OVERHEAD CONDUCTOR · ACSR · IEC 60889 / GB/T 1179
ACSR — aluminium conductor steel reinforced for overhead lines.
ACSR pairs a high-strength steel core with a conductive aluminium outer layer. The steel carries the mechanical load across long spans; the aluminium carries the current. It is the standard conductor for transmission and distribution overhead lines worldwide.
§01 — Where ACSR is specified
One conductor, every overhead duty.
High-voltage transmission lines
220 kV down to 35 kV lines where span length and ice/wind load drive the mechanical design. Steel core proportion rises with the span.
Distribution networks
Medium-voltage distribution laterals and feeders. Moderate steel content keeps cost down while holding the span.
River & valley crossings
Extra-long spans and river crossings use high steel-ratio ACSR (or ACCC where thermal rating is critical) to control sag.
§02 — Construction
Steel core, aluminium shell.
| Layer | Function | Typical build |
|---|---|---|
| Steel core | Carries tensile / mechanical load | 1, 7 or 19 galvanized (or aluminized) steel wires, centred |
| Aluminium outer layer(s) | Carries the current | 2 or 3 layers of 1350-H19 aluminium strands stranded around the core |
| Grease (optional) | Corrosion protection in the interstices | Anti-corrosion compound between core and aluminium on coastal / humid routes |
Stranding geometry (core wires, aluminium layers, lay ratio) is selected against the required breaking load and DC resistance for the line design. Final stranding confirmed against the conductor schedule.
§03 — Technical parameters
Certified values issued with every order.
ACSR is built to the customer’s line design. Stranding, overall diameter, mass, DC resistance and rated breaking load are confirmed against the ordered standard — GB/T 1179, IEC 61089 or ASTM B232 — and delivered in the mill test certificate on each reel. Send the required cross-section, or the load current and sag target, and we return the exact construction.
Construction standards: IEC 60889 (former), IEC 61089, GB/T 1179, ASTM B232.
§04 — Standards & certification
Standards we build ACSR to.
IEC 61089
GB/T 1179
ASTM B232
ISO 9001:2015
ACSR is produced to IEC 61089 / GB/T 1179 / ASTM B232 against the customer’s line schedule. ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001 system certification is in place (valid to 2027-12-26). Certificate numbers are shared on request and with each order.
§05 — What we need from your RFQ
Five inputs lock the conductor.
- Line voltage & system — 35 / 110 / 220 kV or distribution class.
- Required cross-section — or the load current + sag target so we calculate it.
- Span & environment — ruling span, ice/wind load, coastal or corrosive atmosphere.
- Steel ratio — normal, high or extra-high steel content for the span.
- Standards & tests — GB/T 1179 / IEC / ASTM; third-party inspection (SGS / BV / TÜV).
FAQ
Common questions on ACSR procurement.
Why steel core and not all-aluminium?
Aluminium has roughly one-third the strength of steel at equal weight. A steel core lets the conductor span kilometres between towers while the aluminium outer layer keeps resistance low and cost reasonable. All-aluminium (AAC) is used only on short spans.
What does the “50/8” code mean?
It is the aluminium-area / steel-area ratio in mm² (here 50 mm² aluminium, 8 mm² steel). The ratio sets the strength-to-conductance balance: higher steel ratio = stronger but slightly higher resistance.
Is anti-corrosion grease needed?
On coastal, industrial or high-humidity routes, grease between the steel core and aluminium layers slows galvanic corrosion. We confirm grease requirement against the route environment at enquiry stage.
Can you supply the full reel with test certificate?
Yes — routine test on every reel with a mill test certificate. Type-test certificate is supplied against the confirmed standard with the order.
Send the line voltage and span. We confirm the conductor in 24 hours.
Share: line voltage & system, required cross-section (or load + sag target), ruling span and environment, steel ratio, destination port.
Related
DATASHEET
Datasheet
The ACSR datasheet with stranding, diameter, mass, resistance and breaking-load tables is issued with every confirmed order together with the mill test certificate.