ABC Cable Explained: Aerial Bundled Cable for Overhead Services
Why aerial bundled cable replaced open-wire services, common sizes like 25mm², and the clamps and connectors that terminate it properly.
Bundled beats bare
Aerial bundled cable twists insulated conductors into a single self-supporting bundle. Compared with open bare-wire services it slashes clashing faults, vegetation contact and wildlife outages — which is why networks mandated it for new overhead services.
Common service sizes
25mm² two-core and four-core ABC covers most residential service runs, with larger sizes for long spans and higher demand. The size determines the strain clamp: a wedge clamp made for 25mm² ABC grips without damaging the insulation.
Terminating and tapping
At each end, a strain clamp anchors the bundle to the pole or facade bracket, and insulation-appropriate connectors make the electrical joint. On the bare-conductor network side, line tap connectors — copper for copper, aluminium for aluminium mains — bond the service to the mains.
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