01/09/2026
Do you know the differences between AAC, AAAC, and ACSR overhead aluminum conductors?
Steel-core aluminum stranded conductor (ACSR): Made of a steel core wrapped in an outer layer of aluminum wire, it offers the highest tensile strength and is suitable for long spans, high-voltage transmission (110 kV/220 kV), and long-distance lines in mountainous areas. It also provides excellent electrical conductivity.
Disadvantages: Heavy weight; the steel core poses a risk of internal corrosion
All-Aluminum Stranded Wire (AAC): Made entirely of pure aluminum with no steel core, it offers the best electrical conductivity, is lightweight, and is inexpensive.
Disadvantages: Low tensile strength; can only be used for short spans, urban distribution networks, and short-distance lines; not suitable for long spans.
Aluminum-Magnesium-Silicon Alloy Stranded Wire (AAAC): An aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy with no steel core, it offers the highest corrosion resistance and is suitable for coastal environments with salt fog; Strength is higher than AAC but lower than ACSR. Disadvantages: Conductivity is slightly worse than AAC, and the price is relatively high.
Summary:
Long distances, large spans, high voltage → ACSR steel-core aluminum stranded wire
Short-distance urban distribution networks, where low cost and high conductivity are prioritized → AAC all-aluminum stranded wire
Coastal salt fog environments, medium spans → AAAC aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy stranded wire
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)