Insulated Aerial Bunched Cables

Additional Details

With the growing need for long term economy, safety and reliablity overhead Conductors are now being replaced by Aerial Bunched Cables both in L.T. & H.T. distribution network with limited space for clearance. Aerial Bunched Cables are basically a compromise between Power Cables and Overhead Conductors.
    Aluminum Conductor
    XLPE Insulation
    Aluminum (Lightning) Conductor
    Mesenger
The basic construction is as follows:
    3 Power Cores consisting of standard Aluminium conductors, insulated with XLPE Insulation.
    One Shealth lighting Aluminium conductor with XLPE insulation (optional).
    One messenger Al-Alloy Conductor (Base or Insulated).

The purpose of messenger wire is :
    It acts as load bearing wire.
    It acts as earth or neutral conductor.
ADVANTAGES OF AERIAL BUNCHED CABLES
    Cores being insulated, the chances of power thefts are eliminated.
    Safest system because phase conductors are insulated, no risk of danger of accidental touching live conductor.
    These are cheaper than power cables.
    Cores being insulated, the chances of faults due to falling of trees or birds are eliminated.
    These can be laid in places where, due to lack of space, power cables cannot be laid.
    Insulation also helps in preventing corrosion of the conductor.
    Life of Transformers increased as the supply interruptions are minimized.
    The total cost of system is reduced due to the reduction in pole heights, elimination of insulators and associated hardware.

Due to above mentioned advantages these cables are getting widespread acceptance specifically in developing countries.

APPLICATIONS OF AERIAL BUNCHED CABLES

  Aerial Bunched Cables are specially suitable for the following type of installation conditions:

    Where space is limited like those in densely populated area, dense forests.
    Where existing Over Head Distribution feeder capacity have to be upgrade without raising the system voltage with limited budget.
    Temporary installations or for those regions where building plans have not been fully approved.