ACSR Conductor Buying Guide
There are different types of conductors that you can use for the transmission and distribution of electricity.
One of them is the ACSR conductor (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced) ACSR is a special type of cable that is mainly used in the overhead power lines.
Buying ACSR cable is a major decision that requires you to make an informed decision.
The good news is this guide will give you all the information that you need when buying the ACSR conductor in China.
Table of Content
- Chapter 1: What is ACSR Conductor
- Chapter 2: Design and structure of ACSR Cable
- Chapter 3: Types of ACSR Conductors
- Chapter 4: Applications of ACSR Conductor
- Chapter 5: Features and Advantages of ACSR Conductor
- Chapter 6: ACSR Technical specifications
- Chapter 7: Choosing ACSR Conductor Manufacturer
- Chapter 8: Frequently Asked Questions about ACSR
Chapter 1: What is the ACSR Conductor?
Aluminum conductor steel-reinforced is a type of a high-capacity conductor that is usually used for electricity transmission on the overhead power lines. This conductor mainly comprises of steel and aluminum. These two metals are stranded in a series of concentric layers.
High-purity aluminum is used on the outer strands of the conductor while galvanized steel forms the main components of the inner core.
There are several desirable properties of aluminum that makes it a preferred material for this conductor.
These properties include good conductivity, minimum weight and a significant amount of strength. Aluminum is also cheaper than most conducting materials.
Just like in the case of aluminum, there are valid reasons that make steel a preferred material for the center strand of the ACSR conductor.
First, galvanized steel is stronger than aluminum both physically, mechanically and electrically. This strength allows it to support the weight of the aluminum strand. The strength of steel allows it to increase the mechanical tension of the conductor.
Secondly, steel has a low elastic and inelastic deformation. This is the permanent elongation of a conductor that is caused by mechanical loading.
The deformation can be caused by external factors such as wind, ice, and drastic temperature changes. Instead of deforming, the conductor will just sag.
Chapter 2: Design and Structure of ACSR Cable
ACSR conductor comprises aluminum and galvanized steel. The strands of steel form the core of the conductor while the external layer comprises aluminum. Usually, the steel core of the conductor is made up of several wires which range between 7 and 61.
In terms of the design, the steel and aluminum strands can have the same diameter or can have different diameters.
The steel strands are usually galvanized to extend their service life. A coating may be applied to the strands to prevent corrosion of the steel material.
Despite the presence of steel, the role of the aluminum is to give the cable adequate tensile strength. Steel is only there to enhance the strength hence the name ‘reinforced’.
Usually, the tensile strength of aluminum starts going down when the temperatures exceed 75°C(167°F). This is where the steel comes in to provide the required strength.
Some conductors rely entirely on steel for the tensile strength. One such example is the ACSS (aluminum-conductor steel-supported).
Understanding the Steel Core of the ACSR Conductor
As we have seen, this ACSR conductor has galvanized steel at its core. However, sometimes this steel comprises 5% zinc and small traces of aluminum.
A zinc coating is used to protect against corrosion. The thicker the coating the more the protection. However, a thick coating can have a detrimental effect on the tensile strength of the steel core.
It is advisable to use high strength steel as it increases the tensile strength of the cable which results in a lower sag.
A conductor can have single or multiple strands of steel wires at its center. Whichever the case, the number of aluminum strands will always be more than that of steel strands.
When buying an ASCR cable, it is easy to tell the number of strands. This value is usually indicated on the cable. For instance, an ACSR conductor that has 82 aluminum strands and 8 steel strands will be denoted as 82/8 ACSR conductor.
Chapter 3: Types of ACSR Conductors
ACSR conductors for sale are not all the same. They come in different specifications. When buying these conductors, it is important to ensure that you choose the right type of ACSR conductor.
Here are the main types of ACSR conductors that you are likely to find in the market:
- Smooth body conductors: As the name suggests, the external surface of these conductors is smooth. These conductors tend to have a minimized diameter which helps to minimize the effects of wind and ice during bad weather.
- Compact conductors: This type of ACSR cable is manufactured by passing the stranded cable through the compacting rolls. In doing so, the strands get deformed up to a particular extent and this helps to lose their circularity.
The process helps to reduce the overall diameter of the conductor.
- 150%/200% ACSR: This category mainly comprises of 6/1 conductors. They tend to have a large steel core that is surrounded by flattened aluminum strands.
These conductors are quite strong hence are ideal in rural areas where the cable is expected to have a long spin.
- Trapezoidal ACSR conductor: While most conductors have round designs, these are shaped into a trapezium. This design minimizes the diameter of the conductor while at the same time reducing the void area.
From these types of ACSR, you should be able to choose one that will meet your requirements. If you are not sure, don’t hesitate to consult a reliable ACSR cable manufacturer for further advice.
Chapter 4: Applications of ACSR Conductor
ACSR conductor is mainly used as the main conductor for the transmission line. It has numerous desirable characteristics that make it an ideal conductor for high voltage powerlines.
This conductor is used for carrying high voltage from one power generating station to another. You can use it for all types of transmission lines which are short transmission lines, medium transmission line and long transmission lines.
Another common application of the ACSR conductor is in the coaxial cable. These are cables that are usually used for the transmission of radiofrequency.
In this application, ACSR cable is used as the innermost conductor
Chapter 5: Features and Advantages of ACSR Conductor
There are several unique features of the ACSR conductor that give it an upper hand over other cables. Let’s look at some of these features and how they can be of benefit to you as a buyer.
-High tensile strength: A combination of steel and aluminum results in high tensile strength of the ACSR cable. This strength enables the cable to serve for long without snapping or getting damaged. |
Extra tensional strength also facilitates relaying of high voltage of electricity over a long distance. |
-Lightweight: ACSR is usually regarded as a lightweight cable. This gives it maximum flexibility when it comes to installation and maintenance. You can easily install the cables on the poles. |
-Large diameter: The large diameter of the conductor minimizes the corona discharge of electric current from the cables. In other words, there is minimal loss of electricity during transmission. |
-It can be spun over a long distance: Tensional strength and being lightweight ensures that the cable can be suspended over a long distance with minimum support. This explains why they are an ideal option for overhead power transmission. |
–High tolerance to temperature: ACSR cables are designed to tolerate high-temperature changes. They can withstand extremely low and extremely high-temperature range. |
-Minimum heat dissipation: The strands of heat and aluminum minimize the dissipation of heat from the conductor. This ensures the conductor lasts for long. |
Chapter 6: ACSR Technical Specifications
Technical specifications of ACSR cable define its features and characteristics. As you plan to buy these cables, your attention should not only be on the price but other technical information.
Here are some of the key technical specifications of ASMR cables:
1. Conducting material
It is a requirement that the manufacturer should clearly state the type of conducting material that has been used.
In this case, the manufacturer will state the type of galvanized steel and aluminum that are in the cables.
You should also know the type of galvanizing coating that is on steel. After all, the conducting material will end up affecting the overall performance of the cable.
2. Size of ACSR cable
Before you buy the cable, you should take your time to know its size. Sizing is important because ACSR conductors come in different sizes. The sizing of a conductor is defined by the number of aluminum and steel strands that it has.
Some conductors have more strands than others. The size can be denoted as #6AWG or”6/1” which means that it has six outer aluminum conductors and one steel reinforcing conductor.
3. International Standards
ACSR conductor should match with the standards that have been set by international organizations. Some of these standards include IEC, ISO CENELEC, and many other standards.
The manufacturer should indicate these standards so that you know whether the ACSR cable that you want to buy is of good quality.
4. Stranding of ACSR conductor
There is a particular mode of stranding that the cable manufacturer should meet. The manufacturer should indicate whether they have attained the IS:398/1996 stranding on the ACSR conductor.
One of the requirements is the wires in each layer should be closely and evenly stranded. It is also a requirement that the successive layers shall have opposite directions of lay.
If the conductor has several layers of aluminum strands, the lay ratio of the aluminum strand shall not be more than the ratio of the strand beneath it.
5. The lay ratio of the ACSR conductor
The manufacturer should go ahead to indicate the lay ratio of the ACSR cable. This is the ratio of the axial length of one complete turn of the helix that is formed by the stranded core to the average diameter of the cable.
The lay ratio of the conductor should be within a defined range.
6. Joints in the conductors
To meet the required length, ACSR cables may be joined to form a single cable.
In such a case, the manufacturer should clearly define the joint requirements for the conductor.
Usually, no joints are allowed in the aluminum cables that are closer than 15 meters. This means that no two adjacent joints should be close to each other by less than 15 meters. Also, no joints are allowed on the steel core.
7. Weight of the ACSR conductor
You should find information regarding the weight of the conductor. The manufacturer will have indicated the gross weight of the cable and it should be proportionate to the length.
- The standard length of the conductor
Find out the standard length of the ACSR conductor that you are about to buy. The length should match where you intend to install the cable.
It is advisable to buy a longer ACSR conductor as long as it does not exceed the required weight limit.
9. Tests
ACSR conductor should specify the tests that they have done on the cables. The tests are to prove that the cable is of high quality and will perform excellently as expected by the consumer.
The manufacturer should define all the types of tests that have been carried out on the conductor. A combination of tests is carried out to ascertain the physical, mechanical and electrical properties of the cable.
Chapter 7: Choosing ACSR Conductor Manufacturer
Once you have made up your mind on buying the best ACSR conductor in China, the next move that you should make is finding a manufacturer or supplier.
With many ACSR manufacturers in China, it is clear that choosing one won’t be a walk in the park. Here are some valuable tips that you can use to find the best ACSR cable manufacturer in China.
-Check the ACSR conductor reviews: This is the easiest way of finding out the reputation that other people have towards the manufacturer.
From the reviews, you will be in a position to tell if the manufacturer has quality cables or not.
These reviews are available on the company’s website, online forums, social media pages among others.
If people are talking well about the company, then you should consider buying cables from them.
Be cautious of a manufacturer that has many negative reviews.
-The capacity of the manufacturer: You may consider visiting the manufacturer’s premises to find out about their production capacity.
From the visit, you will know about the manufacturing technology that they are using
-What quality assurance procedures does the manufacturer use? Quality assurance is a major step in any manufacturing process. It determines the quality of the cables that you will buy.
The manufacturer should brief you on the quality assurance tests that they take to ensure that the ACSR cables are of high quality.
-References to their customers: The cable manufacturer should be generous enough to tell you other customers who have bought cables from them. You can then seek the views of those customers to know how they rate the manufacturer.
Information about other customers can tell you what to expect from the manufacturer.
Chapter 8: Frequently Asked Questions About ACSR Conductors
Here are the questions that people ask about ACSR cables. From these questions, you will be able to grasp a thing or two about these conductors.
Q: What is the meaning of ACSR?
A: ACSR stands for aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced which is basically a type of conductor that is used for power transmission.
Q: What is the current-carrying capacity of ACSR conductors?
A: The current carrying capacity of the ACSR conductor is not fixed. It varies depending on various factors which include:
-The cross-sectional area of the conductor
-The conductor materials
-The temperature of the area
-Age of the conductor
Here is a complete illustration of the current carrying capacity of ACSR conductor
Q: Why are ACSR conductors named after animals- like Dog, Moose, Peacock, Hen, Zebra, etc |
A: They are named after animals for ease of identification based on the cross-section area and the type of conducting material. Different sizes of animals are used starting from the smallest to the largest. |
Q: Why are most overhead lines are ACSR conductor? |
A: ACSR conductor has proven to be the most reliable, efficient and cost-effective conductor for overhead lines. |
This type of conductor is strong and can perform well when exposed to different weather conditions. |
Q: What is the price of ACSR cable? |
A: Usually, the price tends to vary with the ACSR cable specifications. |
Q: Why does the steel strand in the ACSR conductor not carry current? |
A: The purpose of the steel strand in ACSR is to provide mechanical strength. It does not carry any current because it has a much lower conductivity than aluminum. Also, the self-inductance of the steel strands is very low hence there is no leakage of the electric current to the steel strand. |
Q: Where can I buy an affordable ACSR conductor? |
A: If you want to buy the best ACSR conductors at affordable prices, you should first find a reputable ACSR cable manufacturer in China. Such a manufacturer produces these cables in large quantity hence you can easily find them at low prices. |
Conclusion
From this guide, it is clear that there are all reasons to buy ACSR conductors for power transmission.
You are now in a perfect position to choose the right Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced for whichever project that you are undertaking.
You should also not take lightly the aspect of choosing a reliable ACSR conductor manufacturer or supplier in China. They will play a big role in ensuring that you get a quality product.
SSG Cable Group
If you have reached a point where you need to buy an ACSR conductor, consider making us your partner. We are a reputable and reliable ACSR cable manufacturer in China.
We deal with different specifications of ACSR cables. In terms of quality, our ACSR conductors meet international standards. We also adhere to strict quality assurance test procedures which ensure that we deliver the best cables to the market.