ABC, or Aerial Bundled Cable, introduces a new approach to overhead power distribution, offering enhanced safety and reliability compared to traditional bare conductor systems. It boasts reduced power losses, improved voltage stability, and cost-effectiveness through decreased installation, maintenance, and operational expenses.

The HD 626 standard forms the basis for the construction and mechanical properties of the AB Cable fittings and accessories. It encompasses configurations such as the Insulated Messenger System, Self-Supporting System, and the uninsulated Messenger System. 

In our previous piece, we discussed the advantages of AB Cable accessories. Now, we will discuss testing of Low Voltage AB Cable fittings and accessories. 

Testing of AB Cable Fittings & Accessories

Before we go into the process of testing, we should know the major accessories of the AB cable fittings & accessories are as follows:

1. Suspension Clamps

Suspension clamps work with other supporting brackets or compatible support hardware to securely suspend and grip low-voltage cable accessories without any damage. Additionally, these clamps can be utilized with insulation piercing connectors to establish service connections, effectively tapping into the mainline.

2. Anchoring Clamps

Anchoring clamps paired with a bracket or supporting hardware. They are used to starin the messenger or cable, either for line termination or to create a maximum 90-degree angle in the LV AB Cable system to ensure the cable’s insulation remains intact and undamaged.

3. Service Clamps

Service clamps are utilized in conjunction with brackets or additional supportive hardware to tension the insulated service conductor in a low-voltage AB Cable system. Their purpose is to facilitate turning angles, secure service lines to walls, and offer support for tap-offs without causing harm to the cable’s insulation.

4. Insulation Piercing Connectors (IPC’s)

Insulation Piercing Connectors serve to create tap connections on AB cable systems, encompassing both the messenger wire and supporting system. These taps facilitate line extension, and line distribution, and serve various purposes like street lighting or linking to households. Their design ensures a sealed connection, impervious to water entry, effectively functioning as a waterproof connector.

Testing Process of AB Cable Fittings & Accessories

1. Mechanical Testing

The clamps and connectors mentioned earlier undergo rigorous testing, including load, slip, and endurance tests. This ensures their ability to handle real-world AB Cable load conditions without slipping. Following the crimping process, midspan joints and pre-insulated bimetallic lugs undergo mechanical tests.

For insulation-piercing connectors, their connection shouldn’t harm the conductor. Therefore, after applying the IPC, both the tap and main conductor undergo a tensile strength test. This test ensures that the cable strands remain intact, avoiding any weakening caused by the product’s application.

2. Electrical Testing

The clamps and connectors undergo a rigorous 6 kV test, ensuring that no part of the product carries an electric charge during examination. This test is crucial to guarantee the safety of individuals, particularly power line workers, or anyone who might accidentally come into contact with the product while the power line remains active.

The primary cause of aging in AB cables is the utilization of non-standard connectors, accessories, and clamps. These elements enable water entry, gradually causing damage to the cable. Water entry on an AB Cable commonly occurs if non-standard equipment is used. IAC Electricals undergo a stringent 6kV underwater test to ensure a waterproof connection without any electrical leakage.

3. Environmental Testing

These items are applied to outdoor overhead power distribution systems, so it’s crucial for the clamps to undergo testing for corrosion and climatic aging. This testing guarantees the clamps’ durability in harsh outdoor conditions like direct sunlight, rain, and more.

Final Words

Considering the testing process and advantages of AB cable fittings and accessories, IAC provides a range of AB Cable accessories such as Bi-metallic Lugs, Copper/Aluminum Lugs, different types of clamps and connectors such as IPC Connectors, Dead End Clamps, Tension Clamps with Thermoplastic Bodies, Wedge Clamps, Suspension Clamps, and more. 

IAC is a well-known manufacturer of hardware fittings for transmission insulator lines. We also specialize in OPGW hardware fittings, pole line fittings for distribution lines, earthing accessories, and conductor accessories for HTLS conductors. For further details on our products and company, please visit our website- IAC Electricals.