Overhead transmission of power depends mainly on the conductors. When selecting conductors, you must monitor efficiency, quality, and superior performance.
Two crucial types are Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced and regular steel wire.
Usually, an ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) conductor has better efficiency and easy deployment with a little higher upfront costs and long-term benefits.
Today, we will discuss the ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) benefits and features and explain how SGDI has provided users with quality solutions. Let's know!
ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) refers to the Aluminium Conductor Steel-Reinforced. This type of conductor is helpful for overhead transmission lines and has two fundamental components.
● One of the aluminum alloys that provide high conductivity and lightweight features.
● Second is the steel core, which shows off the toughness of the materials. It helps withstand all the extremes of environments and ensures a smoother experience.
It can be an alternative to the buried fiber optic cables and ensure the supply of power thousands of miles away.
The combo of two materials in a single cable helps reach longer distances. Here are a few use cases that make it a more valuable situation for businesses and users looking for power transmission.
● High-voltage transmission lines (110 kV and above)
● Long-distance overhead distribution
● River crossings, mountainous terrain, or urban spans where structural integrity is critical
● Lines subject to high wind load, ice accumulation, or thermal expansion
Many users want to save some money and sacrifice ACSR (aluminum conductor steel reinforced) cables for regular steel wires. Should you do that? Never! It is because of several benefits discussed below.
One of the prominent reasons for choosing ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) cables over regular steel wires is electrical conductivity. Aluminium has 61% electrical conductivity compared to copper. It is still many times compared to steel.
Moreover, the longer distance transmission has several issues, such as the power losses in the form of heat. However, aluminum has a low resistance and produces less heat than regular steel. Therefore, it is more efficient in the overhead transmission of the electrical supply over extended distances.
We have already described ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) cables as a combo of steel and aluminum. Both metals combine their unique features and bestow this material.
For example:
Aluminium is a lightweight material that reduces sag. Moreover, it allows longer spans between towers, reducing infrastructure costs.
On the other hand, steel core is known for its tensile strength. So, it allows the conductor to withstand mechanical stress, such as:
● Ice loading
● High wind speeds
● Thermal expansion from current loads
Combining both metals delivers impressive features, like lightweight, conductivity, and strength.
The steel core is the strength of the ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) cables. It can withstand robust conditions and provides the following features to the wires.
● Remain stable under heavy snow or ice accumulation
● Withstand tension forces over long spans without sagging.
● Resist vibrations from wind (galloping effect).
The ability to withstand wind, ice, and tension without sagging makes it ideal for transmitting electricity over longer distances.
The electricity supply is primarily transmitted outdoors. Sometimes, wires have to pass through marine environments. Other times, they bear the constant moisture.
In that case, the probability of corrosion increases, leading to slow deterioration of the metallic components of the cable. However, ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) cables have already dominated this part by providing endless strength to the users with the following features.
● The aluminum oxide layer prevents oxidation on the surface and avoids the risks of rusting.
● The steel core is zinc-plated to prevent any possibility of corrosion.
● In marine and extreme conditions, ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) uses aluminum-clad steel wires. They are overprotective of the corrosion and keep it miles away!
Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced cables are equally suitable for indoor and outdoor environments and are more sustainable in harsh environmental conditions.
Do you plan to stay within your budget and cut costs? Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced cables are usually cheaper than those of the same type of copper material. They are even lightweight and environmentally resistant to minimize the upfront cost.
Here is more that makes these cables more cost-effective.
● Material cost is affordable compared to regular steel cables with the same features.
● There is little to no maintenance required, cutting costs on the maintenance. Moreover, it also provides durability that slashes the need for future equipment repurchases.
● Fewer structural supports are needed in such cases. The lightweight and robust material strength is sufficient to install at affordable prices.
Feature | ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced) | Regular Steel Wire |
Electrical Conductivity | High (due to aluminum) – more efficient for long-distance transmission | Low – poor conductor of electricity |
Weight | Lightweight due to aluminum component | Heavier and less suitable for long spans |
Strength | High tensile strength due to steel core | Strong, but lacks flexibility and lightweight properties |
Cost-Effectiveness | More economical in long run – minimal losses and maintenance | Higher long-term cost – inefficient and high maintenance |
Resistance to Environmental Stress | Withstands ice loading, wind, thermal expansion | Less resistant – may deform or corrode |
Corrosion Resistance | Excellent – aluminum oxide layer and galvanized/aluminum-clad steel core | Poor – prone to rust and corrosion |
Installation & Maintenance Cost | Lower – lightweight, easy to install, and needs less maintenance | Higher – needs frequent support and may corrode quickly |
Lifespan | Longer – withstands environmental extremes | Shorter in harsh conditions |
ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) conductors are useful in modern applications and have an integral place. Here are a few applications.
Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced cables can transmit power over longer distances without losing energy. Many national and local grid systems utilize this technology to transfer power. ACSR for 110 kV, 220 kV, 400 kV, and even 765 kV lines is highly useful for the power transmission lines while saving energy.
Today is the age of solar energy. Transmission no longer deals with aluminum conductor-reinforced cables. It can provide corrosion resistance and wipe out all the hassles. You get quality storage and minimize power losses.
Since ACSR is highly durable and withstands harsh industrial conditions, they are the first choice for the industrial sectors. Internal power transmission without losses can ensure an excellent experience in such cases.
Do you want to take the electricity from the central grid to the rural and urban sectors? It is a hassle-free task for the ACSR cables because of their high-quality transmission. Over a longer distance, ACSR can preserve energy and keep the system going.
If you have chosen SDGI as your partner, that would be great because of several features that are compatible with the harsh environment.
Here are a few benefits you can get.
● Customized conductor designs for varying aluminum-to-steel ratios based on customer needs.
● High-purity aluminum strands for superior conductivity.
● Galvanized or aluminum-clad steel cores for enhanced corrosion resistance.
● Rigorous mechanical and thermal testing to ensure long-term durability in all environmental conditions.
All these situations are your savior in harsh conditions and keep your installation going without delay.
SDGI is a preferred partner for hundreds of consumers deploying ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) solutions. You can grab a range of products under this label, from consultation to quality cables.
Here are a few more reasons to select the SGDI cables.
SDGI has an extensive manufacturing setup filled with advanced technology and state-of-the-art machinery. Our CNC machines ensure precision and provide flawless quality. ISO-certified production processes don't let you down. We go for in-house testing for mechanical stress, corrosion, and conductivity.
Do you have different ideas about the ASRC cables? Tell us about your dream designs and customization. We even keep you updated on the quality.
Different variants, such as AACSR and ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced)/AW, are available. Moreover, we meet custom lengths, packaging, and labeling per client needs.
Whether you work in Europe, the US, or the UK, we are equally beneficial for you because of our certificates, which are a golden ticket.
Compliance with ASTM, BS, IEC, and DIN standards ensures you don't receive a single ban from the local authorities. Plus, our expanded shipping network takes products to your location quickly. Therefore, utility companies in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe trust our company.
ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) cables keep an edge over the steel wires in terms of factors like:
● Electrical efficiency
● Mechanical performance
● Weight optimization
● Durability
● Long-term cost-effectiveness
You get all the necessary components for higher upfront costs but with extended benefits. Do you know where to grab the ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) solutions?
SDGI is your long-term partner with a robust manufacturing system and eyes on quality control. You fetch premium products and quality tools. Check out the SDGI Cable's ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) conductor offerings, or contact us for consultation.
