Medium Voltage (MV) ABC Cable | 6.35/11kV, 12.7/22kV, 33kV, 35kV | 1 & 3 Core (35mm², 50mm², 120mm²) | XLPE/PE Insulated | Overhead Power Lines

Medium Voltage (MV) Cables17
Description

Medium Voltage (MV) ABC Cable | 6.35/11kV, 12.7/22kV, 33kV, 35kV | 1 & 3 Core (35mm², 50mm², 120mm²) | XLPE/PE Insulated | Overhead Power Lines Medium Voltage (MV) ABC Cable | 6.35/11kV, 12.7/22kV, 33kV, 35kV | 1 & 3 Core (35mm², 50mm², 120mm²) | XLPE/PE Insulated | Overhead Power Lines

Product Overview:

Robust & Safe MV Aerial Bundled Cables for Overhead Distribution Networks (Up to 35kV)

This range of Medium Voltage (MV) Aerial Bundled Cables (ABC) is engineered for efficient and reliable power distribution in overhead networks up to 35kV. Designed for fixed aerial installation, these cables offer enhanced safety, reduced right-of-way requirements, and superior performance in diverse environmental conditions compared to bare overhead conductors. Compliant with major international standards (ASTM, NFC 33-209, BS 7870-5, IEC 60502, AS/NZS), they are the ideal solution for modernizing and expanding MV distribution grids.

Key Features & Benefits:

  • Voltage Ratings: Suitable for 6.35/11kV, 12.7/22kV, 33kV, and 35kV systems.

  • Core Configuration: Available in 1-core and 3-core designs.

  • Standard Conductor Sizes: 35mm², 50mm², 70mm², 95mm², 120mm², 150mm², 185mm² (Highlighted: 35mm², 50mm², 120mm²).

  • Phase Conductor: High-conductivity Aluminium.

  • Neutral/Support Conductor: Robust AAC (All Aluminium Conductor), AAAC (All Aluminium Alloy Conductor), or ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced) for mechanical strength.

  • Insulation System: Superior Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) or Polyethylene (PE) insulation, providing excellent electrical properties, thermal stability (typically 90°C operational), moisture resistance, and UV protection.

  • Bundle Construction: Phase conductors and the integrated neutral/support conductor are helically laid together with a left-hand lay, forming a compact, self-supporting bundle. This design minimizes installation costs, reduces fault rates (e.g., tree contact, animal faults), and improves system reliability.

  • Integrated Strength: The AAAC/1120 (or equivalent AAC/ACSR) neutral conductor acts as a messenger wire, providing essential mechanical support for the entire cable bundle, eliminating the need for a separate support wire.

  • International Compliance: Manufactured to meet or exceed ASTM, NFC 33-209, BS 7870-5, IEC 60502, AS/NZS standards. Custom specifications available upon request.

  • Optimized Performance: Designed for high current carrying capacity and low losses.

Detailed Construction:

  1. Conductor:

    • Phase: Plain Aluminium, stranded.

    • Neutral/Support: AAC, AAAC (e.g., AAAC 1120), or ACSR, optimized for combined electrical and mechanical performance.

  2. Insulation: Extruded XLPE or PE, applied concentrically over each phase conductor to the specified nominal thickness based on voltage rating.

  3. Laying Up: Insulated phase conductors and the bare neutral/support conductor are twisted together (left-hand lay) to form an integrated bundle.

  4. Sheath (Optional): A nominal 1.2mm extruded protective sheath (commonly LLDPE or similar) may be applied over the entire bundle for enhanced environmental and abrasion resistance. (Note: Specifications provided show a nominal sheath thickness of 1.2mm).

Technical Specifications Summary (Key Sizes Highlighted):

Voltage Rating Cores x Size (mm²) Nom. Cond. Dia (mm) Nom. Insul. Thick (mm) Nom. Sheath Thick (mm) Support Cond. (Type/Size) Nom. O/D (mm) Weight (kg/km) Current Rating (A) @ 40°C Ambient
Still Air 2m/s Wind
6.35/11kV 3x35 6.9 3.4 1.2 7/4.75 52.4 1370 110 185
3x50 8.1 3.4 1.2 7/4.75 54.6 1530 130 225
3x70 9.7 3.4 1.2 7/4.75 57.8 1790 160 280
3x95 11.4 3.4 1.2 7/4.75 61.3 2100 195 345
3x120 12.8 3.4 1.2 19/3.50 67.3 2540 230 405
3x150 14.2 3.4 1.2 19/3.50 70.1 2840 255 460
3x185 15.7 3.4 1.2 19/3.50 73.1 3190 295 530
12.7/22kV 3x35 6.9 5.5 1.2 7/4.75 61.0 1780 110 180
3x50 8.1 5.5 1.2 7/4.75 63.3 1970 130 220
3x70 9.7 5.5 1.2 7/4.75 66.5 2260 160 275
3x95 11.4 5.5 1.2 7/4.75 69.9 2600 195 335
3x120 12.8 5.5 1.2 19/3.50 75.9 3070 225 395
3x150 14.2 5.5 1.2 19/3.50 78.7 3390 255 450
3x185 15.7 5.5 1.2 19/3.50 81.7 3760 290 520
33kV Contact Factory for specific 33kV configurations & data
35kV Contact Factory for specific 35kV configurations & data

  • Notes:

    • Current Ratings are indicative for conductor temperatures of 90°C in air at 40°C ambient. Ratings increase significantly with wind speed (shown for 2m/s).

    • Support conductor size (e.g., 7/4.75 = 7 strands of 4.75mm wire) varies with cable size and voltage class.

    • 33kV & 35kV specifications available upon request. Dimensions and ratings depend on specific design parameters.

Primary Applications:

  • Overhead Medium Voltage Distribution: Primary application for new installations or upgrades.

  • Urban & Rural Networks: Ideal for areas with space constraints, heavy foliage, or high pollution where bare conductors are problematic.

  • HV/MV Substation Outgoing Feeders: Connecting substations to distribution networks.

  • Industrial Plant Power Distribution: Reliable power supply within large facilities.

  • Renewable Energy Integration (Wind/Solar Farms): Connecting generation sources to the grid or step-up transformers.

  • Areas Prone to: Severe weather, coastal environments (corrosion resistance), forest fires (reduced fault ignition risk), wildlife interference.

Engineering Selection Advantages:

  • Reduced Fault Rates: Insulation minimizes short circuits caused by external objects (birds, branches).

  • Enhanced Public Safety: Reduced risk of electrocution near lines.

  • Lower Installation & Maintenance Costs: Single pass installation, no crossarms/spacers often needed, reduced tree trimming.

  • Improved Reliability & Power Quality: Fewer outages due to weather or contact.

  • Reduced Right-of-Way: Compact bundle requires less clearance.

  • Corrosion Resistance: Aluminium conductors and protective sheath options offer longevity.

  • High Capacity & Efficiency: Optimized conductor and insulation materials.

Ordering Information:

Specify required Voltage Rating (e.g., 12.7/22kV), Number of Cores (1 or 3), Conductor Size (e.g., 50mm²), Neutral Conductor Type (AAC, AAAC, ACSR), Insulation Type (XLPE or PE), and Length. Provide applicable standards if specific compliance is required.