Introduction
Introduction
Aerial Bundled Cable (ABC) is specially designed for residential and rural power distribution, helping to reduce bushfire hazards and improve overall safety. Compared to conventional bare conductor overhead systems, Aerial Bunched Cables offer a more advanced and reliable solution for overhead power distribution. They provide enhanced safety, improved reliability, reduced power losses, and greater system efficiency by lowering installation, maintenance, and operational costs.
This system is particularly suitable for rural electrification and is highly effective in challenging terrains such as hilly regions, forest areas, and coastal locations. Aerial Bunched Cables are also an excellent choice for power distribution in congested urban areas with narrow streets and lanes. In rapidly developing urban environments, ABC systems provide the flexibility required for easy rerouting to accommodate changes in urban infrastructure and development plans.
Application
- Used as a replacement for bare overhead lines in rural areas, forest regions, and locations with narrow streets where space is limited.
- Ideal for hilly terrains where the installation cost of overhead lines or underground cables is significantly high.
- Used as a replacement for bare lines where a high level of voltage supply stability is required.
- Used for strengthening existing power distribution systems without increasing the operating voltage.
- Used as a replacement for bare lines where a high level of supply reliability is essential.
Construction Of Cable
KDI Power Aerial Bundled Cables (ABC) are designed with phase conductors that can be configured for single-phase or three-phase systems. A lighting conductor can also be incorporated to support street lighting applications. The messenger conductor carries the mechanical load of the cable and maintains the assembly under proper tension.
The phase conductors are manufactured from concentrically stranded aluminium wires consisting of 7 or 19 strands, while the messenger conductor is made from aluminium alloy with 7 or 19 strands for enhanced strength. Phase and lighting conductors are insulated with XLPE compound using advanced Sioplas technology, ensuring durability and reliable performance.
The messenger conductor may be either bare or insulated depending on the application. During assembly, the phase and lighting conductors are twisted around the messenger conductor. In certain applications, a separate neutral conductor and street lighting cable can also be provided. Typically, the messenger conductor functions as both the neutral and the earthing conductor in the system.
Design
| Configuration | Single Phase or Three Phase systems with or without Neutral Conductor and Street Light line. |
| Conductor |
Phase or Lighting conductor: Electrical grade Aluminium of H2 or H4 grade as per IS: 8130 Messenger conductor: Aluminium Magnesium and Silica Alloy confirming to IS:398 (Part – 4) |
| Insulation | XLPE with Sioplas Technique. |
| Identification of Phase | Ridges provided on the insulation of Phase Conductors: 1 ridge for the 1st phase, 2 ridges for the 2nd phase and 3 ridges for the 3rd phase. The Neutral phase may have 4 ridges if required. |
| Colour of Insulation | As the cable remains exposed to environmental elements such as UV rays from sunlight, the insulation is mixed with a small amount of carbon black to prevent the deterioration of polythene. |