2 AWG Sparrow ACSR Cable | Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced | Overhead Transmission & Distribution
2 AWG Sparrow ACSR Cable | Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced | Overhead Transmission & Distribution
SPARROW | 6/1 Stranding | 1350-H19 Aluminum | Galvanized Steel Core | ASTM B232
Product Overview
The 2 AWG Sparrow ACSR Cable is a bare overhead conductor widely used in electric power transmission and distribution lines. The "Sparrow" code word identifies a specific configuration within the ACSR family: 6 aluminum strands surrounding 1 galvanized steel core (6/1 stranding) .
ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced) combines the high conductivity and light weight of aluminum with the high tensile strength of steel, enabling longer spans, reduced sag, and superior performance compared to pure aluminum conductors . This makes Sparrow ACSR the most economical solution for overhead power lines, from primary distribution to long-span transmission applications
Key Applications
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Primary and secondary overhead distribution lines
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Transmission line conductors (medium and high voltage)
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River crossings and long-span installations
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Messenger support for aerial cables
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Distribution poles, transmission towers, and other structural supports
Construction
Steel Core:
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Single galvanized steel wire (Class A or B galvanization) forming the central core
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Provides high tensile strength and supports long-span applications
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Zinc coating offers corrosion protection
Aluminum Conductors:
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6 hard-drawn aluminum wires (Alloy 1350-H19) stranded helically around the steel core
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High-purity aluminum ensures excellent electrical conductivity
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1350-H19 temper provides optimal balance of conductivity and mechanical properties
Optional Corrosion Protection:
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Grease applied to the steel core (for enhanced corrosion resistance)
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Full-cable grease infusion
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Aluminum-clad steel core (ACSR/AW variant)
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Code Word | SPARROW |
| Size (AWG) | 2 AWG |
| Stranding Configuration | 6/1 (6 aluminum + 1 steel) |
| Conductor Type | Circular, stranded, non-compacted |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Overall Diameter | 8.01 – 8.02 mm (315–316 mils) |
| Aluminum Cross-Section | 33.59 – 33.64 mm² |
| Steel Cross-Section | 5.61 mm² |
| Total Conductor Cross-Section | 39.19 – 39.25 mm² |
| Aluminum Wires (1350-H19) – Number of Wires | 6 |
| Aluminum Wires (1350-H19) – Wire Diameter | 2.67 – 2.672 mm |
| Steel Core Wires (Galvanized) – Number of Wires | 1 |
| Steel Core Wires (Galvanized) – Wire Diameter | 2.67 – 2.672 mm |
| Aluminum Content | 92.6 kg/km |
| Steel Content | 43.6 kg/km |
| Total Approximate Weight | 136 – 137 kg/km (91 lbs/1000 ft) |
Applicable Standards
The 2 AWG Sparrow ACSR cable meets or exceeds the following ASTM and international standards:
- ASTM B230 – Aluminum 1350-H19 Wire for Electrical Purposes
- ASTM B232 – Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
- ASTM B498 – Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
- ASTM B500 – Metallic Coated Stranded Steel Core for Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
- ASTM B549 – Aluminum-Clad Steel Core for ACSR (optional variant)
- IEC 61089 – Round wire concentric lay overhead electrical stranded conductors
- BS 215 – British Standard for ACSR conductors
- ABNT NBR 7270 – Brazilian standard (Sparrow designation)
Why Choose ACSR Sparrow?
1.High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: The steel core enables longer spans and reduced sag compared to AAC (All Aluminum Conductor) or AAAC (All Aluminum Alloy Conductor). This means fewer support structures and lower overall installation costs.
2. Excellent Conductivity: The 1350-H19 aluminum provides minimum 61% IACS conductivity, ensuring efficient power transmission with minimal line losses.
3. Economical Solution: ACSR combines strength and conductivity at a lower cost than all-copper or all-aluminum alternatives, making it the most cost-effective choice for most overhead applications.
4.Corrosion Resistant Options: Available with galvanized, aluminum-clad, or grease-infused cores to match specific environmental conditions.
5. Proven Reliability:ACSR has decades of successful service in overhead transmission networks worldwide, with a well-established track record of durability and performance.
6. Lightweight Design: The aluminum composition reduces structural load on poles and towers compared to copper conductors of equivalent ampacity.
Design Advantages of ACSR Construction
1.Optimized Strength for Line Design
The variable steel core stranding (6/1 configuration for Sparrow) enables the desired strength to be achieved without sacrificing ampacity. This allows engineers to select the optimal balance between electrical capacity and mechanical performance for each specific application.
2. Sag and Tension Performance
ACSR conductors exhibit less sag than AAC conductors under equivalent tension, allowing longer span lengths between support structures, reduced number of poles or towers per kilometer, and lower overall installation costs.
3. Versatile Corrosion Protection
Depending on environmental conditions, the 2 AWG Sparrow ACSR can be specified with Class A galvanization (standard protection for most environments), Class B galvanization (enhanced protection for corrosive environments), greased core (additional protection for coastal or industrial areas), or ACSR/AW with aluminum-clad steel core (maximum corrosion resistance).
Optional Features Available
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Grease-infused core for anti-corrosion
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ACSR/AW with aluminum-clad steel core
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Non-specular finish
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Custom reel marking
Comparison with Alternative Overhead Conductors
When selecting an overhead conductor, consider these differences:
1.ACSR (Sparrow) offers very high tensile strength, high conductivity, medium weight, excellent sag performance, good corrosion resistance (with coating), and is the most economical choice. Best suited for long spans, river crossings, and transmission lines where strength is a priority.
2. AAC (All Aluminum Conductor) offers very high conductivity but low tensile strength, light weight, poor sag performance, excellent corrosion resistance, and higher cost. Best suited for short spans and distribution lines where strength requirements are minimal.
3. AAAC (All Aluminum Alloy Conductor) offers medium-high conductivity and medium tensile strength, medium weight, good sag performance, excellent corrosion resistance, and medium cost. Best suited for medium spans and coastal environments where corrosion resistance is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does "ACSR" stand for?
A: ACSR means Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced. It is a composite conductor consisting of a steel core (for strength) surrounded by aluminum strands (for conductivity).
Q: What is the significance of the "Sparrow" code word?
A: "Sparrow" is an industry-standard code word that identifies a specific ACSR configuration: 2 AWG size with 6 aluminum strands and 1 steel strand (6/1 stranding). Code words provide a shorthand method for specifying ACSR conductors globally.
Q: What is the current carrying capacity (ampacity) of 2 AWG Sparrow ACSR?
A: Under standard conditions (75°C conductor temperature, 25°C ambient, wind 1 m/s, sunny), the ampacity is approximately 184–190 Amperes.
Q: What is the breaking strength of this conductor?
A: The rated breaking load is approximately 1,290 kgf (12.65 kN) for Class A galvanized steel core.
Q: Can this cable be used in coastal environments?
A: Yes, but additional corrosion protection is recommended. Options include Class B galvanization, greased core, or the ACSR/AW variant with aluminum-clad steel core.
Q: Is this conductor suitable for river crossings?
A: Yes. The high tensile strength of ACSR makes it ideal for long-span applications such as river crossings.
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