In this topic, you study Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR).
The aluminium conductor has less tensile strength, this drawback is overcome by ACSR conductor. An aluminium conductor having a central core of galvanised steel wire surrounded by stranded aluminium conductors is known as ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced). The steel wire increases tensile strength. Stranded conductors increase ACSR the flexibility of conductor. The central steel wire is coated with zinc, so it is called Galvanised steel. This prevents rusting. The zinc coating also prevents electrolytic corrosion process between aluminium and steel (Refer Fig. 1). ACSR is considerably cheaper than copper conductor. It is 50% stronger and 20% lighter than copper conductor. Since strength of ACSR is more, the span between supports (towers) can be kept more. The number of conductors including steel wire is given by 3n (n + 1) + 1, where n is the number of layers of aluminium wire.
Features of ACSR Conductor
- Considerably cheaper than copper conductor.
- 50% stronger and 20% lighter than copper.
- Span between supports can be kept more, hence less number Of supports are required.
- Reduction in maintenance cost.
- ACSR are widely used for transmission and distribution works.
Fig. 1: ACSR Conductor