How to choose aluminum overhead conductor - AAC AAAC ACSR

Aluminum conductor are mainly used in overhead line application and primary and secondary electrical power distribution.

AAC is mainly used in urban where space is short and supports are closer together. The advantage of AAC conductor is that they have a high degree of corrosion resistance, they are widely used in coastal areas. AAC conductors are developed as a consequence of the galvanic corrosion to which ACSR are susceptible.

Need more strength to use AAAC conductors, AAAC are used as bare conductor for transmission and distribution lines. AAAC also has better buckling characteristics and a better strength-to-weight ratio than AAC.

The advantage of ACSR is that it has high tensile strength and is light in weight, which means that on long spans it needs fewer supports. ACSR consists of several aluminum and galvanised steel conductors, concentric stranded. Galvanised steel conductors consist of 1, 7, 19 conductors. ACSR is available with varying percentages of steel conductors to achieve different strength. ACSR are used for river crossings, guard cables and large additional spans.

What are the differences between ACSR, AAC and AAAC conductors

The biggest difference between AAC, AAAC and ACSR is the materials they are made from. AAC is made from electrolytically refined aluminum with a minimum purity of 99.7%. AAAC is made from aluminum alloy. ACSR is combination of aluminum and steel conductors.

In ACSR conductor, the galvanized steel core carries the mechanical load and the high purity aluminum bears the current. AAC and AAAC conductor can not do this.

The second factor that between the three conductors is their resistance corrosion, which is important for the life of the cable. ACSR has poorer resistance corrosion, because steel is prone to rust. AAC and AAAC has better resistance corrosion, because they are largely or completely aluminum.

What are the similarities between ACSR, AAC and AAAC conductors

AAC, AAAC and ACSR are used in overhead power lines, and for different details applications, which relate to power distribution and transmission.

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The three most popular cables for aluminum transmission and distribution lines are AAC, AAAC, and ACSR. This blog highlights the differences between the three and the best applications for each cable.

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AAC: All Aluminum Conductor Cable Characteristics and Uses

AAC cables have pure aluminum stranded conductors with an aluminum purity of 99,7 percent. These characteristics of aluminum conductors mean that the cable is highly corrosion-resistant.

The typical applications of the AAC aluminum cable are:

• Overhead power lines in coastal areas where cables are subjected to corrosion.
• Railway and metro utility industries
• Power lines in cities and urban areas

AAAC: All Aluminium Alloy Conductor Cable Characteristics and Uses

AAAC utility wire has a conductor made of aluminum alloy instead of pure aluminum. The particular grade of aluminum alloy used in these cables is -T81. This high-quality alloy is up to national and international standards.

AAAC cable also has better sag attributes and a strength-to-weight ratio than other transmission line cables. This cable has superior mechanical resistance compared to different types of distribution cables, which makes it suitable for aerial ducts.

The corrosion resistance of these cables is better than ACSR utility cables but worse than AAC wire.

• AAAC cables are typically used in overhead power lines crossing the river and overhead power lines in cold areas. Basically, they are used in places that are less subjected to corrosion than where AAC cables are normally used. 

ACSR: Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced Cable Characteristics and Uses

ACSR cables are cables with aluminum conductors reinforced with steel. The conductors are made of aluminum but have a reinforced steel core.

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The range of steel is different from cable to cable, varying anywhere between 6 and 40 percent. The more steel there is, the greater the strength of the conductor.

ACSR conductors have larger diameters than AAC and AAAC ones, which positively impacts the corona effect. ACSR cable is strong without compromising on ampacity. This is an excellent characteristic for high-voltage and extra-high voltage power lines.

Thanks to the steel reinforcement, the ACSR has superior tensile strength compared to its counterparts. This helps the cable effortlessly run for long distances. 

Despite its strength, the steel in the ACSR cable is prone to corrosion, so this cable is not used in humidity conditions.

ACSR cables are used in:

• Overhead power lines
• Overhead installations that cross the river
• Extra-long overhead installations
• Overhead power installations not located in urban and rural areas
• High-voltage and extra-high-voltage power lines

The less common variation of this cable, AACR, has an all-aluminum conductor reinforced with steel. This cable has superior conductivity compared to regular ACSR aluminum wire.

 Choosing A Cable For My Project

Overhead transmission networks employ cables with aluminum conductors. When it comes to overhead power lines, AAC aluminum cable is a superior cable, closely followed by AAAC. However, ACSR aluminum cable also has its own strengths.

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• ACSR has excellent tensile strength and can run for very long distances. However, this cable is comparatively not sag-effective and is prone to corrosion.
• AAAC is the most sag-effective cable with good corrosion resistance, conductivity, and strength-to-weight ratio.
• AAC is the best cable in terms of conductivity and resistance to corrosion. It is also the lightest cable.