Aerial Bunched Cable

AB CABLE APPLICATIONS

Aerial Bunched Cable (ABC cable) is an innovative concept for overhead power distribution as compared to the conventional bare conductor overhead distribution system. It uses several insulated phase conductors bundled tightly together, usually with a bare neutral conductor. This contrasts with the traditional practice of using uninsulated conductors separated by air gaps demanded by changes in urban development plan.
The main objections to the traditional design are that the multiple conductors are considered messy, and external forces (such as high winds) can cause them to touch and short circuit. The resultant sparks have been a cause of bushfires in drier climates. With ABC, a simultaneous disconnection of all conductors is more likely.
In moister climates, tree growth is a significant problem for overhead power lines. Aerial bundled cables will not arc over if touched by tree branches. Although persistent rubbing is still a problem, tree-trimming costs can be reduced.
It provides higher level of 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 it is especially perfect for installation in difficult terrains such as hilly areas, forest areas, coastal areas etc. ABC is also considered to be ideal for power distribution in congested urban areas with narrow lanes and by-lanes.

Advantages

• Less maintenance.
• Simpler installation, as crossbars and insulators are not required.
• Less cluttered appearance.
• Electricity theft is made harder and more obvious to detect.
• Relative immunity to short circuits caused by external forces (wind, fallen branches), unless they abrade the insulation.
• Can be installed in a narrower right-of-way.
• At junction poles, insulating bridging wires are needed to connect non-insulated wires at either side. 
   ABC can dispense with one of these splices.
• It improves the safety and reliance of electrified wire netting.
• Less risk of a neutral-only break from tree or vehicle damage, increasing safety with TNC-s systems.
• Can stand in close proximity to trees and will not generate sparks if touched.