Steel core aluminum stranded wire and aluminum stranded wire are both wires without external insulation, commonly known as “bare wires”, and those who do not understand the cable industry may not know how to distinguish between Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced and aluminum stranded wire because they are both aluminum wires in appearance. So how to distinguish between steel core aluminum stranded wire and aluminum stranded wire?
1、 Distinguish from cross-sectional color：
If the cross-sectional area clearly shows that one or more conductors in the middle have a heavier color than the outer layer of aluminum wire, then it is a Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced, and the cross-sectional color of the aluminum stranded wire is all the same.
2、 Distinguish from the hardness of wires：
Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced has a much stronger overall hardness than aluminum stranded wire due to the presence of steel wires inside. The difference can be made by using a hand grip method, as the feel of the aluminum stranded wire will be softer.
3、 Distinguishing from the weight of conductors：
Steel core aluminum stranded wire has steel wires inside, and it is well known that the weight of steel is heavier than that of aluminum, so it can also be distinguished by weighing.
4、 Differences in model：
Steel core aluminum stranded wire, abbreviated as “LGJ”, is made by twisting aluminum and steel wires, mainly suitable for overhead transmission lines. The inner part of the steel core aluminum stranded wire is a steel “core”, and the outer part is wrapped around the steel core by twisting aluminum wire; The steel core mainly serves to increase strength, while the aluminum stranded wire mainly serves to transmit electrical energy. Both belong to bare wires and are basically the same in terms of purpose, but the representation methods for model specifications are different.
The model of ordinary aluminum stranded wire is represented by “LJ” and belongs to bare wire. At present, aluminum clad steel stranded wire (LGJ) is widely used as a conductor in China, with steel core mainly used to increase strength, and aluminum stranded wire mainly used to transmit electrical energy. The cross-sectional area of the wire varies depending on the voltage. For example, currently in 500 kV transmission lines, LGJ-400/35 wires are generally used. L is the abbreviation of aluminum wire, G is the abbreviation of steel core, J is the abbreviation of stranded wire, 400 is aluminum 400 square millimetre, 35 is steel 35 square millimetre.
5、 Main purpose：
Steel core aluminum stranded wire is a reinforced conductor made of single-layer or multi-layer aluminum stranded wire twisted outside galvanized steel core wire. Mainly used in the power and transmission line industries. Steel core aluminum stranded wire has the characteristics of simple structure, convenient installation and maintenance, low line cost, large transmission capacity, favorable for laying under special geographical conditions such as crossing rivers and valleys, good conductivity and sufficient mechanical strength, high tensile strength, and expandable tower distance. Therefore, it is widely used in various voltage levels of overhead transmission and distribution lines.
Generally, for high-voltage transmission lines, due to the limited path of the line and the inability to install multiple lines on one path, people have come up with the method of using one path, one set of iron towers, and hanging multiple wires, that is, one line is equivalent to installing multiple lines. For example, for 500KV transmission lines, China mostly adopts the method of hanging four conductors, which is called parallel installation on the same tower. This is the main reason why some poles are used for both “LJ” and “LGJ”.
