What is ACSS and how is it different from ACSR?
ACSS (Aluminum Conductor Steel Supported) is very similar to ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced). But, as their names imply, ACSS depends primarily on the steel core for support, whereas the ACSR is supported by both the aluminum and steel components. ACSR is constructed with 1350-H19 aluminum strands and typically a zinc galvanized steel core, aluminum clad steel is also popular in corrosive environments. ACSR has a continuous operating temperature rating of 75°C, with a limited time emergency rating of 100°C. Because ACSR depends heavily on its aluminum strands for strength, operation at temperatures above the annealing point of aluminum (approximately 94°C) can result in loss of strength. Southwire ACSS is designed such that it can be continuously operated up to 250°C, whereas others rate their standard ACSS products at 200°C. To accomplish this, Southwire constructs its ACSS with fully annealed 1350-O aluminum strands (see “What does “fully annealed” or “soft” aluminum mean