ABC Aerial Bundled Cable
LV & MV Overhead Insulated Cable for Transmission Lines, Distribution Networks and Rural Electrification
Voltage range 0.6/1kV–33kV | IEC 60502 / BS 7870 / NFC 33-209 / AS/NZS 3599 / DIN 48201 | Rural electrification projects in Africa and South America
ABC Aerial Bundled Cable is characterized by excellent electrical performance, high short-circuit resistance, long service life, lightweight, easy installation, operation, and maintenance. It is widely used in most parts of the world. This type of overhead bundled cable differs from overhead bare conductor cables in that it consists of copper or aluminum neutral wires wrapped in insulation and tightly bundled together for low and medium voltage power transmission.
Bare cables are used for medium and high voltage power transmission.
Construction and Specifications
0.6/1kV Low Voltage ABC Cable
Low Voltage Aerial Bundled Cable (LV ABC) is designed for overhead power distribution systems up to 0.6/1kV. The cable consists of insulated aluminum phase conductors twisted around a neutral messenger conductor, providing enhanced safety and reliability compared with bare overhead lines. It is widely used in residential areas, urban distribution networks, rural electrification projects, and street lighting systems.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Voltage Rating | 0.6/1kV |
| Conductor | AAC / AAAC / ACSR |
| Insulation | XLPE / PE |
| Size Range | 16–240 mm² |
| Standards | IEC 60502-1, NFC 33-209, BS 7870, SANS 1418 |
| Applications | Residential supply, rural electrification, street lighting, utility distribution |
3.6/6kV–19/33kV Medium Voltage ABC Cable
Medium Voltage Aerial Bundled Cable (MV ABC) is designed for overhead distribution networks operating from 3.6/6kV to 19/33kV. Featuring XLPE insulated aluminum conductors, MV ABC combines the advantages of overhead installation with the safety and reliability of insulated cable systems. It is particularly suitable for utility networks in forests, mountainous regions, industrial zones, and areas exposed to severe weather conditions.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Voltage Rating | 3.6/6kV – 19/33kV |
| Conductor | Compact Aluminum / AAAC |
| Insulation | XLPE |
| Size Range | 35–400 mm² |
| Standards | IEC 60502-2, NFC 33-226, HD 620, BS 7870 |
| Applications | Utility distribution, industrial plants, renewable energy projects, rural networks |
NFC 33-209 ABC Cable
NFC standards are widely adopted in many African and South American power distribution projects, especially for low-voltage and aerial bundled cable systems. The most commonly referenced standards are based on French norms (NF C series), which are widely accepted by utilities in Francophone Africa and Latin American infrastructure projects.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard | NFC 33-209 |
| Voltage | 0.6/1kV |
| Conductor | AAC / AAAC Aluminum |
| Neutral Messenger | AAAC / ACSR (load-bearing) |
| Insulation | XLPE / PE (UV resistant, black) |
| Core Configuration | 2 / 3 / 4 cores |
| Size Range | 2×16 to 4×120 mm² |
| Structure | Insulated phase conductors + neutral messenger, bundled |
| Installation Type | Overhead aerial distribution system |
| Applications | Urban & rural LV distribution, residential supply, street lighting, utility networks, temporary construction power |
LV ABC Cable (0.6/1kV) Common Specifications
| Configuration | Typical Conductor Sizes (mm²) |
|---|---|
| Duplex (1 Phase + Neutral) | 2×16, 2×25, 2×35, 2×50 |
| Triplex (2 Phase + Neutral) | 3×16, 3×25, 3×35, 3×50 |
| Quadruplex (3 Phase + Neutral) | 4×16, 4×25, 4×35, 4×50, 4×70, 4×95, 4×120 |
| Neutral Messenger | 16–120 mm² AAC, AAAC or ACSR |
Voltage Rating: 0.6/1kV
Conductor Material: AAC, AAAC, ACSR
Insulation: XLPE or PE
Applicable Standards: IEC 60502-1, NFC 33-209, BS 7870, SANS 1418
MV ABC Cable (6kV–33kV) Common Specifications
| Voltage Class | Common Conductor Sizes (mm²) |
|---|---|
| 6/10kV | 35, 50, 70, 95, 120, 150, 185, 240 |
| 8.7/15kV | 50, 70, 95, 120, 150, 185, 240 |
| 12/20kV | 70, 95, 120, 150, 185, 240, 300 |
| 18/30kV | 95, 120, 150, 185, 240, 300 |
| 19/33kV | 120, 150, 185, 240, 300, 400 |
Voltage Rating: 3.6/6kV to 19/33kV
Conductor Material: Compact Aluminum or AAAC
Insulation: XLPE
Typical Structure: Conductor + Conductor Screen + XLPE Insulation + Weather-Resistant Outer Layer
Applicable Standards: IEC 60502-2, NFC 33-226, HD 620, BS 7870
NFC Standard Specifications for Africa & South America
| Standard | Full Reference | Cable Type | Voltage Level | Application Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFC 33-209 | Low Voltage Aerial Bundled Cables | LV ABC | 0.6/1kV | Overhead LV distribution, residential supply, rural electrification |
| NFC 33-226 | Covered Conductors for MV Networks | MV ABC / Covered Conductor | 6kV – 33kV | Medium voltage overhead lines in urban & rural grids |
| NFC 32-321 | Aluminum Conductors (AAC/AAAC) | Bare & phase conductors | LV & MV | Overhead line conductors for distribution networks |
| NFC 34-125 | Insulated overhead line accessories | Accessories | LV & MV | Fittings, clamps, spacers for aerial bundled systems |
Notes for Project Use
- NFC standards are commonly requested in Africa (West Africa, North Africa, Central Africa) and South America (especially French/Portuguese influenced EPC projects)
- NFC 33-209 is the most frequently specified standard for LV ABC cable tenders
- NFC 33-226 is widely used for MV covered conductor systems replacing bare overhead lines
- These standards are often accepted alongside IEC equivalents (IEC 60502 series)
ABC Cable Specification PDF
ZMS ABC CABLE PDF
ZMS provides our partners around the world with brochures of our cable products, including aerial cables, submarine cables, control cables and other types of special cables, and more.
If you don’t know how to choose the product you need, or don’t find the cable type and size you need on this page, don’t worry. Contact us and send us your requirements, we can help you choose the right cable. You can provide us with the following information: cable voltage, conductor material, insulation and sheath material, shield type, armor type, etc. or you can provide us with cable installation environment, application requirements, etc. We will serve you wholeheartedly. ZMS cable supplier has a number of quality certifications: ISO 9000, ISO 9001, ISO14000, ISO14001, ISO18000, CE, IEC, BS, NFC, ASTM, DIN, etc.
