AB Cable (Aerial Bunched Cable) is a modern and efficient solution for overhead power distribution, offering significant advantages over conventional bare conductors. It enhances both safety and reliability, making it a preferred choice for distribution systems.
Unlike PVC-insulated cables, which face challenges such as thermal degradation, poor moisture resistance, and thermoplastic behavior, AB cables are designed to overcome these limitations. They are directly strung on distribution poles using specialized hardware, ensuring durability, efficiency, and long-term performance.
Lower fault rate – Strong protection against line and group faults caused by high winds, falling trees, or bird contact. This is particularly beneficial in hilly and forested rural distribution networks.
Shared infrastructure – Power and telephone cables can be installed on the same set of poles, simplifying infrastructure and reducing clutter.
Improved electrical performance – High capacitance and low inductance reduce line impedance, resulting in more efficient power transmission.
Extended reach – Longer spans and greater line distances are achievable, ensuring improved system stability.
Ease of installation – Can be safely installed in areas with dense vegetation and forests without requiring extensive clearing.
Cost-effective – Overall line costs are reduced compared to conventional systems.
Enhanced security – Difficult to tap, minimizing theft and reducing distribution losses.
High insulation resistance – Provides strong resistance to earth in all seasons, ensuring negligible leakage currents and minimal energy losses.
Seamless adaptability – Can be installed alongside existing overhead bare conductor systems without causing interference.
Improved performance – Lower voltage drop and higher current-carrying capacity result in better voltage regulation.
Enhanced safety – Safer than conventional bare cables, reducing risks in distribution networks.
Quick connections – Additional connections can be made easily and efficiently using hot-line connectors.
Low maintenance – Designed for convenience, requiring minimal upkeep over its lifespan.
Higher operating capacity – The inclusion of a messenger wire removes mechanical tension from the current-carrying conductor, allowing operation at 90°C (compared to 75°C for bare conductors). This enables AB cables to carry the same current as a bare conductor of equal size.
LT AB cable has higher current rating, higher short circuit rating approximately 1.2 times that of PVC.LT AB cable, due to its smaller diameter of cable and higher weight, has smaller bending radius and requires less space which lowers the cost of laying. For longer cable length voltage drop, one size lower cables can be used as compared to PVC insulated cable.
HT AB cables are highly reliable, with insulation designed to withstand extreme cold and intense sunlight. Compared to open wire lines, disturbances and faults occur five to ten times less frequently in AB cable lines. They are also much safer, as there is no risk in touching live cables, and the insulation helps reduce short circuits and over-voltage faults during thunderstorms. Only a few hardware accessories are required, which vary depending on the cable size. Additionally, streets can be illuminated at minimal extra cost by using cables that include an extra conductor for lighting, and these cables can be supplied with one or two insulated conductors specifically for street lighting.
In electricity theft-prone areas
As a replacement for bare lines in rural areas and narrow streets with limited space
As a replacement for bare lines where reliability of support is of prime importance
In hilly terrains where the cost of erecting overhead lines or underground cables is very high
For reinforcing existing systems by increasing voltage and current-carrying capacity
For temporary power supplies
