Overhead Power Line Materials and Safety

Overhead transmission lines rely on the right materials, insulation, and support hardware to move electricity safely and efficiently. Aluminum is now the preferred conductor material because it is abundant and cost-effective. Copper was used more often in the past, but aluminum has become the common choice for modern lines.<...

Aluminum, being abundant and cost-effective, has largely replaced copper in overhead transmission lines. The popular steel-reinforced aluminum conductor consists of layers of aluminum strands around a steel core.

Other types include all-aluminum, all-aluminum alloy, aluminum conductor alloy-reinforced, and aluminum-clad steel conductors. ...