The European standard for overhead lines conductors ACSS (Aluminium Conductors Steel Supported), ref. EN 50540 has been already approved by CENELEC. Ratification is in course and publication is imminent.

This is the result of an initiative of ECN, supported by the national standardization committee of AENOR, in whose development the most outstanding countries of the European Union have participated.

These high feature conductors can work in continuous way at very high temperatures (250ºC) and are indicated specially for: 

·  Upgrading and optimization of existing lines: Increasing the current carrying capacity, and keeping the tensile strength and the safety distances.

·  Designing of new lines, with advantages like: 

      - Saving in supports, as they become more economical due to the lower sags and the permissible distance between them.

      -  Facing temporary overloads and peaks.

      -   Better behaviour against vibrations due to wind.

·   Interconnection priority projects, avoiding bottle necks and blackouts.

·   Complying with the European Directive Target 20/20/20 (20% reduction in emissions, 20% renewable energy, by 2020).

·    ECN ACSS conductors have been successfully installed in France (RTE) and Greece (PPC).

Further information please contact:

Luis Bañeres lbaneres@ecn.es or Dionisio Rodriguez drodriguez@ecn.es