The AW core, which consists of a thick layer of aluminum (approx. 10% of the nominal wire/radius) over steel, gives ACSS/AW conductors the advantages of standard ACSS along with the light weight and good conductivity of aluminum and the high tensile strength and ruggedness of steel. ACSS/AW can operate continuously at high temperatures (250°C) without damage, allowing for a significant increase in conductor current-carrying capacity. The cross-sections above illustrate some common stranding.

1.Light weight

2.Good conductivity

3.High tensile strength

The strandings available are identical to those listed in ASTM specification B232.

ACSS/AW is a composite concentric-lay-stranded conductor. Steel strands form the central core of the conductor with one or more layers of aluminum 1350-0 wire stranded around it. The steel core carries most or all of the mechanical load of the conductor due to the "0" (fully annealed or soft) temper aluminum. Steel core wires are protected from corrosion by an aluminum coating. The aluminum-clad steel core may consist of 7, 19, 37 or more wires. Numerous combinations of aluminum and steel strand and layers are possible.