AAC vs. AAAC vs. ACSR: Choosing a Bare Transmission Overhead Cable
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.
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 6201-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.
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.
- 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.
Whichever cable you choose, those are the top standard cables for utility power lines nationwide. NNC is a leading seller of ACSR, AAC, and AAAC cables on the market, with some of the best prices on high-quality products. Aluminum transmission and distribution cables have been some of the most popular cables in our product range.
