Advanced Conductor Testing

Independent evaluation of next-generation transmission conductors under thermal, mechanical, and environmental stress conditions.

INL Advanced Conductor Testing

To meet the growing demands of a modern, resilient power grid, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has conducted comprehensive testing on advanced conductors—innovative power lines engineered to carry more electricity with greater efficiency and durability. These conductors, designed to operate at elevated temperatures, are a critical component in modernizing the nation’s aging transmission infrastructure. In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, NEETRAC, EPRI and other partners, INL’s testing program evaluated the mechanical, thermal, and environmental performance of various advanced conductor technologies. This included long-term thermal-mechanical aging, corrosion resistance, creep behavior, and field trials, all aimed at ensuring these next-generation conductors can reliably support the evolving energy landscape and enhance grid resilience in high-risk areas.

See below to review the testing reports generated by this project.

Scroll table horizontally to see all conductors tested.

Tests	Prysmian Plover + E3X	3M ACCR "Drake" Overhead Conductor	TS Conductor "Jackson"/"Ruddy" with AFL Connectors	CTC Global ACCC	Southwire ACCS/TW/C7
DC Resistance Testing
Control Strand UTS
Creep Testing
Wildfire Testing
Control Core UTS
3-point Bend Test
Installation Testing
Crush Test
Stress-Strain

The conductors tested in the table above were provided by five separate utilities, including Tennessee Valley Authority.

Legacy Test Results

The table below summarizes advanced conductor testing performed over the last decade.

Scroll table horizontally to see all conductors tested.

Tests	TS CFCC Conductor	Southwire ACSS	Southwire ACCS C7-TP	Southwire ACCR C7-TP	Southwire ACCS Tokyo Rope	Mercury Cable and Energy HVCRC	Nexans Lo-Sag	ZTT Group ACSS Mallard Conductor	General Cable U.S. ACSS Squab Conductor	LS Cable & System ACSS/TW 425 Conductor	TS Conductor "Jackson"/"Ruddy"
ACSS Connector evaluation
ANSI C119.4 AFL Connector Electrical Testing
High Temperature Stress Strain
Corona Testing
Corrosion Tests
Qualification Testing
Room Temp Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS)
Long Term Thermal-Mechanical Aging
Current Cycle Testing
Connector Testing

To see the full, combined report on all previous EPRI testing, please contact us.