What is an ACSR Conductor? Explain its Types and Advantages

2025.07.14

Aluminum steel reinforced conductor (ACSR) is significant in electrical transmission systems because they are vital in the transmission of power over long distances. ACSR conductors are also characterized to be strong and conductive, making them a common wire in the overhead transmission line where both electrical and mechanical strength is required.

 

They are aluminum strand armed alloyed over a central core composed of steel. One of the advantages of such a hybrid construction lies in the large conductivity of the aluminum and the structural integrity of the steel; hence, ACSR finds good application in applications where a lot of weight and strength are required, like in utility transmission and grid networks.

 

The products being offered include OPGW (Optical Ground Wire), underground fiber optic cable, buried fiber optic cable, aluminum clad steel wire, dielectric self-supporting cable, and anchor clamps. As a forward-looking partner in the achievement of utility ventures, SDGI is a trustworthy partner in engineering excellence and an enterprise that values adherence to international standards.

What is an ACSR Conductor?

It has a centralized core of galvanized or aluminum-clad steel wires and is covered by one or two layers of electrical-grade aluminum strands.

 

Aluminum has high conductivity and lightweight properties, whereas steel has the structural strength for environmental stress, capable of carrying high electrical loads over long distances without sagging or breaking under tension.

 

Due to the weather-proofing and sound structure, the ACSR conductors are also implemented in zones with adverse weather conditions and problematic geography.

Types of ACSR Conductor

ACSR conductors are designed to meet specific electrical and mechanical requirements.

Single Core

This is the simplest form of ACSR. It uses one steel core and is insulated with one or more layers of aluminum wires are suitable for shorter transmission distances or lighter loads. Examples include ACSR Dog and ACSR Rabbit, following the international naming convention.

Multi-Stranded

These conductors are designed such that the core has several strands of steel wires that are surrounded by more layers of aluminum. The structure will give it a greater surface area so that more current can flow through the conductor as well as afford it greater mechanical strength. This is because, among the many choices, ACSR Moose has a special use since it is applied in Extra High Voltage (EHV) lines.

Gap-Type

In this kind, there is a small gap between the steel core and the aluminum coating occupied by viscous material that increases the life span.

Common Industry Names

ACSR conductors are often named after animals based on their size, features, and current-carrying capacity. Common types include:

● ACSR Dog is suitable for medium-voltage applications.

● ACSR Moose is for high-loading and high-voltage situations.

● ACSR Panther, ACSR Zebra, and ACSR Rabbit are designed for varying voltage levels and mechanical demands.

Key Advantages

Tensile Strength

An ACSR conductor can not be compared in tensile strength because the conductors have a reinforced center, which consists of steel. This is what makes it applicable in long-span constructions and even where extreme climatic effects such as ice loading, high winds, and mountainous regions are experienced.

Good Conductivity

Its interior is made of aluminum, and the layers are also too thick in order to give high conductivity. It will facilitate the transmission of electrical power in an easy and minimal power loss, especially over long distances.

Mechanically Efficient

ACSR conductors are lightweight weight although compared to the other conductors that are manufactured from steel, they are heavy-duty. This promotes the fact that transport will be less difficult, setting up will be less painful, and the transmission towers will not be overloaded.

Economical

Instead of using pure copper or other conductors, ACSR offers a more affordable alternative (compared to pure copper) without compromising performance. They do not have a lot of support towers to cover long distances, hence reducing the cost of infrastructure development.

Durability

ACSR conducting material is galvanized steel or aluminum-clad steel, and as a result, it is extremely resistant to corrosion. These conductors may be used on the shores, industrialized regions, and humid regions; therefore, there is no short life period or maintenance thereof.

Versatile with Advancements

Modern ACSR systems can be integrated with fiber optic technologies such as the OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) and fiber splitter loss management systems, enabling both power delivery and communication. Some of the equipment that can be hard-wired into this infrastructure includes drop cables, multimedia boxes, and PLC splitters.

SDGI Cable’s ACSR Solutions

SDGI Cable is being marketed as a market leader in the production of ACSR conductors that are of high quality and can be used in different environments and high-voltage requirements. All the products of the company are produced up to the international standards, including ASTM B232, BS EN 50182, and IEC 61089, proving the fact that they are accepted all over the world.

 Its product range includes:

● Moose, Dog, Panther, and Zebra ACSRs.

● Smart grid solutions featuring integrated conductors capable of supporting optical ground wires (OPGW).

SDGI focuses on

● Fiber optic ground wires (OPGW) for combined power and data transmission

● Underground fiber cables and cabinets are water-resistant

● All-dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) cables are suitable for non-metallic aerial installations

● Drop cables and multimedia boxes designed for FTTH (Fiber To The Home) networks

● High-speed data transceivers like the OSFP support 400G.

●  It also offers single-mode and multimode fiber capable of achieving high bandwidth and specific reach requirements.

Conclusion

Overhead power transmission using steel-reinforced aluminum conductors (ACSR) is preferred because of their distinct features of strength, efficiency, and durability. Layers of steel and aluminum have good performance at higher flexibility, reducing the cost of installation, especially on long-distance or high-voltage lines.

 

ACSR can be smoothly integrated with fiber optics, e.g., Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), and efficiently controls fiber splitter loss. Their use is suitable in modern power networks where high-level communication is essential. ACSR is easy to install and works well with other underground infrastructure and accessories attached to fiber optic cables, like anchor clamps and multimedia boxes.

 

SDGI Cable is a global provider offering a complete range of aluminum, steel reinforcement, fiber optic, and communication accessories. By strictly adhering to international standards, ACSR conductors can be customized to suit the specific age, location, and needs of each project, using SDGI. Visit SDGI, a leading competitor for utility companies aiming to build future-proof networks that fulfill both current and future expectations.


licheng@sdgi.com.cn
86-755-26506800
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