Is ACSS hardware (dead-ends, splices, etc) the same as ACSR hardware?
The hardware is very similar, but there are some differences. The major hardware suppliers have specific lines of hardware available for use with ACSS conductors. ACSS hardware has more aluminum than its ACSR counterparts to carry the higher currents. ACSS dead-ends all have NEMA four hole pads, whereas some ACSR dead-ends will have two hole pads. Because of the higher operating temperature of ACSS, rubber inserts and corrosion inhibitors are usually different. Southwire recommends the use of two-piece compression hardware with all of its ACSS products. Check with your hardware manufacturer for their recommendations for ACSS products.
