Medium Voltage Aerial Bundled Conductor (ABC) Cables:
Construction: ABC cables consist of insulated conductors bundled together and covered with a layer of weather-resistant material such as cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). The conductors are often made of aluminum or aluminum alloy for lightweight and corrosion resistance.
Insulation: Each conductor in an ABC cable is individually insulated to prevent electrical leakage and protect against environmental factors such as moisture, UV radiation, and temperature variations. The bundled configuration offers mechanical protection and reduces the risk of phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground faults.
Installation: ABC cables are installed similarly to traditional overhead cables, but they do not require separate insulators since the conductors are already insulated. They are often installed using brackets, hangers, or messenger wires for support and tensioning.
The application areas for Medium Voltage Aerial Bundled Conductor (ABC) Cables:
Power Distribution Networks: Overhead lines are commonly used for distributing electricity from substations to residential, commercial, and industrial areas. They are particularly suitable for covering long distances efficiently.
Rural and Remote Areas: In sparsely populated or remote regions, overhead lines are often preferred due to lower installation costs and ease of maintenance compared to underground cables.
Highways and Transportation Corridors: Overhead cables may be installed along highways, railways, or other transportation corridors to supply power to infrastructure such as lighting, signaling systems, and electric railways.
Temporary Installations: Overhead cables can be deployed temporarily for construction sites, events, or emergencies where quick installation and removal are required.
High Voltage Transmission: While the focus is on medium voltage, some regions use overhead lines for higher voltage transmission, which may include voltages above the typical medium voltage range.