Factory-Direct Supply of Certified Wires and Conductors for Diverse Industrial Applications
Covered Line Wire Alloy 6201-T81 Aluminum Conductor
Voltage: 600V (covering integrity only — not dielectric rated)
Conductor: Aluminum Alloy 6201-T81, 7-strand concentric, 315 MPa UTS
Covering: LDPE, HDPE, or XLPE (weatherproof, not full insulation)
Application: Overhead secondary distribution lines, tree wire
Standard: ASTM B-398, ASTM C-8.35, ICEA S-61-402
Ampacity: 78-335A (6 AWG to 3/0 AWG)
Package: Export wooden reel or coil
Product Overview
Covered Line Wire Alloy 6201-T81 Aluminum Conductor is a high-strength aluminum alloy overhead conductor with a weather-resistant polyethylene or XLPE covering for secondary distribution lines. Unlike conventional AAC (1350-H19) covered wire which prioritises conductivity, 6201-T81 alloy provides approximately 85% higher tensile strength (≥315 MPa vs ~170 MPa for 1350-H19) at the cost of reduced conductivity (52.5% IACS vs 61% IACS). This makes it the preferred alloy for longer span lengths, areas with ice and wind loading, and installations where conductor sag at elevated operating temperatures is the governing design constraint. The covering — available in LDPE, HDPE, or XLPE — is a weatherproof layer, NOT a full dielectric insulation. It is classified as a "covered conductor" and must be installed with the same clearances as bare overhead conductor per NESC and utility construction standards.
1350-H19 vs 6201-T81: Choosing the Right Conductor Alloy
| Property | 1350-H19 (EC Grade Al) | 6201-T81 (High-Strength Al Alloy) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (min) | ~170 MPa | 315 MPa — 85% stronger |
| Conductivity (% IACS) | 61% | 52.5% — ~14% less conductive |
| Alloy Type | Pure aluminium, strain-hardened | Al-Mg-Si, precipitation-hardened (T81 temper) |
| Best For | Short spans, high-conductivity priority | Long spans, ice/wind zones, low-sag requirements |
| ASTM Standard | ASTM B-230 | ASTM B-398 / B-399 |
| Sag at Elevated Temp | Higher sag due to thermal expansion | Lower sag — mechanical strength resists creep |
Covering Material Options
| Material | Temperature Rating | UV Resistance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDPE | 75°C | Fair — carbon black required | Standard overhead, lowest cost |
| HDPE | 90°C | Good — carbon black standard | Higher temperature operation, better abrasion resistance |
| XLPE | 90°C | Excellent — inherently UV-stable | Highest ampacity, longest service life, tree wire applications |
Applicable Standards
| Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| ASTM B-398/B-399 | Standard specification for aluminum alloy 6201-T81 wire for electrical purposes. Governs mechanical and electrical properties. |
| ASTM B-230/B-231 | Standard for 1350-H19 aluminum wire and concentric-lay-stranded conductors. Referenced for stranding requirements. |
| ASTM C-8.35 | Specification for weather-resistant polyethylene-covered wire and cable. Governs the covering material and thickness. |
| ICEA S-61-402 | Standard for thermoplastic insulated wire and cable for transmission and distribution. Industry standard for covered line wire. |
| NEMA WC 5 | Thermoplastic insulated wire and cable standard. Harmonised with ICEA S-61-402. |
Technical Specifications — Alloy 6201-T81 Covered Line Wire
Conductor: 7-strand concentric, aluminum alloy 6201-T81 (ASTM B-398). Covering: weather-resistant LDPE, HDPE, or XLPE per ASTM C-8.35. Rated strength values are breaking strength of the bare conductor (covering does not contribute to tensile rating). Ampacity at 75°C conductor temperature, 25°C ambient, 2 ft/s wind.
| Code Name | Size (AWG) | Strands | Cover Thickness | Overall Dia. (mm) | Rated Strength (kg) | Nominal Weight (kg/km) | Ampacity (A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maple | 6 | 7 | 0.762mm LDPE / HDPE / XLPE | 6.6 | 503 | 42-61 | 78 |
| Hornbeam | 4 | 7 | 0.762mm LDPE / HDPE / XLPE | 7.9 | 798 | 68-91 | 145 |
| Linden | 2 | 7 | 1.143mm LDPE / HDPE / XLPE | 10.3 | 1,270 | 107-147 | 190 |
| Oilnut | 1/0 | 7 | 1.524mm LDPE / HDPE / XLPE | 11.9 | 2,023 | 171-247 | 250 |
| Waterash | 2/0 | 7 | 1.524mm LDPE / HDPE / XLPE | 14.4 | 2,445 | 216-302 | 290 |
| Shellbark | 3/0 | 7 | 1.524mm LDPE / HDPE / XLPE | 15.8 | 3,080 | 272-371 | 335 |
Packaging & Delivery
Export Wooden Reel
Plywood or wooden reels. Covered line wire is single-core only — reels are compact and easily handled without crane equipment.
Coil Packaging
Smaller sizes (6 AWG through 2 AWG) available in coils. Cost-efficient for local distribution and utility maintenance crews.
Documentation
ASTM B-398 alloy certification, mill test report with UTS and conductivity results, covering thickness verification per ASTM C-8.35.
Typical Applications — Alloy 6201-T81 Covered Line Wire
Overhead Secondary Distribution
Primary application. 600V secondary circuits from distribution transformers to service entrances. Covered wire reduces tree-contact outages.
Tree Wire (XLPE Covering)
Distribution lines through forested or vegetated corridors. XLPE covering provides best abrasion resistance against branch contact.
Ice & Wind Loading Zones
6201-T81 alloy strength (315 MPa) handles ice and wind loads that would exceed 1350-H19 conductor limits, avoiding excessive sag or breakage.
Rural Distribution Lines
Long-span rural distribution where conductor weight and sag are critical. 6201-T81 enables 20-30% longer spans vs equivalent 1350-H19 conductor.
Wildlife Protection Zones
Covered conductor reduces avian electrocution risk at pole-mounted equipment. Specified by utility environmental compliance programs.
Temporary Construction Power
Overhead temporary power feeders at construction sites and events where the covered wire provides added protection against incidental contact.
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Frequently Asked Questions
As a factory, we offer flexible MOQ depending on the cable type. For standard stock items, MOQ is low; for customized specifications, please contact our sales team for a detailed quote.
Yes, Qiangli cables are manufactured in compliance with international standards such as UL, CE, TUV, and VDE. We provide full test reports and certificates upon request.
Absolutely. We have a dedicated R&D team that can customize cable structure, material, color, and printing to meet your specific project needs.
For standard products, lead time is usually 7-15 days. For large-scale project orders or customized products, it typically ranges from 20 to 30 days.
Yes, we provide free samples for most standard cables. You only need to cover the international courier costs. Contact us to arrange your sample shipment.