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Bare Conductor for Long-Span Overhead Power Transmission

Time: 2026-07-29 08:57:42 Source: Henan Province Jianyun Cable Co., Ltd.

Bare conductor

Author: Jianyun Cable

Bare conductor is widely used in overhead transmission and distribution systems where electrical efficiency, mechanical strength, long-span performance, and outdoor durability are essential. Unlike insulated cables, a bare conductor does not include an external insulation layer or protective jacket. It is installed on poles or transmission towers with suitable insulators and safety clearances.

Different bare conductor structures are available for different operating conditions. AACSR, or Aluminum Alloy Conductor Steel Reinforced, combines conductive aluminum alloy wires with a high-strength steel core. This construction provides a practical balance between current-carrying capacity, tensile strength, sag control, and resistance to demanding mechanical loads.

Jianyun Cable supplies NF C34-125 AACSR bare conductor for river crossings, long-span transmission lines, heavy-ice areas, overhead ground wires, and other power transmission projects requiring greater mechanical strength.

Recommended Bare Conductor:

NF C34-125 AACSR Bare Conductor from Jianyun Cable

What Is a Bare Conductor?

A bare conductor is an electrical conductor manufactured without an insulating covering. It is mainly used for overhead power transmission, distribution lines, substation busbars, grounding systems, railway networks, and industrial power systems.

Because the conductor is exposed to the surrounding air, the installation must maintain safe clearance from the ground, buildings, vegetation, and other conductors. The supporting insulators and line design provide the necessary electrical isolation.

Common bare conductor types include AAC, AAAC, ACSR, and AACSR. Each structure offers a different balance of conductivity, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, weight, and sag performance.

What Is AACSR Bare Conductor?

AACSR stands for Aluminum Alloy Conductor Steel Reinforced. It is a concentrically stranded overhead conductor manufactured with one or more layers of aluminum alloy wires surrounding a high-strength steel core.

The aluminum alloy section carries electrical current and contributes mechanical strength. The central steel section provides additional tensile strength for long spans, river crossings, heavy loading conditions, and installations where sag control is important.

The proportion of aluminum alloy and steel can be adjusted according to the required relationship between current capacity and mechanical performance.

Main AACSR Construction

Component Function
6201-T81 aluminum alloy wires Carry electrical current while providing additional mechanical strength
High-strength steel core Supports tensile loads and reduces excessive sag on long spans
Concentric stranded construction Creates a stable and balanced overhead conductor
Galvanized or aluminum-clad core options Provide different levels of corrosion protection
Optional protective grease Improves corrosion protection in demanding environments

Main Advantages of AACSR Bare Conductor

Advantage Practical Benefit
High tensile strength Suitable for long spans and high mechanical loads
Good current-carrying capacity Supports efficient overhead power transmission
Improved sag performance Helps maintain conductor clearance over extended spans
Strong resistance to mechanical loading Suitable for wind, ice, and demanding geographical conditions
Flexible steel-core options Allows corrosion protection to match the project environment
No insulation layer Reduces conductor weight and supports efficient heat dissipation

Common Bare Conductor Applications

AACSR bare conductor is commonly selected for overhead electrical projects that require greater mechanical strength than a standard all-aluminum conductor.

  • Long-span overhead transmission lines
  • River and valley crossings
  • Heavy-ice transmission areas
  • High-wind regions
  • Overhead ground wires
  • Overhead communication wires
  • Utility power distribution networks
  • Railway power systems
  • Industrial overhead power networks
  • Projects requiring controlled conductor sag

AACSR vs ACSR Bare Conductor

Feature AACSR ACSR
Outer conductor material Aluminum alloy Electrical-grade aluminum
Core material High-strength steel Steel
Mechanical strength High due to aluminum alloy and steel combination High due primarily to the steel core
Typical application Long spans and demanding mechanical conditions General overhead transmission and distribution
Selection priority Balance of alloy strength, steel reinforcement, and conductivity Established general-purpose overhead conductor design

AACSR vs AAAC Bare Conductor

Feature AACSR AAAC
Construction Aluminum alloy wires with steel reinforcement All-aluminum alloy construction
Tensile strength Higher for demanding long-span applications Suitable for moderate mechanical loading
Corrosion considerations Depends partly on steel-core coating and protection No steel core and generally strong corrosion resistance
Typical selection Long spans, river crossings, and heavy loading Distribution lines and corrosion-sensitive environments

Steel-Core Protection Options

The steel core is an important part of AACSR bare conductor. Its protective coating should be selected according to humidity, pollution, salt exposure, temperature, and the expected service environment.

Core Option Description
Class A galvanized steel Standard zinc-coated steel-core protection
Class B galvanized steel Increased zinc coating for stronger corrosion protection
Class C galvanized steel Heavier coating for more demanding environments
Aluminized steel (AZ) Steel core protected with an aluminum-based coating
Aluminum-clad steel (AW) Combines steel strength with an aluminum outer layer

How to Select the Right Bare Conductor

Selection Factor Recommendation
Required current capacity Select the aluminum alloy area according to the electrical load
Span length Use a higher-strength construction for long river, valley, or road crossings
Mechanical loading Calculate wind, ice, tension, vibration, and installation loads
Sag requirement Confirm that the selected conductor maintains required safety clearances
Corrosion environment Choose the appropriate galvanized, aluminized, or aluminum-clad steel core
Operating temperature Confirm continuous and emergency temperature requirements
Applicable standard Specify NF C34-125, IEC, ASTM, BS, CSA, DIN, or the required project standard

Typical NF C34-125 AACSR Specifications

Designation Total Area Overall Diameter Resistance at 20°C
PHLOX 116.2 116.2mm² 14.0mm 0.591Ω/km
PHLOX 147.1 147.1mm² 15.75mm 0.467Ω/km
PASTEL 147.1 147.1mm² 15.75mm 0.279Ω/km
PHLOX 181.6 181.6mm² 17.5mm 0.378Ω/km
PASTEL 181.6 181.6mm² 17.5mm 0.226Ω/km
PHLOX 228 Approximately 227.8mm² 19.6mm 0.300Ω/km

Recommended Bare Conductor from Jianyun Cable

NF C34-125 AACSR Overhead Conductor

Jianyun Cable provides AACSR bare conductor manufactured with aluminum alloy wires and a high-strength coated steel core. The conductor is designed for overhead transmission projects requiring dependable conductivity, tensile strength, controlled sag, and reliable long-span performance.

Available options include PHLOX and PASTEL conductor designs, different aluminum-to-steel ratios, multiple core coatings, optional corrosion-protection grease, and customized production according to project standards.

View Product Specifications and Request a Quote:

NF C34-125 AACSR Bare Conductor for Overhead Transmission

Suitable for:

  • Long-span transmission lines
  • River and valley crossings
  • Heavy-ice and high-wind areas
  • Utility overhead power networks
  • Overhead ground wires
  • Railway and industrial power systems

Why Choose Jianyun Cable?

Jianyun Cable manufactures bare conductor and electrical cable products for power utilities, transmission contractors, distributors, railway projects, industrial facilities, and infrastructure customers.

  • AACSR, ACSR, AAAC, and AAC conductor solutions
  • Aluminum alloy and high-strength steel-core construction
  • Multiple steel-core coating options
  • Optional corrosion-protection grease
  • Production according to NF C34-125 and other international standards
  • Customized conductor dimensions and mechanical properties
  • Export drum packaging and bulk project supply

Conclusion

Bare conductor is a fundamental component of overhead transmission and distribution infrastructure. For projects involving long spans, heavy mechanical loads, river crossings, or strict sag requirements, AACSR provides a strong combination of aluminum alloy conductivity and steel-core reinforcement.

Jianyun Cable supplies NF C34-125 AACSR bare conductor in multiple PHLOX and PASTEL designs. Conductor size, aluminum-to-steel ratio, core coating, corrosion protection, and technical parameters can be selected according to the electrical and mechanical requirements of each project.

Request Your Bare Conductor Quotation:

Contact Jianyun Cable for NF C34-125 AACSR Bare Conductor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bare conductor used for?

A bare conductor is mainly used for overhead transmission lines, distribution networks, substation busbars, grounding systems, railway networks, and industrial power systems.

What does AACSR mean?

AACSR means Aluminum Alloy Conductor Steel Reinforced. It consists of aluminum alloy wires concentrically stranded around a high-strength steel core.

Why is AACSR suitable for long-span transmission?

AACSR combines the conductivity and mechanical strength of aluminum alloy with the high tensile strength of a steel core. This structure helps control sag and withstand demanding wind, ice, and tension loads.

What is the difference between AACSR and ACSR?

AACSR uses aluminum alloy wires around the steel core, while conventional ACSR generally uses electrical-grade aluminum wires. The aluminum alloy section gives AACSR additional mechanical strength.

Can the AACSR steel core be customized?

Yes. Steel-core options may include Class A, B, or C galvanized steel, aluminized steel, or aluminum-clad steel. Additional corrosion protection can also be provided with grease.

Which standards are available for AACSR bare conductor?

AACSR conductor can be manufactured according to NF C34-125 and other standards such as ASTM, AS, BS, CSA, DIN, IEC, and SS, depending on project requirements.

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