ACSS/TW-an improved conductor for upgrading existing lines or new construction

This paper describes the properties and performance characteristics of an improved overhead conductor, ACSS/TW. ACSS/TW is constructed of fully annealed aluminum wires formed into a trapezoidal shape. The aluminum wires are stranded around a steel core of seven or more wires as described in ASTM B-857. The improved conductor can operate continuously at temperatures up to 250/spl deg/C without loss of strength; its sag is less than that of conventional composite conductors; final sags are not affected by creep; and it has excellent self-damping characteristics. ACSS/TW can he designed with both equal area or equal diameter, compared to conventional round stranded conductors, to optimize line design options.