Materials and conductor sizes
Size notation describes a conductor area; it does not identify insulation thickness, steel reinforcement or a reel’s remaining copper content. The pages here separate AWG/kcmil conversion from construction evidence such as strand count, codeword and visible steel core.
Submit cable detailsMake the next decision with evidence
Ask for the conductor marking and a safe disconnected cut-end image where available. Never infer a core metal from an outer aluminum layer or jacket outside diameter.
Published specification tables are nominal product references, not lot authentication, gross cable weight or a price quotation.
Focused guides
AAC vs ACSR: is there a steel core?
Compare all-aluminum AAC with aluminum/steel ACSR using strand construction, codeword, size and cut-end evidence instead of exterior appearance.
Technical guideAWG, 4/0 and kcmil: what is being sized?
Understand AWG and circular-mil conductor area, 4/0 notation and a sourced copper-vs-total weight example without inferring cable size from jacket OD.
Need to document a lot?
Prepare the reel record and share readable markings, quantity and photos for a buyer-fit inquiry. Product examples are not proof of acceptance or current condition.