With the growing need for long term economy, safety and reliability 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.

The basic construction is as follows :

• 3 Power Cores consisting of stranded compacted Aluminium conductors, insulated with XLPE.
• One Street lighting Aluminium conductor with XLPE insulation (optional)
• One messenger Al-Alloy Conductor (Bare or Insulated)

The purpose of messenger conductor is :

• It acts as load bearing conductor.
• It acts as earth or neutral conductor.

its advantages

• 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.

its applications

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