Aerial bundled cable — commonly called ABC or overhead bundled cable — bundles insulated conductors together rather than running separate bare wires between poles.
How ABC differs from open conductors
Traditional overhead lines use bare uninsulated conductors separated by air. ABC wraps each conductor in a UV-resistant insulation jacket, making it safer and more reliable in confined and vegetation-heavy areas.
When is ABC required in NSW?
- Near trees and vegetation — reduces risk of contact and ignition
- Bushfire-prone areas — mandatory in many high and extreme bushfire risk zones
- Residential streets with limited clearance
- New subdivisions — many developments now require ABC for LV reticulation
Benefits of aerial bundled cable
- Safety — insulated conductors eliminate accidental contact risk
- Reliability — fewer outages from branches, wildlife, and wind
- Reduced maintenance — less vegetation trimming required
- Neater appearance compared to open wire arrangements
ABC installation in NSW
Installing aerial bundled cable requires a Level 2 ASP accredited with the relevant DNSP.
Mackex Services installs aerial bundled cable across Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, and Essential Energy networks throughout NSW. Contact us to discuss your project.
Aerial bundled cable for NSW service upgrades
Aerial bundled cable, often called ABC, is commonly used where overhead supply needs improved safety, reduced conductor clashing risk or better performance around vegetation. It may form part of a private power pole upgrade, overhead service replacement or network-authorised connection project.
- ABC can help reduce risks around trees and exposed overhead conductors.
- Distributor rules still determine clearances, attachment points and approved construction methods.
- A Level 2 ASP may be required for service mains replacement, reconnection and defect rectification.
Common questions
Is aerial bundled cable better than bare overhead conductors?
ABC is insulated and often safer in suitable applications, but the correct solution depends on site conditions and distributor requirements.
Can ABC be used for private power poles?
Yes, where approved and designed correctly, ABC can be used between network assets, private poles and points of attachment.