Quadruplex Overhead Service Drop Cable

The cable has four conductors whereby three of them are live conductors, whereas one is a messenger conductor. These conductors are made of soft aluminium with extruded cross linked polyethylene insulation for protection from the punishing outdoor environmental conditions. Only the three live conductors are insulated while the messenger is left bare. This cable is also referred to as the three phase cable.

Standards and Approvals

• 1350-H19 Aluminium series
• ASTM B-399
• ASTM B-232
• ASTM B-231
• ASTM B-230
• ICEA S – 76 – 474

Specifications

• Phase conductor size; 6 AWG
• Insulation thickness; 0.045 inches
• Conductor strand; 7
• Neutral conductor size; 6 AWG
• Allowable ampacity; 75 Amps
• Weight 0.162 lbs per feat

Features

• Conductor’s size

The 1350-H19 aluminium series measures size 6 as per the American Wire Gauge (AWG). This cable has a phase conductor with seven strands twisted together, to improve its good electrical conductivity.

• Conductor’s workability

Aluminium cables are lightweight thus easy to install. Aluminium metal weighs 2.7 g/cm3 which are a third of steel. Lightweight cables are not labour demanding as they need little effort to carry and a move it along especially during termination and shipment. 1350-H19 aluminium series are very soft and malleable hence the ease in twisting and bending.

• Insulation

This cable can be insulated by either an extruded polyethylene or the cross linked polyethylene. These thermosetting and thermoplastic compounds provide superior protection to the cable from mechanical stress attacks and industrial corrosive chemicals. It is black colour coded with a thickness of 0.045 inches, enhancing its performance in both wet and dry installations.

• Messenger Wire

It complies with the neutral conductor size 6 AWG specification. The messenger cable wire is also made of aluminium 1350-C19 series and is left bare for maximum performance. A messenger wire serves as the neutral conductor.

Applications

The Quadruplex Overhead power cable is designed to perform as a three phase cable in 600V voltage distributions. It is installed through overhead distributions from the secondary power lines to service entrance.

Question and Answer:

Frequently Asked Questions - Aluminum Quadruplex Overhead Conductor

I was informed that copper is the better material and that aluminum is used mainly because it is cheaper. If that is true, then should I go in for an Aluminum Quadruplex Overhead Conductor?

Copper and aluminum are both good conductors, but in the early days, copper was preferred due to its superior ability at the point of connection. However, today we see AA-8000aluminum alloy wires that are built according to industry standards are just as good and sometimes, even better than copper conductors. So you can safely buy the Aluminum Quadruplex Overhead Conductor as it will give a performance equivalent to that of copper.

Is the creep rate of aluminum conductors just as good as copper conductors?

Previously, copper was preferred because it has a better creep rate, which is the gradual deformation when constantly exposed to high temperatures. However, the aluminum overhead conductors that we get today is made of industry standards adherent  AA-8000 aluminum alloy that have a creep rate almost as good as copper wires and they behave just like copper even at terminations.

What are the features of Aluminum Quadruplex Overhead Conductor?

• Conductors – the aluminum wires are 8000 alloy series, which are made in accordance with ASTM standards (B231, B232, and B399). It can come as a concentric strand or compressed conductor.
• Insulation - cross linked polyethylene (XLP) or Extruded Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE)
• Messengers - have a bare ACSR and you can also get with AAC or 6201 alloys. 

What are the advantages of using Aluminum Quadruplex Overhead Conductors?

Aluminum Quadruplex Overhead Conductors are designed to be used for secondary distribution circuits among many other uses. The cable has the advantage to be pre-pulled into the duct.  It is also resistant to abrasion, weather and chemicals. The insulation is mostly XLP or XLPE insulation that is resistant to accidental cutting or tearing.

What is the maximum operating temperature for the Aluminum Quadruplex Overhead Conductor?

Aluminum Quadruplex Overhead Conductor can sustain heat lesser than or equal to 90ºC when the insulation is made of cross-linked polyethylene (XLP).  When the insulation is made of polyethylene, the temperature should not be more than 75°C.

What are the maximum voltages recommended forthe Aluminum Quadruplex Overhead Conductor?

The voltages have to be less or equal to 600V.

Can An Aluminum Quadruplex Overhead Conductor be suited for secondary pole line? 

Yes, Aluminum Quadruplex Overhead Conductor can be used in pole line secondary pole line by adding services at the pole or at the mid-span.