PRIMECAB All Aluminum Alloy Conductors (AAAC)

PRIMECAB AAAC is engineered from a high-strength Aluminum-Magnesium-Silicon alloy. Unlike ACSR, which relies on a steel core for strength, AAAC is composed entirely of high-tensile alloy strands. This results in a conductor that is lighter, more conductive, and exceptionally resistant to corrosion.

Construction & Material

  • Material: Heat-treated Magnesium Silicon Aluminum Alloy (Al-Mg-Si).
  • Stranding: Concentrically stranded wires. Since there is no steel core, the entire cross-section of the conductor is available for current flow, reducing electrical losses.
  • Surface Finish: Smooth, shiny, and free from nicks or burrs to minimize corona discharge at high voltages.

Relevant IS Standards (Indian Market)

Feature IS Standard Description
Main Specification IS 398 (Part 4) Specific Indian Standard for Aluminum Alloy Conductors for overhead lines.
Aluminium Alloy IS 9997 / IS 398 (Part 4) Standards for the electrical and mechanical properties of the alloy wires.
AAAC Conductors

AAAC Conductors

Cross sectional AAAC Conductors

Cross Sectional AAAC Conductors

Advantages of PRIMECAB AAAC

  • Corrosion Resistance: Because it contains no steel, AAAC is immune to the "galvanic corrosion" that can happen in ACSR. This makes it the only choice for coastal or highly industrial (polluted) areas.
  • Lower Power Losses: For the same diameter, AAAC has lower electrical resistance than ACSR, leading to significant energy savings over the life of the line.
  • Better Strength-to-Weight Ratio: AAAC is much lighter than ACSR for the same strength, which reduces the mechanical load on towers and allows for easier handling during installation.
  • High Sag Resistance: Excellent tension characteristics ensure minimal sag even under high thermal or wind loads.

Popular AAAC Codenames (As per IS 398)

Similar to ACSR, these are often named after insects or flowers in international standards, but in India, they follow specific area sizes:

  • 15 sq.mm / 34 sq.mm: Small-scale rural distribution.
  • 55 sq.mm and 80 sq.mm: Standard 11kV distribution lines.
  • 100 sq.mm and above: Heavy-duty 33kV and 66kV transmission.

Technical Specifications

  • Conductivity: Minimum 50% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard).
  • Thermal Rating: Can operate at higher continuous temperatures (90°C) compared to bare Aluminum.