Classes 1 AA and A are used primarily for overhead transmission and primary and secondary distribution, where ampacity must be maintained and a lighter conductor (compared to ACSR) is desired, when conductor strength is not a critical factor.

Classes B and C are used primarily as bus, apparatus connectors and jumpers, where additional flexibility is required

• High conducting i.e. low specific resistance.

• High tensile strength in order to withstand mechanical stress.

• Low specific gravity in order to give low weight per unit volume

• Low cost in order to be used over long distance.

• Should not be brittle.