Overhead conductors
AAC, AAAC and ACSR conductors for transmission and distribution.
Electrical & power
Aluminium for Electrical & Power
High-conductivity aluminium for power transmission, distribution and electrical equipment. Metline Industries supplies conductor wire, busbar, transformer strip and foil to utilities, cable makers and panel builders.
- Key alloys
- 1350, 1070, 6101, 6201, 8030
- Forms
- Wire rod, wire, busbar, strip, foil
- Property
- ~61% IACS conductivity
- Benefit
- Half the weight of copper per amp
Why the grid runs on aluminium
For the same current-carrying capacity, an aluminium conductor weighs about half as much as a copper one and costs far less. That is why overhead transmission lines are almost universally aluminium, and why aluminium is increasingly used in busbars, transformers and building wiring.
Electrical grades are controlled for purity, because small amounts of impurities reduce conductivity. Where more strength is needed, such as overhead conductors spanning long distances, Al-Mg-Si alloys like 6201 or steel-reinforced constructions are used.
Where aluminium is used
Busbars
1350 and 6101 bar for switchgear, panels and battery systems.
Transformers
Foil and strip windings in high-purity aluminium.
Cables
Building wire and power cable conductors in 1350 and 8xxx alloys.
Capacitors
High-purity capacitor foil for electronics.
Shielding and lugs
Braided shielding wire and terminal lugs for safe connections.
Recommended alloys and forms
| Alloy | Form | Why it is used |
|---|---|---|
| 1350 | Wire rod, wire, busbar | Standard electrical conductor grade with high conductivity |
| 1070 / 1060 | Strip, foil | Transformer windings and electronic foil |
| 6101 / 6201 | Busbar, conductor wire | Higher strength with good conductivity |
| 8030 / 8176 | Wire | Flexible, creep-resistant building wire |
| 6005A | Extrusions | Conductive structural sections and enclosures |
Supplying electrical & power
Complete material packages
Plate, sheet, extrusions, tube and bar for the same project from one supplier.
Grade and temper guidance
Engineering-led advice on the alloy and temper that suit the service conditions.
Documentation
Mill test certificates and inspection paperwork to support your quality system.
Electrical & Power materials
1070 Aluminium Wire
6005 / 6005A Aluminium Extrusions for Electrical & Energy Structures
6201 Aluminium Alloy Wire for AAAC Conductors
8017, 8030, 8076 & 8176 Aluminium Alloy Wire Rod
ACAR Conductor (Aluminium Conductor Alloy Reinforced)
Class 120 Acetal Enamelled Aluminium Round Wire
ACSR Conductor (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced)
Battery Bus Bar Materials for EV Packs & Energy Storage
Braided Shielding Wire for Cable EMI Protection
Aluminium Strip for Capacitor Cases (Capacitor Crust)
Aluminium Capacitor Foil for the Electronics Industry
Aluminium, Copper & Bimetal Cable Lugs
Copper Clad Aluminium (CCA) Wire
Aluminium Trolley and Contact Wire for Electric Traction
Electrical Terminals and Terminal Connectors
Heat-Resistant Aluminium Alloy Wire for Overhead Conductors
Intermediate-Strength Aluminium Alloy Wire & Overhead Conductors
Overhead Line Accessories for Transmission & Distribution
AAAC
Class 180 Polyesterimide Enamelled Round Aluminium Wire
Class 130 / 155 Polyester Enamelled Round Aluminium Wire
Class 200 Polyester / Polyamide-Imide Enamelled Aluminium Wire
Electrical Busbar Solutions
Electrical & Power questions
Is aluminium a good electrical conductor?
Yes. Electrical-grade aluminium has about 61% of the conductivity of copper by volume, but carries about twice the current per kilogram.
Which aluminium is used for busbars?
1350 for maximum conductivity and 6101 where more strength is needed.
Sourcing electrical aluminium?
Send us the grade, form, sizes and quantities. We will reply with availability and a quote.
