Overhead Line Conductor
High-Tensile Bare & Insulated Conductors for Transmission Lines, Distribution Networks and Rural Electrification
IEC 61089 · ASTM B232 · BS 215 Certified | ACSR/AW Anti-Corrosion for Coastal & Middle East Projects | Voltage Range: 6.6kV – 500kV+ | Exported to 138 Countries | Quote & Datasheet Response
From aluminium bare conductors for distribution lines to high-temperature composite conductors for transmission upgrades, ZMS supplies the complete range of overhead transmission line conductor to IEC, ASTM and BS standards.
Overhead Conductor Catalogue (PDF)
ZMS provides our partners around the world with brochures of our cable products, including aerial cables, submarine cables, control cables and other types of special cables, and more.
All Aluminium Conductor (AAC) is made out of hard-drawn aluminum conductors as per EN 60889 Type AL1 according to BS 215. ZMS produces refined aluminum-stranded conductors with a minimum metal purity of 99.7%.
Application:
AAC conductor is mainly used in urban areas with short distances and close supports. Its characteristics are good corrosion resistance and can be used near the coast.
High-strength aluminium-magnesium-silicon alloy conductor. Better sag performance than AAC with superior corrosion resistance, ideal for medium and long span distribution and sub-transmission lines.
Application:
With better strength and weight, better electrical properties, better vertical tensile properties, and better corrosion resistance than AAC and ACSR, AAAC conductors are widely used in distribution and medium- and high-voltage transmission lines.
ACSR conductors, known as Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) cables, are commonly used for overhead power lines. It consists of a solid or stranded steel core surrounded by aluminum strands.1350-H-19 Aluminum wire is concentrically stranded on the steel core.
Application:
The most widely used overhead transmission conductor globally. Steel-reinforced core provides high tensile strength for long spans and high-voltage lines from 33kV to 500kV. ACSR/AW anti-corrosion type available for coastal and GCC projects.
ACAR conductor is a concentric-lay-stranded conductor made from round aluminum 1350-H19 (extra hard) wires and round aluminum 6201-T81 wires. ACAR is used as a bare overhead transmission line and as a primary and secondary distribution cable.
Application:
At the same weight, ACAR can provide higher strength and load capacity than ACSR.
Insulated multi-core bundled cables for overhead distribution lines. Safer than bare conductors, requires less right-of-way, and is widely used in rural electrification, urban distribution, and areas with limited pole spacing.
Application:
Aerial cables have the advantages of simple structure, convenient installation, and maintenance, low cost, and large transmission capacity. It is widely used in power transmission and distribution lines of various voltage levels.
Duplex Service Drop Wire, its main composition is 1350-H19 aluminum with phase conductors concentrically twisted and PVC or XLPE for insulation. The neutral core is made of concentrically twisted AAC, ACSR, or 6201 aluminum alloy.
Application:
Mainly used for 120V overhead service applications. Such as street lighting, outdoor lighting, and building temporary services. The voltage between the phases is 600V and below. The conductor temperature of PVC insulated conductors does not exceed 75 °C, and the conductor temperature of XLPE insulated conductors does not exceed 90 °C.
Advanced composite-core conductors (ACCC, ACSS, GTACSR) for high-capacity transmission and reconductoring projects. Operates at up to 210°C with up to 100% more current capacity than standard ACSR.
IEC 61089 conductor / ASTM B232 (ACSS)
International Standards & Regional Compliance
Region | Standards | Products |
|---|---|---|
Middle East (GCC) | IEC 61089 · BS 215-2 | ACSR / ACSR/AW / AAC / AAAC |
North Africa / French-speaking | IEC 61089 · NFC 33-209 | ACSR / AAC / ABC |
Europe | EN 50182 · EN 50183 · HD 626 | AAC / AAAC / ACSR |
South America | IEC 61089 · ABNT NBR 5123 · IRAM 2362 | ACSR / AAC / ABC |
North America | ASTM B232 · B399 · B524 | ACSR / AAAC / ACAR |
Australia / NZ | AS/NZS 3607 · IEC 61089 | Full range |
Overhead Line Conductors for Middle East & Coastal Projects
- ACSR/AW (aluminum-clad steel core) — 5–10× better corrosion resistance than galvanized core. Standard choice for coastal GCC lines.
- HTLS conductors (ACCC/ACSS) — uprate existing lines up to 100% without new towers.
- Type-tested to IEC 61089 and BS 215-2 — accepted by Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), DEWA (Dubai), and ADWEA (Abu Dhabi).
- Saudi Arabia — 132 kV transmission line, ACSR/AW 240/40 mm², 180 km
- UAE — 33 kV distribution, AAAC 150 mm², 95 km
- Iraq — 132 kV reconductoring, ACSR Bird / Dog, 120 km
Overhead Line Conductor Applications
High-Voltage Transmission (66 kV – 500 kV)
ACSR is the global standard for bulk power transmission. Steel core provides the tensile strength for long tower spans, minimizing civil cost. Sizes 16–1250 mm² per IEC 61089 / ASTM B232.
Distribution Lines (6.6 kV – 33 kV)
AAC for urban coastal distribution, AAAC for longer rural spans, ABC where clearance or safety is limited. ACAR available where higher strength-to-weight is needed.
Long Span Crossings (>500 m)
River, valley, and mountain crossings require high-tensile conductors. ACSR 26/7 or 54/7 stranding and ACSR/AS (high-strength core) recommended for spans over 800 m. Custom drum lengths available.
Reconductoring & Grid Uprating
HTLS conductors (ACCC, ACSS) double the ampacity on existing towers without structural upgrade. The most cost-effective way to add capacity in congested corridors.
FAQ – Overhead Line Conductors
