APPLICATION: Transmission Conductor Features Multi-Stranded Composite Core Of Celstran CFR-TPR

Leading wire and cable producer Southwire Company LLC, Carrolton, Ga., has introduced the new and affordable C7  Overhead Conductor for utility transmission lines which features a multi-stranded core of Celstran continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic rods (CFR-TPR) from Celanese Corp., Irving, Texas.

            Developed jointly with Celanese, the new transmission conductor is said to deliver close to double the capacity and exhibits less sag than the same diameter aluminum conductor steel-reinforced (ACSR) conductor. The patented Celstran CFR-TPR composite technology is comprised of an innovative combination of carbon fiber and a heat-resistant Fortron PPS matrix that is capped with a layer of a high-performance PEEK.  Says global composites business manager Michael Ruby, “This combination of materials provides distinct advantages compared to alternative High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) technology and conventional conductors.”  

Advantages  of the C7 include: the lowest available thermal expansion in a composite core for minimal sag increase at high power transfer;  high strength-to-weight ratio; and, a multi-element core so there is no single point of failure as is with monolithic constructs.  Also cited is that this robust and flexible conductor installs no differently than traditional conductors and allows for the use of conventional two-piece compression fittings. Celstran CFR-TPR is currently the only all-thermoplastic core with high-temperature performance of 180-225 C (356-437 F). It also allows for multiple conductor designs that can be tailored for installation requirements, from light-to-heavy ice loads, normal-to-long spans, and numerous conductor constructions.

(800) 833-4882 • celanese.com