In regions where harsh winters and severe ice storms are common, the mechanical resilience of overhead transmission lines is pushed to its limits. Ice accumulation can significantly increase line loading, often leading to excessive conductor sag, structural damage, and extended outages. As climate volatility, aging infrastructure, and growing demand converge, utilities are rethinking their grid modernization strategies - and many are turning to advanced conductor technologies like the ACCC® Conductor from CTC Global.
With over 185,000 kilometers deployed in more than 65 countries, ACCC® Conductor has earned a reputation for delivering superior strength, reduced sag, and improved energy efficiency. CTC Global has further expanded its capabilities with specialized variants - including ACCC® ULS (Ultra-Low Sag), AZR™ (Aluminum-Zirconium), and ULS/AZR - engineered specifically to withstand extreme environmental stresses, including ice loads that would overwhelm traditional ACSR and ACSS conductors.
Putting It to the Test: 220 kV Ice Load Comparison
To illustrate the performance advantage, consider a 220 kV transmission line with 800-foot spans and a requirement to carry 1,800 amps - a loading condition that exceeds the thermal limit of ACSR. All conductors compared are Drake-size equivalents with 1.108″ diameters, installed at 18% of their rated tensile strength (RTS).
Conductor Type
RTS (lbf)
Sag @ 1800A (ft)
Sag @ 1.5″ Ice (ft)
% RTS @ 1.5″ Ice
ACSR Drake
31,500
29.21
27.52
59.8%
ACSS Drake (MA2)
25,900
31.66
33.45
60.2%
ACSS UHS (MA5)
32,600
28.75
31.67
50.4%
ACCC® Drake
41,200
16.91
31.54
39.8%
ACCC® ULS
47,900
13.59
28.51
38.7%
What the data shows:
Traditional conductors (ACSR, ACSS) exhibit significant sag -between 29 and 33 feet under load or ice conditions - and operate dangerously close to their tensile limits.
ACCC® Drake cuts sag by over 40% under full load and handles ice loads at just 39.8% of its rated strength - offering a significant margin of safety.
ACCC® ULS leads the pack, with only 13.6 feet of sag under 1,800 amps and under 39% tensile loading even with 1.5″ of radial ice.
These margins are crucial. Even in the most punishing weather conditions, ACCC® Conductors maintain safe ground clearances and reduce mechanical stress on towers and hardware - allowing for longer spans, fewer structures, and improved grid reliability.
Built for Ice. Built for Speed.
ACCC® Conductors offer more than exceptional strength and sag control. They also enable faster project execution. While traditional reconductoring or line rebuilds may take three to five years, many ACCC® installations are completed in 6 to 24 months - even in mountainous, icy, or environmentally sensitive regions.
Why the speed advantage?
Lighter composite cores and low-sag performance allow utilities to reuse existing structures - while doubling or tripling ampacity.
Minimal structural modification reduces construction time and environmental impact.
No need for new rights-of-way - existing corridors often suffice.
Streamlined deployment with CTC Global’s expert engineering and field support teams.
From the Canadian Rockies to the highlands of Central Asia, ACCC® Conductors have replaced aging infrastructure faster and more efficiently, helping utilities meet load growth and reliability objectives without massive capital projects.
Tailored for Extreme Conditions
CTC Global’s expanding portfolio of ACCC® Conductor variants is engineered to address specific transmission challenges:
ACCC® ULS (Ultra-Low Sag) uses a high-strength composite core with ~35% higher tensile strength and 20% lower modulus than standard ACCC®, ideal for long spans, high ice loads, and wind-prone areas.
ACCC® AZR™ features aluminum-zirconium alloy strands, delivering higher strength while maintaining conductivity - perfect for applications that demand both mechanical and thermal performance.
ACCC® ULS/AZR combines the benefits of both technologies in one solution, offering top-tier thermal, electrical, and mechanical performance - especially in the most demanding environments.
All variants are available in standard and custom sizes and backed by robust modeling tools to ensure compliance with NESC clearance, thermal, and mechanical requirements.
Beyond Resilience: Efficiency That Pays Dividends
While designed to improve mechanical reliability, ACCC® Conductors also deliver significant electrical efficiency gains. Thanks to trapezoidal aluminum strands, ACCC® Conductors contain more aluminum in the same diameter, cutting line losses by 25% to 40% compared to traditional conductors.
These efficiency gains translate to lower lifetime operating costs and reduced emissions - supporting both economic and sustainability goals.
A Proven Partner for a Changing Grid
CTC Global doesn’t just provide advanced conductor technology - it delivers comprehensive solutions. With successful projects across six continents and extensive experience in ice, wind, and fire-prone regions, CTC Global offers deep expertise across all stages of project development.
Whether it's an emergency rebuild following a winter storm, or a major capacity upgrade to support data centers or renewable integration, ACCC® Conductors - including the ULS and AZR™ variants - are helping utilities redefine what's possible.
The Takeaway
When extreme ice loads, rising demand, or tight timelines threaten your next transmission project, ACCC® Conductors offer a proven, future-ready solution:
More Capacity
Less Sag
Faster Delivery
Lower Line Losses
Greater Resilience
The grid is evolving. With ACCC® Conductor, it’s ready for anything.