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Two workers in a lift perform maintenance on a high-voltage power line near a large transmission tower, under a cloudy sky.

Next generation advanced
conductors.

TS Conductor delivers 2-3 times the capacity of traditional ACSR conductor while eliminating the problems of first-generation conductors at their source. It is the only advanced conductor that is fully compatible with standard installation and maintenance practices in power transmission.

Problem.

First generation advanced conductors promise high performance but fall short on safety and reliability. They’ve been limited to niche applications by industry concerns including:
INSTALLATION PROBLEMS

Considered delicate, difficult to work with, and easy to break.

SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

Requiring specialized equipment and training. Less-than-perfect handling may jeopardize performance and safety.

LONGEVITY CONCERNS

Longevity concerns due to the core’s vulnerability to physical degradation.

Solution.

TS Conductor’s AECC technology solves first generation problems at their source. Its pre-tensioned carbon fiber core, protected by a thick aluminum encapsulation, delivers high performance without compromising safety and reliability.
FULL COMPATIBILITY

Fully compatible with standard installation and maintenance practices.

NO SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

No specialized equipment or training required.

EFFECTIVE PROTECTION

Encapsulated core is fully protected from physical degradation.

Award-winning innovation.

Close-up of shiny, silver, twisted metal cables, likely electrical or optical in nature, laid out on a white background.

Aluminum Encapsulation

Pre-Tensioned Carbon Core

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Mainstream solution for grid modernization.

AECC doesn’t work around limitations—it removes them entirely. The result is a mainstream solution for grid modernization that meets rigorous utility safety and reliability standards for electricity transmission technology.

A 2x2 matrix compares conductor types by performance and safety/reliability. AECC is highlighted in the high performance, high safety/reliability quadrant. Other types occupy the remaining quadrants.

TS Conductor's award-winning design optimizes three critical components: a carbon core conductor (without glass fibers) that delivers maximum strength and stiffness, a seamless aluminum conductor encapsulation layer that preserves core pre-tensioning and provides multiple protective functions, and trapezoidal strands made from annealed aluminum that maximize conductivity. This integration achieves superior performance across all key metrics while maintaining the built-in safety and reliability of traditional options, earning recognition from organizations like the U.S. Department of Energy, Public Utilities Fortnightly, S&P Global Platts, and Bloomberg NEF.

Standard installation
and maintenance.

AECC is the only advanced conductor that is fully compatible with traditional ACSR/ACSS installation and maintenance practices used in power transmission lines. Rather than expecting perfection from line crews, TS Conductor has designed a product that’s inherently robust and forgiving, making it ideal for transmission line upgrade efforts.

Learn More
Workers in a lift repair electrical wires on a transmission tower against a cloudy sky.
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    Standard Compression Fittings

    AECC’s aluminum encapsulation layer acts as a cushion, protecting the carbon composite core during crimping and ensuring full compatibility with standard fitting approaches. Compression fittings achieve 100% compaction around the core, blocking moisture and oxygen. The airtight seal and thick aluminum encapsulation protect the core from physical degradation, ensuring long-term performance.

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    Robust Bending Performance

    During manufacturing, the carbon core is pre-tensioned and tightly encapsulated in aluminum to preserve the tension. This built-in tension, combined with the encapsulation’s structural support, allows the conductor to resist compression stress when bent - preventing core buckling or breakage. As a result, AECC maintains robust bending performance consistent with traditional conductors.

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    Standard Storage

    Unlike some advanced conductors, AECC requires no special storage conditions because the core is completely sealed and protected from moisture ingress and resulting matrix plasticization. It can be stored just like traditional conductors, simplifying logistics.

Longevity and resilience.

AECC is built to withstand challenging operational demands and severe weather conditions, ensuring long-term integrity and performance.

Close-up of the tip of a multi-layered coaxial cable with metal shielding and an exposed black inner conductor.

Operational challenges.

  • Galvanic Corrosion

    Airtight aluminum encapsulation blocks moisture and oxygen, preventing conditions that lead to galvanic corrosion.

  • Oxidation and Moisture

    Sealed design prevents oxygen and water ingress, safeguarding against oxidation and moisture-induced degradation.

  • UV Radiation and Ozone

    Even if the outer cable strands separate ("birdcaging"), the composite core remains protected from UV damage and ozone.

  • Aeolian Vibration

    Annealed aluminum strands and trapezoidal wire design provide natural damping through creep and inter-strand friction, protecting against fatigue damage.

  • Galloping

    Enhanced torsional stiffness, minimal thermal sag, and reduced ice adhesion and aerodynamic lift all work to control galloping behavior.

Severe weather
conditions
.

AECC's performance in extreme conditions ensures long-term grid reliability, a critical factor for utilities investing in infrastructure built to last decades:

Snow-covered landscape with tall trees on either side and power lines running through the center under a clear sky.
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    Ice

    The greater strength and stiffness of the all-carbon core outperforms glass fiber alternatives, handling heavy ice loads with minimal sag. High-temperature operation enables rapid de-icing while maintaining safe clearances.

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    Wind & hurricanes

    Streamlined design with trapezoidal strands reduces wind resistance, while the AECC’s lighter weight and lower tension minimize the structural stress that can otherwise occur during high-wind weather systems.

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    Fire

    Annealed aluminum's heat resistance and low thermal sag at high temperatures improve survival odds during wildfires, reducing the potential for outages and the risk of ignition sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does AECC compare to traditional ACSR conductors?
AECC provides significantly higher ampacity, lower sag, and greater strength than traditional ACSR. Unlike ACSR, AECC’s pre-tensioned carbon core with aluminum encapsulation prevents core degradation and enables safer long-term performance without changing field practices.
Why are first-generation advanced conductors considered risky?
Utilities often avoided first-generation conductors because they were seen as delicate, required special tools and training, and had longevity concerns due to exposed or vulnerable composite cores. AECC eliminates these issues through its robust aluminum-encapsulated carbon core design.
Does AECC require special installation tools or training?
No. AECC is the only advanced conductor fully compatible with standard ACSR/ACSS installation practices. Utilities can use their existing tools, compression fittings, and procedures—no retraining or specialized equipment required.
Can AECC withstand severe weather conditions?
Yes. AECC is designed for extreme conditions including ice storms, high winds, hurricanes, and wildfire heat exposure. Its high-strength carbon core, low thermal sag, and aerodynamic aluminum strand design help maintain clearances and reduce risk during extreme weather.
How long does AECC last compared to other advanced conductors?
Because its core is fully sealed and protected from moisture, UV, and mechanical damage, AECC is engineered for multi-decade life expectancy—matching or exceeding traditional conductors while offering higher performance.
Where can I find AECC technical specifications and installation guides?
You can download technical data sheets, installation manuals, and engineering resources directly from TS Conductor’s Technical Resources section.