Aerial bundled cables (also aerial bundled conductors) are overhead power lines using several insulated phase conductors bundled tightly together, usually with a bare neutral conductor. This contrasts with the traditional practice of using uninsulated conductors separated by air gaps.
The main objections to the traditional design are that the multiple conductors are considered ugly, and external forces (such as high winds) can cause them to touch and short circuit. The resultant sparks were a cause of bushfires in drier climates.
In moister climates, tree growth is a significant problem for overhead power lines. Aerial bundled cables will not arc over if touched by tree branches. Although persistent rubbing is still a problem, tree-trimming costs can be reduced.
Note that bundled cables are used only for low voltages (1000 V or less), in the distribution portion of the electrical grid, as the required insulation thickness would be impractical at higher voltages.
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Low voltage aerial bundled conductor (ABC) lines were first installed on the rural Irish distribution networks in 1981.[1] It is not known where ABC was first installed.
Aerial bundled cables (ABC) have been introduced into Australian power systems progressively since 1983.[2] This was partly in response to bushfires sparked by old wires touching.