How does the conductor impact line losses?
Because 3M ACCR’s core is aluminum-based, rather than steel, it is more conductive than steel core conductors, resulting in lower losses under the same operating conditions. In addition, 3M ACCR comes in a trapezoidal wire design that can improve conductivity up to 28% compared to the same size, round wire ACSR. Transmission upgrades often require many changes that can affect line losses. Loses are calculated as the square of the amps times the resistance of the conductor. Therefore, the actual line losses will vary based on a number of factors, including the size of the conductor, the amount of energy flowing down the line at various times, ambient conditions such as temperature and wind speed, and the duration of various levels of current flow. Our technical support experts can work with you to determine a more accurate estimate of the exact impact on your line.
