrosion treatment.
• Cannot carry large power load, limited to grounding wire, lightning shield wire, stay wire, guy wire for overhead lines.