Arc-Fault Characteristics of Bare Overhead Distribution Conductors: Seven-Strand AAAC (6201) and 6/1 ACSR

The results of a series of tests on three different AWG sizes of bare seven-strand AAAC (6201) conductors and bare 6/1 ACSR conductors are outlined. Since arc-fault characteristics have not been subjected to rigorous engineering analysis, an experimental investigation was required to determine how such conductors reacted to arc faults of various intensities. Investigation revealed that the AAAC (6201) and 6/1 ACSR conductors were equivalent in their resistance to arcing faults. In addition, we found that hot-spot temperatures resulted from severed strands. The hot-spot temperatures that developed in the 6/1 ACSR conductors were significantly higher than those developed in the seven-strand AAAC (6201) conductors when these conductors carried equal steady-state current.