Cables by Type

LV Aerial Bundled Cable

Low Voltage Aerial Bundled Cable (ABC) is an overhead power line used for distributing electricity, particularly in low-voltage applications. It offers several advantages over traditional bare conductor systems and is manufactured in accordance with BS Standard, AS/NZS Standard, NF Standard, IEC Standard, SANS 1418, and HD 626 S1 Standard.

It is primarily used for distributing electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial areas and ideal for densely populated urban areas, rural locations, and regions with complex terrain where underground cables are challenging or costly to install. The insulation reduces the risk of accidental contact with live wires, enhancing safety for people and animals and protects the conductors from environmental damage (e.g., weather, tree branches), leading to lower maintenance costs and fewer power outages. Also bundled cables are more compact and less visually obtrusive compared to traditional bare conductor systems.

Construction

● Conductor: Made from aluminum, conductors are insulated with materials such as cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

● Insulation: Each conductor is individually insulated, and the entire bundle is typically twisted together to form a compact, organized cable.

● Messenger Wire: A messenger wire, which is usually a bare or insulated steel or aluminum alloy, provides mechanical support to the cable bundle and can serve as a neutral or earth wire.

Standard

BS 7870-5

1. Title: Specification for Aerial Bundled Cables (ABC)

2. Scope: BS 7870-5, published by the British Standards Institution (BSI), specifies the requirements for aerial bundled cables used in low voltage power distribution. It covers the construction, materials, and performance criteria necessary for these cables to ensure safe and reliable operation in overhead distribution systems. The standard includes specifications for insulation, conductor materials, and mechanical properties.

AS/NZS 3560.1

1. Title: Aerial Bundled Cables (ABC) - Part 1: General Requirements

2. Scope: AS/NZS 3560.1, developed by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand, outlines the general requirements for aerial bundled cables used in low voltage distribution. This standard includes guidelines for the materials, construction, and testing of the cables to ensure they meet the necessary safety and performance criteria for use in both Australian and New Zealand environments.

NF C 33-209

1. Title: Aerial Bundled Cables (ABC) - Insulated Cables for Low Voltage Distribution

2. Scope: NF C 33-209, published by the French Association for Standardization (AFNOR), specifies the requirements for insulated aerial bundled cables used in low voltage power distribution. The standard covers various aspects of cable design and construction, including insulation materials, conductor specifications, and performance characteristics to ensure compliance with French and European standards.

IEC 60502-1

1. Title: Power Cables with Extruded Insulation and Their Accessories for Rated Voltages Up to 1 kV (U₀/U) - Part 1: Cables for Electrical Installations

2. Scope: IEC 60502-1, issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), provides specifications for power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories used for rated voltages up to 1 kV. The standard details the construction, materials, and testing requirements for these cables, ensuring they are suitable for use in various electrical installations.

SANS 1418

1. Title: Low Voltage Aerial Bundled Cables

2. Scope: SANS 1418, published by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), specifies the requirements for low voltage aerial bundled cables used in power distribution. The standard outlines the design, construction, and performance criteria for these cables to ensure their reliability and safety in South African electrical distribution networks.

HD 626 S1

1. Title: Aerial Bundled Cables for Low-Voltage Distribution

2. Scope: HD 626 S1, part of the Harmonized Standards series, provides specifications for aerial bundled cables used in low-voltage distribution systems. This standard includes detailed requirements for the materials, construction, and performance of the cables to ensure they meet European standards for safety and reliability in overhead power distribution.