Aluminium conductors for overhead lines

The paper reviews the range of aluminium conductors for overhead power lines, the variety of which has greatly increased in recent years in parallel with the rapid growth of transmission and distribution systems. The characteristics of the various types of stranding are outlined, pointing out the flexibility in line design obtained by varying the makeup of conductors. The practical factors which govern the selection of conductors for particular duties are discussed, together with some of the problems, e.g. corrosion, vibration and stretch, which affect operation in service.