Armour Rod
- Preformed aluminium rods that armour the conductor at the suspension point
- Protects against bending fatigue, abrasion, compression and arc damage
- Recommended for spans over 91 m (300 ft)
- Also repairs ACSR / AAC with up to 50% outer-strand damage
- Made of aluminium alloy, preformed to the exact conductor size
- Applied by hand over the conductor before the suspension clamp
Technical Specifications
| Catalog | Conductor Ø (mm) | Rod Length (mm) | Rods/Set | Material | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAX- AR-10 | 9.0–11.5 | 1100 | 9–11 | Al alloy | Bare |
| RAX-AR-14 | 11.5–15.0 | 1300 | 11–13 | Al alloy | Bare |
| RAX-AR-18 | 15.0–19.0 | 1500 | 13–15 | Al alloy | Bare |
| RAX-AR-24 | 19.0–24.5 | 1700 | 15–17 | Al alloy | Bare |
| Custom | Other conductor sizes / repair rods — send your conductor type & OD | ||||
Application & Installation
Where it is used
Armour (armor) rods are preformed aluminium rods applied over the conductor at the suspension point. They form a protective sleeve that absorbs the bending, vibration, compression and abrasion the suspension clamp would otherwise concentrate on the bare conductor — extending conductor life on spans over 91 m.
Installation sequence
- Select the rod set for the conductor diameter.
- Centre the set on the conductor at the support point.
- Wrap each preformed rod over the conductor in turn.
- Snap the rods home so the sleeve fully encloses the conductor.
- Fit the suspension clamp over the armoured section.
Buyer’s Guide: Armour Rod
1. What Armour Rods Do
Armour rods are preformed aluminium rods that wrap the conductor into a protective sleeve at the suspension point. The clamp then grips the rods, not the bare conductor — spreading the support load and absorbing vibration so the conductor does not fatigue and fail where it is held.
2. Why Spans Over 91 m Need Them
Longer spans vibrate more in wind. Without armour rods the conductor flexes against a rigid clamp and work-hardens until strands break. The rods add cross-section and damping at exactly the high-stress point, which is why they are recommended above 300 ft.
3. Sizing to the Conductor
Rods are preformed to a specific conductor diameter band (9–24.5 mm). They must match the conductor so the sleeve grips snugly — too large and they do not hold, too small and they will not wrap on.
4. Aluminium Alloy Construction
Made of aluminium alloy to match an aluminium conductor — no bimetallic wear, same thermal behaviour, and conductive so the rods carry their share of any fault current at the support.
5. Repair Use
Armour rods also restore an ACSR or AAC conductor that has lost up to 50% of its outer strands — rewrapping the damaged length to recover strength and conductivity without a full splice.
6. Pairing With the Suspension Clamp
Armour rods go on first, then the suspension clamp (or AGS) over them. Order the matching clamp sized for the armoured diameter, not the bare conductor.
