ACSS

Aluminum conductor steel supported (ACSS) is the most widely used type of conductor for reconductoring. ACSS is mainly used for overhead transmission and can handle temperatures of up to 250°C without failing.

ACSS is known as a high-temperature low-sag advanced conductor and has higher efficiency than its aluminum conductor steel reinforced (ACSR) counterpart. It is capable of carrying more electrical load and sags less in comparison to the ACSR.

ACSS undergoes annealing in the manufacturing process - a heat treatment that enhances the steel and aluminum's physical and chemical properties. Bekaert's ACSS steel core is best used in the transmission and distribution industry. It's an ideal solution for improving grid efficiency and providing reliable services to consumers without the hefty costs.

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ACSS Trapezoidal Wire

ACSS trapezoidal wire conductors feature trapezoidal aluminum geometry, resulting in a smaller outer diameter, unlike conventional round wires. This feature is effective in reducing sag from wind and ice loading.

Along with the single and 7-wire ACSS cores, we offer a 19-wire strand for our ACSS and ACSR conductors. While ACSS and ACSR conductors can be produced using fewer steel strands, our 19-wire strand provides several benefits, including less thermal expansion, improved corrosion resistance, flexibility, ampacity and strength.

The Leader in ACSS Wire Production

Our engineers have decades of combined experience working closely with clients to ensure our wire products meet each company's unique operational requirements. Bolstered by our coating technologies, each wire strand is protected against corrosion. We offer various coating options, including galvanized (zinc) and Bezinal®, our proprietary coating technology that combines zinc and aluminum for superior corrosion protection.

ACSS steel core is part of Bekaert's wide portfolio of wire products. Catering specifically to the power industry, our ACSS steel cores are designed for efficient grid enhancement.

ACSS pre-annealed conductor offers significantly higher electrical and thermal capacities than ACSR while accounting for sag performance without jeopardizing safety or degrading the core. These solutions play a critical role in the Evolving Grid program, an initiative created to increase the capacity and reliability of the federal transmission system while meeting renewable resource requirements.

ACSS Conductor Specifications

Bekaert's ACSS steel core is manufactured according to various standards from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the CSA Group. We also maintain ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certifications that emphasize our commitment to quality management and environmental responsibility.

We strive to provide our customers with various products for multiple applications. Our ACSS steel cores are classified in different ASTM strength grades, ensuring you can find the products you need for your projects.

Our products are available in the following strength grades:

GA2: Regular strength
GA3: High strength
GA4: Extra high strength
GA5: Ultra high strength
MA2: Regular strength
MA3: High strength
MA4: Extra high strength
MA5: Ultra high strength

The Steel Core Advantage

The U.S. urgently needs to expand its electrical transmission capacity to support decarbonization goals and increased renewable energy sources. However, expansion rates have slowed due to various challenges, including permitting delays and rising costs. A promising solution is reconductoring, which involves replacing existing transmission line conductors with advanced conductor technologies (ACTs) that boost capacity using existing structures. These ACTs, featuring ultra-high strength steel cores, offer higher operating temperatures and lower sag than traditional aluminum conductor steel reinforced (ACSR) cables. The Idaho National Laboratory's report highlights that ACSS/TW conductors provide significant capacity increases and can be installed using conventional techniques familiar to ACSR, reducing training and labor costs. Unlike composite core conductors, steel core designs like ACSS/TW are easier to recycle and avoid the fragility issues associated with composite materials. For utilities aiming to maximize capacity through reconductoring, ACSS/TW designs offer a high-capacity, cost-effective solution with fewer installation complexities.

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Why Choose Bekaert?

Bekaert is the largest independent manufacturer of steel and aluminum wires in North America. Our wide range of core competencies allows us to develop high-quality products that meet the specific needs of various industries, and we offer some of the fastest turnaround times for small-lot quantities and large production runs.

We are a people-first company. Along with our commitment to excellence and superior product quality, we emphasize world-class customer service. With our industry expertise, we make sure to meet your product specifications better and faster.

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Browse our catalog if you are looking to buy ACSS wire and other top-of-the-line steel wire products. Contact us today to learn more about our products and the industries we serve.

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