Aluminium Clad Steel (ACS)

Aluminium clad steel (ACS) wire is a type of electrical conductor where the steel core is clad or coated with a layer of aluminium. This design combines the high strength of steel with the lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties of aluminium, making it suitable for various overhead transmission and distribution applications in the electrical industry.

Properties:
Corrosion resistance:
Aluminium clad steel (ACS) wire offers enhanced corrosion resistance compared to traditional steel-core wires due to the aluminium cladding, which forms a protective barrier against environmental elements such as moisture and oxidation. This characteristic extends the lifespan and reliability of ACS wire in outdoor and corrosive environments.

High Conductivity:
Aluminium clad steel (ACS) wire combines the mechanical strength of steel with the high electrical conductivity of aluminium due to the outer aluminium layer. This design allows ACS wire to efficiently transmit electricity while maintaining durability and reducing overall weight compared to conventional steel wires.

If compared to copper, the ACS presents a conductivity of 14%, 14%, 20%, 27%, 30% or 40%, in accordance with the layer of aluminium that is used (5%, 10%, 14%, 15% or 25% of the radius).

High Ratio Resistance Weight:
Aluminium clad steel (ACS) wire offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, combining the mechanical strength of steel with the lightweight properties of aluminium, making it advantageous for overhead transmission lines.

Applications:
It serves as the core material in ACSR/AW, overhead ground conductors, extra high voltage transmission lines, optical fiber composite ground wires, self-damping conductors, bare overhead conductors, OPGW, ground wires, messenger wires and guy wires. Additionally, it is used in formed wires for protecting, terminating and splicing transmission and distribution lines, as well as in fences, barbed wires and various hardware applications.

Standard:
Their aluminium clad steel wire meets or exceeds the following specifications: IEC 61232, ASTM B415, ASTM B502, AS 3607 and other international standards.