What is the primary material in Aluminum Conductor Steel-Reinforced Cable (ACSR)?

The primary material in Aluminum Conductor Steel-Reinforced Cable (ACSR) is aluminum wire stranded around a steel core. This design combines the lightweight and excellent conductivity of aluminum with the strength and rigidity of steel. ACSR is particularly advantageous for overhead power lines because it can support large spans while maintaining low sag and reducing the risk of breakage due to wind or ice loads.

Using aluminum as the primary conductor maximizes efficiency in terms of conductivity while the steel core offers the necessary mechanical strength to withstand tension. This allows ACSR cables to be both effective in transmitting electricity and durable enough to endure environmental stresses. The combination of both materials reflects an engineered solution aimed at optimizing both electrical and physical properties in utility applications.

Pure aluminum wire lacks the strength and rigidity of steel, making it unsuitable for situations requiring significant tension. Steel alone would not be effective for electrical conduction and would fail to meet utility conductivity requirements. Copper wire, while very conductive, is heavier and more expensive than aluminum, making it less suitable for overhead applications than ACSR. Thus, the design of ACSR as a composite of aluminum and steel is integral to its function and performance in utility environments.