LT AB Cables

LT Aerial Bunched cables, also known as LT AB Cables, are distinct from bare conductor overhead distribution. They are good for distribution of electricity to residential, commercial and industrial units. These cables have overcome limitations of PVC insulated cables such as thermal degradation, poor moisture resistance and thermoplastic nature.

LT AB cables have higher current rating, higher short circuit rating approximately 1.2 times that of PVC. LT AB Cables have lower cost of laying because of comparatively smaller diameter of cable and higher weight. Installation charges are also low as diameter of the cable is comparatively lesser with smaller bending radius, requiring less space. For longer cable length voltage drop, one size lower cables can be used as compared to PVC insulated cable.

AB cables are highly reliable and insulation has been developed to withstand extreme cold and intense sunlight. Disturbance and faults occur five to ten times more often in open wires lines than in AB cable lines. There is no risk in touching the live cable and the insulation reduces the number of short circuits and over voltage faults in overhead cables during thunderstorms. Few hardware accessories are needed which are different for different size of cables. Streets can be lit only at little extra conductor for lighting. The cable can be supplied with one or two insulated conductors for street lighting.

Convenient Usage

• In electricity theft prone areas.
• As replacement of bare lines in rural area & narrow street with limited space.
• As replacement of bare lines where reliabilities of support is of prime importance.
• In hilly terrain here cost of erection of overhead lines or under ground cable becomes very high.
• As reinforcement of existing system with increase in voltage/current carrying capacity.
• For temporary supplies.Advantages

  In comparison with bare overhead distribution line AB Cable has very high reliability in maintaining power services because power and neutral conductors are insulated with the best dielectric, resulting in the following advantages:

  • Less fault rate on account of good protection against line and ground faults by high winding falling trees or birds specially in hilly areas and forests.
  • High insulation resistance to earth in all seasons. Neglible lekage currents and low losses.
  • Multiplexer circuits of power and telephone cables could be in the same set of poles.
  • Better adaptability to laid besides with existing overhead bare conductor system without any interference.
  • High capacitance and low inductance leading to low impedance of lines.
  • Lower voltage drop, higher current carrying capacities vis-à-vis better voltage regulations.
  • Longer spans and longer distance lines are possible with better system stability.
  • AB cables are much safer than bare conductors.
  • It can be laid in dense vegetation and forest areas.
  • Additional connections can be easily and quickly made with hot line connectors.
  • Overall lines cost is reduced.
  • Maintenance is very convenient.
  • Very difficult to tap the AB cables, thus reducing theft which leads to lower distribution losess.
  • Since, the tension from the current carrying conductor is totally removed by introduction of messenger wire, the operating temperature of the conductor is 90 c as against 75 c thereby allowing AB cable to carry current equivalent to that of bare conductor of the same size.