New multi-strand, high-quality aluminum cable launched by Southwire (Carrollton, GA) has installation, cost, and safety advantages that make it suitable for down tower wind turbine applications.

The aluminum down tower cable is composed of three layers:

• 8000 Series Aluminum conductor per ASTM B800, Class C Compact strand per ASTM B801 or Single Input Wire stranding per ASTM B836.
• Mylar binder tape.
• Two-layer composite wall insulation, with an EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) inner layer and a CPE (Chlorinated Polyethylene) outer layer.

The multi-strand aluminum cable is more flexible than similar aluminum cables, which makes it easier to install. In addition, the CPE outer layer will allow clamps to grip, which also contributes to ease of installation. The cable is also less expensive than copper-based options.

Because of its flexibility, the cable can be connected to the electrical access boxes inside a tower without having an extra splice and connector, eliminating excess cutting. It has also been tested to common oils that are used in wind turbines per manufacturers’ requirements in Southwire’s labs.