ACS Aluminium-Clad Steel Conductor
ACS conductor is stranded from aluminium-clad steel wires rather than aluminium wires surrounding a separate core. Each wire combines a steel substrate with an aluminium outer layer, giving the finished strand a defined balance of tensile strength, conductivity and surface protection. Wire grade, conductivity class and strand construction must match the intended duty.
Key Advantages
- Strength in every wire: The steel component carries mechanical load throughout the strand.
- Conductive outer layer: Aluminium cladding provides a continuous aluminium surface.
- Compact multifunctional strand: One wire system can serve selected earth, messenger or reinforcing duties.
Product Overview
An ACS conductor consists entirely of aluminium-clad steel wires. The aluminium layer is bonded around the steel component of each wire, so the product should not be confused with ACSR/AW, where aluminium conductor strands are laid around a separate aluminium-clad steel core.
The required conductivity and mechanical rating depend on the aluminium-clad steel wire grade, wire diameter, number of strands and finished construction. Selection should also account for fault-current or earthing duty where applicable, corrosion exposure, fittings, vibration and installation tension.
Key Features
- Every strand combines steel reinforcement with an aluminium external surface.
- Mechanical strength and conductivity are controlled by the specified aluminium-clad steel grade and construction.
- The uniform wire type simplifies identification compared with composite conductors containing separate outer and core materials.
- Compression fittings, clamps and connectors must be approved for aluminium-clad steel rather than assumed from aluminium or galvanised-steel hardware.
Product Applications
- Overhead earth or shield wires requiring both mechanical strength and conductivity
- Messenger and supporting strands for utility installations
- Reinforcing-core or structural conductor duties specified for aluminium-clad steel
Technical Specifications
ACS ASTM B 416
| Code Number | Area (mm²) | No. of wires | Diameters(wire) | Diameters(conductor) | Weight(kg/km) | Rated Strength (kN) | DC Resistance (Ω/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 No 5 Awg. | 50,32 | 3 | 4,62 | 9,96 | 334,1 | 54,42 | 1.6990 |
| 3 No 6 Awg. | 39 ,00 | 3 | 4,11 | 8,87 | 265,0 | 45,74 | 2.1420 |
| 3 No 7 Awg. | 31,65 | 3 | 3,67 | 7,90 | 210,1 | 38,36 | 2.7010 |
| 3 No 8 Awg. | 25,10 | 3 | 3,26 | 7,03 | 166,7 | 32,06 | 3.4060 |
| 3 No 9 Awg. | 19,90 | 3 | 2,91 | 6,26 | 132,2 | 25,43 | 4.2940 |
| 3 No 10 Awg. | 15,78 | 3 | 2,59 | 5,58 | 104,8 | 20,16 | 5.4150 |
| 7 No 5 Awg. | 117,40 | 7 | 4,62 | 13,90 | 781,1 | 120,27 | 0,7426 |
| 7 No 6 Awg. | 93,10 | 7 | 4,11 | 12,40 | 619,5 | 101,14 | 0,9198 |
| 7 No 7 Awg. | 73,87 | 7 | 3,67 | 11,00 | 491,1 | 84,81 | 1.1600 |
| 7 No 8 Awg. | 58,56 | 7 | 3,26 | 9,78 | 389,6 | 70,88 | 1.4630 |
| 7 No 9 Awg. | 46,44 | 7 | 2,91 | 8,71 | 308,9 | 56,20 | 1.8440 |
| 7 No 10 Awg. | 36,83 | 7 | 2,59 | 7,76 | 245,1 | 44,58 | 2.3250 |
| 7 No 11 Awg. | 29,21 | 7 | 2,30 | 6,91 | 194,4 | 35,35 | 2.9320 |
| 7 No 12 Awg. | 23,16 | 7 | 2,05 | 6,16 | 154,2 | 28,03 | 3.6970 |
| 19 No 5 Awg. | 318,70 | 19 | 4,62 | 23,10 | 2129,0 | 326,39 | 0,2698 |
| 19 No 6 Awg. | 252,70 | 19 | 4,11 | 20,60 | 1688,0 | 274,55 | 0,3402 |
| 19 No 7 Awg. | 200,40 | 19 | 3,67 | 18,30 | 1339,0 | 230,18 | 0,4290 |
| 19 No 8 Awg. | 158,90 | 19 | 3,26 | 16,30 | 1062,0 | 192,41 | 0,5409 |
| 19 No 9 Awg. | 126,10 | 19 | 2,91 | 14,50 | 842,0 | 152,58 | 0,6821 |
| 19 No 10 Awg. | 99,96 | 19 | 2,59 | 12,90 | 667,7 | 121,00 | 0,8601 |
| 37 No 5 Awg. | 620,60 | 37 | 4,62 | 32,30 | 4170,0 | 635,43 | 0,1394 |
| 37 No 6 Awg. | 492,20 | 37 | 4,11 | 28,80 | 3307,0 | 534,85 | 0,1757 |
| 37 No 7 Awg. | 390,30 | 37 | 3,67 | 25,70 | 2623,0 | 448,09 | 0,2216 |
| 37 No 8 Awg. | 309,50 | 37 | 3,26 | 22,90 | 2080,0 | 374,67 | 0,2794 |
| 37 No 9 Awg. | 245,50 | 37 | 2,91 | 20,30 | 1649,0 | 279,11 | 0,3523 |
| 37 No 10 Awg. | 194,70 | 37 | 2,59 | 17,90 | 1308,0 | 235,61 | 0,4443 |
ACS DIN 48201
| Code Number | Area | No. of wires | Diameters(mm) | Diameters(mm) | Weight | Rated Strength | DC Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mm2 | mm2 | No. of wires | wire | conductor | kg/km | kN | ohm/km |
| 25 | 24.25 | 7 | 2.1 | 6.3 | 162 | 31.56 | 3.546 |
| 35 | 34.36 | 7 | 2.5 | 7.5 | 229 | 44.72 | 2.499 |
| 50 | 49.48 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 330 | 64.4 | 1.736 |
| 70 | 65.81 | 19 | 2.1 | 10.5 | 441 | 85.65 | 1.313 |
| 95 | 93.27 | 19 | 2.5 | 12.5 | 626 | 121.39 | 0.925 |
| 120 | 116.99 | 19 | 2.8 | 14 | 785 | 152.26 | 0.737 |
| 150 | 147.11 | 37 | 2.25 | 15.7 | 990 | 191.46 | 0.587 |
| 185 | 181.62 | 37 | 2.5 | 17.5 | 1221 | 236.38 | 0.476 |
| 240 | 242.54 | 61 | 2.25 | 20.2 | 1635 | 299.05 | 0.357 |
| 300 | 299.43 | 61 | 2.5 | 22.5 | 2017 | 369.2 | 0.289 |
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From Production to Delivery
From raw material preparation to final shipmen, every stage is caretuly controled to ensure consistent conductor quality, reliable pertormance,and sae delivery. Our roduction,
inspection, packaging, and logistics processes are managed in accordance with applicable standards and project requirements.
Production
Steel wire is continuously clad with aluminium, drawn to the specified diameter and concentrically stranded in the required wire count.
Inspection
Inspection emphasizes cladding integrity, wire diameter, strand construction, surface condition and the mechanical values required by the chosen standard.
Packaging
ACS is wound with bend radius and tension selected to protect the aluminium cladding from scoring or cracking.
Shipping
Drums are marked with strand construction, standard and length so the intended ground-wire, messenger or core application remains identifiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a buyer distinguish ACS from ACSR/AW?
ACS is made entirely from aluminium-clad steel wires. ACSR/AW has current-carrying aluminium strands around an aluminium-clad steel reinforcing core. Their construction, resistance, mass and fittings are therefore different.
Which conductivity grade should be stated for an ACS conductor?
Use the grade required by the governing standard or project specification. Do not assume that all aluminium-clad steel wires have the same conductivity, tensile properties or aluminium thickness.
Can ACS be used as an overhead earth wire?
It can be specified for earth or shield-wire duties, but the design must verify fault-current capacity, temperature rise, mechanical loading, lightning performance, corrosion conditions and the complete grounding system.
What connector information is required for aluminium-clad steel strand?
Provide the finished diameter, strand count, individual wire size, mechanical rating, conductivity grade and intended connection. Connector material and installation method must avoid damaging the cladding.
Should the aluminium cladding be checked during inspection?
Yes. The applicable specification should define dimensional, surface, bonding and electrical or mechanical tests. The agreed inspection plan should identify which wire and finished-strand checks are required.
What must be included in an ACS request for quotation?
State the standard and edition, wire grade or conductivity class, strand construction, size, quantity, drum length, intended duty, required tests, packing and destination.
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