Demand for power continues to increase at an alarming rate, forcing utilities to put greater and greater electrical loads on their existing lines. However, most existing transmission circuits have been designed for operation at or below 93°C. ACSR, the most commonly used conductor, cannot handle the higher temperatures resulting from increased current loads. Additional transmission lines are not a cost effective alternative. With the increasing de-regulation pressures, rising construction costs, and right of way scarcity, another option is needed. In response to this need, ACSS and ACSS/TW conductors were developed. These conductors allow utilities to increase the amount of current up to 40%. Instead of building new transmission lines, new ACSS and ACSS/TW conductors can replace existing ACSR conductor, thus allowing utilities to increase energy output.
However, with the increased power from ACSS and ACSS/TW conductors, standard compression accessories could not handle the elevated temperatures and workloads. In response, AFL developed the HiTemp Product Line, consisting of compression and motion control accessories, pulling grips, and high temperature compounds.