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What Are AB Cables & Their Cable Construction Systems?

Ab Cable

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Introduction to Aerial Bundled Cable (ABC)

Aerial Bundled Cable (AB Cable) is an innovative concept for Over Head (OH) power distribution. When compared to the conventional care conductor OH distribution system, AB Cable provides higher safety and reliability, lower power losses, stability in voltage regulation and ultimate system economy by reducing installation, maintenance and operation cost.

 

Easy And Safe Installation in Difficult Terrain

This system is ideal for rural & difficult terrain such as hilly areas, dense forests, coastal regions etc. These lines can be laid without cutting or trimming any trees. AB Cable is also convenient to lay in densely populated areas with narrow gaps between buildings, where it is usually not possible to run bare conductors. Accidental electrocutions are avoided by the insulation of the cable. The insulated system allows live line working and thus less downtime, a safe working environment and quick installation.

 

Cost-Effectiveness

Underground cable installations have a capital cost ratio as high as 20:1 when compared to OH lines, thus giving the AB Cable system a distinct advantage in cost effectiveness. Also, since the cables are clearly visible, the faults can be detected and rectified quickly and with ease. Damage due to waterlogging is also avoided as compared to underground cables.

 

Reliability

AB Cables are highly reliable and the insulation has been developed to withstand heat, cold and intense sunlight. Disturbance and faults occur five to ten times more on open-wire lines than on AB Cable lines. There is no risk in working on a live cable and the insulation reduces the number of short circuits, over-voltages and transformer burnouts caused by thunderstorms. Fewer hardware accessories are needed as each one can be used with many different sizes of cable.

 

Reduced Distribution Losses

According to World Bank analysis, India loses 20% of its generated electricity due to T&D losses of which power theft is a major component. Compared to the bare line system, the insulation of the ABC system makes it far more secure and thus saves it from Power Theft.

 

AB Cable Construction

Insulated Messenger System

An insulated messenger system (also called the French system) consists of 3 black, weather-resistant XLPE or PE insulated phase conductors twisted along with an insulated messenger conductor made of a high strength Aluminum alloy which serves as a dual purpose earthing and/or neutral messenger wire.

These systems may also carry 1 or 2 service lines of insulated Aluminum conductor with a cross-section of 16mm² or 25mm² to be used for street lighting.

The phase and service conductors are of the same strength while the neutral conductor is made of a high strength Aluminum Alloy as it is strained to take the load of the entire cable system.
The construction and mechanical properties of this system originate from HD 626 Part 6 Section E.

 

Self-Supporting System (2 core or 4 core system)

The self-supporting cable system consists of 2 or 4 PE or XLPE black, weather-resistant insulated conductors. The mechanical strength of all the cables is equal such that, when strained, all the cables will equally bear the load of the system.

These systems may also carry 1 or 2 service lines of insulated Aluminum conductors with a cross-section of 16mm² or 25mm² to be used for street lighting.

The construction and mechanical properties of this system originate from HD 626 Part 4 Section F.

 

Uninsulated Messenger System

An uninsulated messenger system (also called the Finnish system) consists of 1-4 black, weather-resistant PE insulated phase conductors twisted around a messenger conductor made of a high-strength Aluminum alloy.
These systems may also carry 1 or 2 service lines of insulated Aluminum conductors with a cross-section of 16mm² or 25mm² to be used for street lighting.

The phase and service conductors are of the same strength while the neutral conductor is made of a high strength Aluminum Alloy as it is strained to take the load of the entire cable system.

The construction and mechanical properties of this system originate from HD 626 Part 5 Section D.

 

Catalogue

 

We have various videos which can guide you on installation processes for our range of AB Cable Accessories:

 

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