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19 Wire Strands

Transmission and distribution lines depend on high-quality steel wires to offer dependable performance in the face of difficult conditions. From transmitting power across long distances to resisting wind and ice, 19-wire steel strands can provide the necessary support for long-lasting, reliable power installations. Customization and high-quality production allow us to offer an unparalleled selection of steel wire strands for ACSS and ACSR manufacturers.

Let's take a look at the 19-wire strand core and what it can do for ACSS and ACSR conductors.

What Is a 19 Wire Strand?

As the name implies, a 19-wire strand is a thick strand made of 19 wires. The wires are twisted tightly around a core wire, improving performance while adding mechanical strength. You can find these versatile strands in many industries, such as construction, garage door applications and engineering projects. Many manufacturers use 19-wire strands as core for conductors for different products, particularly overhead lines that benefit from their flexibility, strength, corrosion resistance and other useful characteristics.

Understanding ACSS Conductors

You'll commonly find aluminum conductor, steel-supported (ACSS) products made with 19-wire strand cores. ACSS is a popular conductor style in overhead distribution and transmission. These conductors can operate at high temperatures without losing their strength, and they experience less sagging than other conductors. The steel core provides significant mechanical support, and its coating is a crucial aspect of its performance. 

Our Bezinal® coating adds aluminum to prevent the core strand from cracking during annealing. A durable coating offers essential benefits like corrosion resistance, excellent cathodic resistance and heat resistance.

Exploring ACSR Conductors

These similar and versatile conductors use aluminum conductor, steel-reinforced (ACSR) wires and strands. The core wire or strand is made of galvanized, high-carbon steel. ACSR conductors are ideal for spanning long distances with minimal loss of power. They offer low elongation and a high strength-to-weight ratio to reduce sag over long distances. A 19-wire strand for power transmission and distribution offers robust mechanical reinforcements while maintaining the lightweight benefits of the surrounding aluminum wires.

Like ACSS, these properties make ACSR common in overhead transmission and distribution lines.

Customization Options for 19 Wire Strand in ACSS and ACSR Conductors

A 19-wire strand can come in many different configurations, depending on the characteristics of the application, such as distance and environmental conditions. Here at Bekaert, we control every part of the production process and can provide the customization services your product demands.

We can add Class A and Class C galvanized coatings to meet certification standards, or we can use our Bezinal® in-house coating for additional protection. This zinc-aluminum option adds valuable corrosion resistance for improved longevity and protection for high-temperature conductors. It resists corrosion eight times longer than hot-dip galvanized wires in heavily polluted areas, thanks to a dense passivation layer formed by aluminum oxides.

Our 19-wire strand product is developed with expert processes and robust research and development, allowing us to customize ACSS and ACSR materials and test them with exceptional quality assurance.

Like other strand sizes, 19-wire strand also comes in different grades. We offer the following options:

  • GA2: Regular strength
  • GA3: High strength
  • GA4: Extra high strength
  • GA5: Ultra high strength
  • MA2: Regular strength
  • MA3: High strength
  • MA4: Extra high strength
  • MA5: Ultra high strength
  • S1A: Regular strength
  • S2A: High strength
  • S3A: Extra high strength

Benefits of 19 Wire Strand in ACSS and ACSR Conductors

Although you can build ACSS and ACSR conductors with other wire amounts or even single wires, the 19-wire strand offers several benefits, including:

  • Strength: More wires offer more mechanical strength for the conductors, allowing them to support the weight of the conductors and environmental stressors like wind and ice.
  • Ampacity: A higher number of wires also allows the conductor to accommodate higher current loads, transmitting more power without exceeding safe temperatures. This characteristic helps them meet high demands for long-distance transmissions.
  • Flexibility: Stranded wires have good flexibility, so they can adapt to diverse installation demands.
  • Thermal expansion: Steel experiences less thermal expansion than aluminum, so the addition of a thick steel core helps to offset the expansion of the aluminum wires. The design helps the conductor resist sag changes due to temperature, providing a more stable transmission line. A larger strand would typically be necessary for larger line sizes.
  • Corrosion resistance: A coated 19-wire strand can offer improved corrosion resistance, boosting reliability in coastal areas or those with high humidity.

Applications for ACSS and ACSR Conductors With 19 Wire Strand

The primary use cases for ACSS and ACSR conductors are in transmission and distribution lines. These conductors can accommodate demanding installations and the conditions power lines face. Some projects that especially benefit from ACSS and ACSR include:

  • Long-distance transmission lines: Both ACSS and ACSR conductors provide the ampacity, strength and minimal sag required for long-distance transmission and distribution lines.
  • Installations in hot climates: The thermal performance of ACSS conductors makes them appropriate in particularly hot climates. They maintain their performance and stability even in these conditions.
  • Installations across unique terrain: ACSR conductors are even used for transmission that spans difficult terrain, such as river crossings, coastal areas or mountainous regions that could introduce heavy mechanical stress.

Quality Standards and Certifications for 19 Wire Strand

Meeting specifications is always a top priority, regardless of the project. Our 19-wire strands meet several industry specifications, including standards from:

  • ASTM International: We manufacture 19-wire strands to ASTM B498, B500, B606, B802, B803, B856, B957 and B958.
  • CSA Group: We also meet CSA C61089 and C80888.
  • The International Organization for Standardization (ISO): Bekaert also maintains ISO 14001:2004 and ISO 9001:2008 certifications that attest to our high environmental responsibility and quality management standards.

If you have other specifications to meet, we have extensive production capabilities and will work with you to create a wire that aligns with your goals.

Ensure your installation meets all applicable standards by working with a reputable production company.

Why Choose Bekaert?

High-quality ACSS and ACSR conductors are crucial for reliable, effective performance in transmission and distribution lines. Bekaert is the leading steel wire supplier in North America, with the expertise and resources required to meet diverse customization demands. From galvanized coatings to our in-house Bezinal® coatings, we can configure your 19-wire strand for the product at hand. If 19 wires are too much, we also offer 7-wire and single-wire options.

At Bekaert, we also offer industry-leading technical support, customer service and in-house core competencies. Whether you need extensive customization or assistance with an order, our knowledgeable team is ready to help.

Contact us today to request more information on our ACSR and ASSR conductor strands and see how we can support your next product.

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