Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution

14.3.2.2 Special Aspects of ACSR Sag-Tension Calculations

Sag-tension calculations with ACSR conductors are more complex than such calculations with AAC,
AAAC, or ACAR conductors. The complexity results from the different behavior of steel and aluminum
strands in response to tension and temperature. Steel wires do not exhibit creep elongation or
plastic elongation in response to high tensions. Aluminum wires do creep and respond plastically to
high stress levels. Also, they elongate twice as much as steel wires do in response to changes in temperature.
Table 14.10 presents various initial and final sag-tension values for a 600-ft span of a Drake ACSR
conductor under heavy loading conditions. Note that the tension in the aluminum and steel compon-
ents is shown separately. In particular, some other useful observations are:

1. At 60 8 F, without ice or wind, the tension level in the aluminum strands decreases with time as the
   strands permanently elongate due to creep or heavy loading.


2. Both initially and finally, the tension level in the aluminum strands decreases with increasing
   temperature reaching zero tension at 212 8 F and 167 8 F for initial and final conditions, respectively.


3. At the highest temperature (212 8 F), where all the tension is in the steel core, the initial and final
   sag-tensions are nearly the same, illustrating that the steel core does not permanently elongate in
   response to time or high tension.

TABLE 14.9 Typical Sag and Tension Data 795 kcmil-26=7 ACSR ‘‘Drake,’’ 300- and 1000-ft Spans

Conductor: Drake
795 kcmil-26=7 ACSR Span¼300 ft
Area¼0.7264 in.^2
Creepisa factor NESC Heavy Loading District

Weight,

lb=ft

Final Initial

Temp,
8 F Ice, in.

Wind,

lb=ft^2 K, lb=ft

Sag,

ft

Tension,

lb

Sag,

ft

Tension,
lb
30 0.00 9.00 0.05 1.424 2.37 6769 2.09 7664
30 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.094 1.93 6364 1.66 7404
60 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.094 2.61 4725 a 2.04 6033
90 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.094 3.46 3556 2.57 4792
120 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.094 1.00 3077 3.25 3785
167 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.094 4.60 2678 4.49 2746
212 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.094 5.20 2371 5.20 2371
aDesign condition.

Conductor: Drake
795 kcmil-26=7 ACSR Span¼1000 ft
Area¼0.7264 in.^2
Creepisa factor NESC Heavy Loading District

Weight,

lb=ft

Final Initial

Temp,
8 F Ice, in.

Wind,

lb=ft^2 K, lb=ft

Sag,

ft

Tension,

lb

Sag,

ft

Tension,
lb
30 0.00 9.00 0.05 1.424 28.42 6290 27.25 6558
30 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.094 27.26 5036 25.70 5339
60 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.094 29.07 4725 a 27.36 5018
90 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.094 30.82 4460 28.98 4740
120 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.094 32.50 4232 30.56 4498
167 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.094 34.49 3990 32.56 4175
212 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.094 35.75 3851 35.14 3917
aDesign condition.
Note:Calculations based on:(1) NESC Light Loading District. (2) Tension Limits: a. Initial Loaded – 60% RBS @ 30 8 F;
b. Initial Unloaded – 25% RBS @ 60 8 F; c. Final Unloaded – 15% RBS @ 60 8 F.