In 2023–2024, Uni-Cable was awarded contracts to supply ACSR overhead conductors and porcelain/polymer insulators to support Phase IV of Tanzania’s Rural Electrification Program (REA). Managed by the Rural Energy Agency in cooperation with TANESCO (Tanzania Electric Supply Company), this project aimed to connect over 1.5 million households to the national grid across more than 80 districts, especially in Dodoma, Singida, Tabora, and Kigoma.
The project required cost-effective, durable overhead transmission materials capable of withstanding East African climate conditions, such as high UV exposure, rainfall, and variable terrain.
| Conductor Type | Size | Aluminum/Steel | Rated Strength | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACSR 25mm² | 6/1/2.10 mm | 6 Al / 1 St | 6.7 kN | IEC 61089 |
| ACSR 50mm² | 6/1/2.89 mm | 6 Al / 1 St | 10.5 kN | IEC 61089 |
| ACSR 100mm² | 6/1/3.76 mm | 6 Al / 1 St | 18.5 kN | IEC 61089 |
| ACSR 150mm² | 30/7/2.25 mm | 30 Al / 7 St | 39.5 kN | IEC 61089 |
Grease-filled core for corrosion protection (for 100 mm² and above)
Annealed aluminum for flexibility during installation
| Type | Material | Voltage Rating | Creepage Distance | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Type | Porcelain | 11kV / 33kV | 320mm / 550mm | IEC 60383 |
| Disc Type | Porcelain | 33kV / 66kV | 430mm+ | IEC 60383 |
| Long Rod | Polymer (Silicone) | 11kV / 33kV | 400–650mm | IEC 61109 |
UV-resistant polymer insulators for coastal and dusty regions
Hot-dip galvanized end fittings
All insulators passed mechanical and electrical load tests
The supplied conductors and insulators were used in:
11kV and 33kV overhead line construction from rural substations
Grid extension to schools, health centers, water supply stations, and villages
Feeder and sub-feeder lines up to 50 km
Replacement of damaged insulators in maintenance programs
The conductor sizes were selected based on load forecast, span length, terrain, and cost-efficiency for rural areas with low load density.
All products were inspected and tested according to IEC and TANESCO standards, with third-party pre-shipment inspection carried out by SGS Tanzania and a local agent assigned by the Ministry of Energy.
Tests performed:
Conductor tensile strength, elongation, and wrapping
Insulator mechanical failing load test (70kN for disc types)
Electrical withstand tests (wet & dry)
Galvanization thickness and adhesion test
Packaging vibration and drum rotation simulation test
Certificates of Conformity (CoC) were issued to clear the goods through Tanzanian import channels.
ACSR conductors: Supplied in wooden export-grade drums (500m–1,000m each), each with labeled serial numbers and conductor specs
Insulators: Packed in reinforced crates with separators and shock protection
Shipping method: Sea freight to Dar es Salaam Port
Lead time: 30 days from order to delivery
Shipment documents included:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Certificate of Origin
Inspection Certificate
Test Reports
Material Safety Data Sheets
Full product range: Conductors + insulators + tension/suspension fittings supplied from one source
Fast turnaround: Manufacturing and shipment completed within 4 weeks
Climate-adapted design: Polymer insulators with extra UV protection
Compliance-ready: Products met TANESCO specifications without need for redesign
Cost-effective packaging: Maximized load per container to reduce shipping cost per km
Also supplied to contractors for line installation:
Suspension clamps
Tension clamps
Insulator pins and crossarms
Bolts, nuts, and galvanized steel brackets
Guy wires and stay rods
“The installation process was smooth, with no product failures. Packaging and documentation were excellent. We are planning to specify Uni-Cable in upcoming Phase V tenders.”
Contractors noted reduced wastage and easy handling of polymer insulators in remote areas where manual installation was the norm.
