Aerial Bunched Cables or ABC | XPLE insulated - STEP CABLES

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Aerial Bunched Cables

Aerial Bunched Cables (ABC) is a very novel concept for Over Head Power distribution. When compared to the conventional bare conductor over head distribution system. ABC provides higher safety and reliability, lower power losses and ultimate system economy by reducing installation, maintenance and operative cost. This system is ideal for rural distribution and specially attractive for installation in difficult terrains such as hilly areas, forest areas, coastal areas etc.

Aerial Bunched Cables is also considered to be the best choice for power distribution congested urban areas with narrow lanes and by – lanes. In developing urban complex, Aerial Bunched Cables is the better choice because of flexibility for rerouting as demanded by changes in urban development plan.

CONSTRUCTION OF ABC

XLPE/HDPE insulated power conductors of Aluminium (Neutral conductor and street lighting conductor if and when necessary) are laid together (twisted) around a high tensile standard and galvanized steel (Aluminium Alloy may be used) insulated or bare messenger wire to form the Aerial Bunched Cable. This assembly is directly strung on to distribution pole/towers by means of standard hardware available in the market but care shall be taken to render the messenger wire completely insulated from Earthing at any point of distribution in case of HT ABC.

The XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) insulation is black in colour and is stabilized against deterioration caused by exposure to direct sunlight and ultraviolet radiation. XLPE is cross-linkable low-density polyethylene, which is made thermo set by special formulation from base polymer of thermoplastic low-density polyethylene. XLPE combines the best electrical properties of LDPE and superior thermo mechanical properties.

MATERIALS
  • Aluminium conductors conform to IS:8130(Class-II)
  • Standard high tensile galvanized steel messenger wire conforms to IS:398 (Part – 2). Alternatively Aluminum Alloy messenger wire conforms to IS:398 (Part – 4)
  • XLPE and HDPE insulation of power conductors specify IS:7098 (Part – I & II) and IS:6474 respectively.

Since, the tension from the current carrying conductor is totally removed by introduction of messenger wire the operating temperature of the conductor is 90.C as against 75.C of the bare conductor of the same size.

APPLICATION
Aerial Bunched Cables can be conveniently used:
  • As replacement of bare lines in Rural Areas, in woods and in other localities & narrows streets where the space limited.
  • As replacement of bare lines where reliability of supply is of prime importance.
  • As replacement of bare lines where high degree of stability of supply voltage is of importance.
  • In hilly terrains where cost of erection of overhead lines or under ground cable becomes very high.
  • As reinforcement of existing system without increasing voltage.
  • For temporary supplies.