UNCONTROLLED COPY

OVERHEAD DESIGN
MANUAL
Section 8 – Cable Data

Approved by: R. English

© ENERGEX 2009 BMS 01613

UNCONTROLLED COPY
 UNCONTROLLED COPY
CABLE SELECTION

CABLE GUIDELINES

INSULATED CONDUCTORS For use:

• in the vicinity of vegetation (present or future)
• where there is a likelihood of objects falling or blowing onto the mains, eg tree branches,
chains
• where wildlife may otherwise cause outages
• where mains are likely to be contacted by crane jibs, boat masts or other objects
• where there is minimal clearance from structures.

AAC All-aluminium conductors are recommended for stringing tensions up to and including T110.
These have excellent conductivity and since their weight is low, the tensions upon structures are
moderate. AAC can suffer from annealing when subjected to excessive heat, eg due to
overloading or cane fires.

ACSR Aluminium conductors with galvanized steel reinforcing are recommended for stringing tensions
of T110 and above. ACSR is stronger than AAC, but has inferior conductivity. ACSR
conductors are typically used in rural applications where spans are very long and electrical
loads are light. ACSR is more prone to corrosion in polluted environments than AAC,
particularly where salt spray is present.

NOTE: Due to rising fault levels consult Protection Department for application of Raisin within
12km of a substation.

HDC AND SC/GZ Hard drawn copper and steel (galvanized) conductors are obsolete and would normally only be
specified for sleeving of short sections onto existing mains.

B DATE 30/6/03 APP’D D Lloyd CABLE DATA

APP’D D LLOYD DATE 28/05/02 CABLE SELECTION GUIDELINES
CKD G BARTLETT REC’D M Irvine
ATHR M IRVINE © COPYRIGHT 2003 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
RAISIN APPLICATION AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 1 OF 1
in part or whole without written
LIMITATION DEFINED
permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7026a4 7026-A4 B
 UNCONTROLLED COPY
ELECTRICAL RATINGS OF CONDUCTORS

STANDARD NOMINAL RATINGS (in Amps) FOR ENERGEX CIRCUITS

- Category “A” Circuits = Single Circuits, Sub-circuits & Super -circuits with Skip Poles
- Category “B” Circuits = Super-circuits without Skip Poles
S/D = Summers Day 55 Deg C Design 75 Deg C Design
W/N = Winters Night Cat “A” Cct’s Cat”B” Cct’s Cat”A” Cct’s Cat”B” Cct’s
S/D S/D
ATR = Allowable Temperature Rise (above ambient) S/D W/N All Year S/D W/N All Year
(Emrg) (Emrg)
Ref Table 5.2 5.4 5.3 5.3 5.2 5.4 5.3 5.3
Conductor ATR (°°C) 20 20 40 40 40 40 60 60
Max Conductor Temperature (°C) 55 55 55 55(WN)-90(SD) 75 75 75 75(WN)-110(SD)
ACSR/GZ - IMPERIAL
3/4/.093 K’BURRA 76 95 141 141 122 145 168 168
6/1/.118 FERRET 127 162 246 246 210 250 292 292
6/1/.144 MINK 158 202 318 318 267 318 377 377
6/1/.161 RACOON 175 226 362 362 301 360 429 429
6/.186 +7/.062 DOG 202 265 434 434 357 427 515 515
30/7/.102 WOLF 259 350 602 602 485 582 715 715
30/7/.118 PANTHER 296 408 727 727 578 694 864 864
30/7/.132 BEAR 325 461 840 840 660 794 998 998
30/7/.146 GOAT 350 523 953 953 740 903 1132 1132
54/7/.132 CAMEL 394 646 1173 1173 895 1125 1393 1393
ACSR/GZ - METRIC
3/4/2.50 RAISIN 81 102 152 152 130 155 180 180
6/1/3.00 APPLE 126 160 243 243 207 247 289 289
6/1/3.75 BANANA 160 205 324 324 271 324 384 384
6/4.75 +7/1.60 CHERRY 200 263 432 432 355 425 512 512
30/7/2.50 GRAPE 251 337 575 575 465 557 683 683
30/7/3.00 LEMON 296 409 728 728 578 695 865 865
54/7/3.25 ORANGE 386 620 1126 1126 863 1078 1338 1338

A Original Issue APP’D D Lloyd CABLE DATA

B DATE 30/06/03 DATE 28/05/02 ELECTRICAL RATINGS
APP’D D LLOYD REC’D M Irvine
CKD G BARTLETT © COPYRIGHT 2003 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
DWN M IRVINE AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 1 OF 3
in part or whole without written
Added CCT, AAAC & Amended Cable Ratings permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7027a4 7027-A4 B
 STANDARD NOMINAL RATINGS (in Amps) FOR ENERGEX CIRCUITS
UNCONTROLLED COPY
- Category “A” Circuits = Single Circuits, Sub-circuits & Super -circuits with Skip Poles
- Category “B” Circuits = Super-circuits without Skip Poles
S/D = Summers Day 55 Deg C Design 75 Deg C Design
W/N = Winters Night Cat “A” Cct’s Cat”B” Cct’s Cat”A” Cct’s Cat”B” Cct’s
S/D S/D
ATR = Allowable Temperature Rise (above ambient) S/D W/N All Year S/D W/N All Year
(Emrg) (Emrg)
Ref Table 5.2 5.4 5.3 5.3 5.2 5.4 5.3 5.3
Conductor ATR (°°C) 20 20 40 40 40 40 60 60
Max Conductor Temperature (°C) 55 55 55 55(WN)-90(SD) 75 75 75 75(WN)-110(SD)
HARD DRAWN COPPER - IMPERIAL
7/.064 7/16 90 111 158 158 140 166 188 188
7/.080 7/14 116 144 210 210 183 218 250 250
7/.104 7/12 155 195 293 293 251 299 348 348
7/.136 7/.136Cu 207 265 412 412 348 415 490 490
19/.064 19/16 157 198 299 299 256 305 355 355
19/.072 18/15 179 227 347 347 295 352 412 412
19/.083 19/14 208 267 416 416 351 419 495 495
19/.101 19/.101Cu 256 332 535 535 445 531 636 636
19/.104 19/12 263 343 556 556 461 551 661 661
HARD DRAWN COPPER - METRIC
7/2.75 COPPER 162 204 308 308 264 314 366 366
AAC - IMPERIAL
7/.118 GRUB 141 178 272 272 231 276 322 322
7/.134 FLY 161 206 320 320 270 322 379 379
7/.144 174 223 351 351 294 351 416 416
7/.161 195 253 405 405 337 402 480 480
7/.173 WASP 210 274 444 444 367 439 527 527
7/.186 226 297 487 487 401 479 578 578
7/.211 256 341 573 573 466 559 680 680
37/.102 283 381 657 657 529 635 780 780
37/.118 323 445 793 793 630 757 942 942
CCT (AAC) - METRIC
7/4.75CCT 120 CCT Values for an 80°C Conductor Temp 379 449 533

A Original Issue APP’D D Lloyd CABLE DATA

B DATE 30/06/03 DATE 28/05/02 ELECTRICAL RATINGS
APP’D D LLOYD REC’D M Irvine
CKD G BARTLETT © COPYRIGHT 2003 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
DWN M IRVINE AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 2 OF 3
in part or whole without written
Added CCT, AAAC & Amended Cable Ratings permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7027a4 7027-A4 B
 STANDARD NOMINAL RATINGS (in Amps) FOR ENERGEX CIRCUITS
UNCONTROLLED COPY
- Category “A” Circuits = Single Circuits, Sub-circuits & Super -circuits with Skip Poles
- Category “B” Circuits = Super-circuits without Skip Poles
S/D = Summers Day 55 Deg C Design 75 Deg C Design
W/N = Winters Night Cat “A” Cct’s Cat”B” Cct’s Cat”A” Cct’s Cat”B” Cct’s
S/D S/D
ATR = Allowable Temperature Rise (above ambient) S/D W/N All Year S/D W/N All Year
(Emrg) (Emrg)
Ref Table 5.2 5.4 5.3 5.3 5.2 5.4 5.3 5.3
Conductor ATR (°°C) 20 20 40 40 40 40 60 60
Max Conductor Temperature (°C) 55 55 55 55(WN)-90(SD) 75 75 75 75(WN)-110(SD)
AAC – METRIC
7/3.00 LIBRA 141 178 272 272 231 276 323 323
7/3.75 MARS 179 230 362 362 303 362 430 430
7/4.75 MOON 228 299 490 490 403 483 582 582
19/3.25 NEPTUNE 256 340 573 573 466 558 680 680
19/3.75 PLUTO 293 397 689 689 553 664 818 818
19/4.75 TAURUS 360 513 936 936 734 883 1112 1112
37/3.00 SATURN 323 446 794 794 631 758 943 943
AAAC 6201– METRIC
7/3.75 GARNET 167 215 338 338 284 339 403 403
37/3.00 RUBY 302 416 742 742 591 710 884 884
AAAC 1120 - METRIC
7/3.75 HELIUM 176 226 356 356 299 357 423 423
7/4.75 IODINE 224 294 483 483 397 475 573 573
19/3.75 NEON 288 391 678 678 545 654 806 806
19/4.75 OXYGEN 354 505 921 921 723 870 1094 1094
37/3.00 NITROGEN 318 438 782 782 621 746 929 929
STEEL
3/12 3/.104 STEEL 31 39 56 56 49 59 66 66
7/12 7/.104 STEEL 50 62 94 94 80 95 111 111
Notes:
• Category ‘A’ circuits are standard lines designed for 75°C operation (or 55°C for certain older lines designed prior to 1980).
• Category ‘B’ circuits are HV (mostly 33kV) lines designated for high temperature operation for increased current rating, having similar current ratings for both Summer Day
and Winter Night conditions. These lines may operate up to 110°C (or 90°C for older lines) under summer day conditions. The planning group may provide advice as to
which feeders are classified as Category ‘B’. Alternatively, information may be obtained from the Equipment Rating (ERAT) Database custodian.

A Original Issue APP’D D Lloyd CABLE DATA

B DATE 30/06/03 DATE 28/05/02 ELECTRICAL RATINGS
APP’D D LLOYD REC’D M Irvine
CKD G BARTLETT © COPYRIGHT 2003 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
DWN M IRVINE AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 3 OF 3
in part or whole without written
Added CCT, AAAC & Amended Cable Ratings permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7027a4 7027-A4 B
 UNCONTROLLED COPY
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
STANDARD DISTRIBUTION CABLES

Stranding/Area Nom. Overall Cross- Min. Breaking Modulus of Coefficient of Linear

Mass
Code Name Metric Imperial Dia. Sectional Load Elasticity Expansion
2 2 (kg/m) -6
(mm/mm ) (Inches/Gauge) (mm) Area (mm ) (kN) (GPa) (/°C x 10 )
Bare AAC
LIBRA 7/3.00 9.0 49.48 7.91 0.135 59 23
MARS 7/3.75 11.3 77.31 11.9 0.212 59 23
MOON 7/4.75 14.3 124 18.8 0.340 59 23
PLUTO 19/3.75 18.8 209.8 32.3 0.578 56 23

Bare ACSR
APPLE 6/1/3.00 9.0 49.48 14.9 0.171 79 19.3
BANANA 6/1/3.75 11.3 77.31 22.8 0.268 79 19.3
RAISIN 3/4/2.50 14.3 34.36 24.4 0.193 139 13.9

Insulated/Covered
LVABC95 4 x 95 AAC 42.0 380 63.4 1.35 56 23
3 x 35 AAC
HVABC35 + 1 x 60 GZ 55.0 59.7 74.4 1.9 186 11.5
(catenary)
3 x 120 AAC
HVABC120 + 1 x 60 GZ 69.8 59.7 70.5 3.19 166 11.5
(catenary)
Muticore
Pilot 20 Pair + 22 GZ 32.0 21.99 27.38 0.687 193 11.5
(catenary)
Muticore
Pilot 30 Pair + 22 GZ 37.0 21.99 27.38 0.846 193 11.5
(catenary)
ADSS 13.5 50 0.15 11.5 13.1
2 7/4.75 AAAC
CCT 120mm 22 124 18.8 570 65 23
1350

Other
2/3.7 ACS
OPGW 65mm2 11.1 0.286 96 17.2
4/3.7 AA
7/4.48 ACS
OPGW 117mm2 14.5 0.473 92 17.7
11/3.1 AA

DATE 07/04/10 APP’D D Lloyd CABLE DATA

B
APP’D C. Lee DATE 28/05/02 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
CKD D. Park REC’D M Irvine
ATHR G. Treagle © COPYRIGHT 2010 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
HVABC and CCT AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 1 OF 4
in part or whole without written
properties updated sht 1
permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7029a4 7029-A4 B
 UNCONTROLLED COPY
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
STANDARD DISTRIBUTION CABLES

Stranding/Area Nom. Overall Cross- Min. Breaking Modulus of Coefficient of Linear

Mass
Code Name Metric Imperial Dia. Sectional Load Elasticity Expansion
2 2 (kg/m) -6
(mm/mm ) (Inches/Gauge) (mm) Area (mm ) (kN) (GPa) (/°C x 10 )

Service Cables
2B25 2 x 25 AAC 13.8 50 7.64 0.18 59 23
3B25 3 x 25 AAC 16 75 11.46 0.27 59 23
4B25 4 x 25 AAC 22.2 100 15.28 0.36 59 23
4B35 4 x 35 AAC 24.9 140 21.39 0.5 59 23
2B6 2 x 6 HDC 10.6 12 4.8 0.153 124 17

Bare AAC
THRIP 7/.074 5.64 19.42 3.42 0.054 59 23
GNAT 7/.087 6.62 26.84 4.73 0.074 59 23
JUPITER 7/2.25 6.75 27.8 4.76 0.076 59 23
LOCUST 7/.093 7.08 30.67 5.41 0.085 59 23
GRUB 7/.118 9.0 49.39 8.23 0.135 59 23
FLY 7/.134 10.21 63.69 10.61 0.174 59 23
7/.144 10.97 73.54 11.82 0.201 59 23
WASP 7/.173 13.18 106.16 17.7 0.290 59 23
MERCURY 7/4.50 111 16.8 0.305 59 23
7/.186 14.17 122.7 19.17 0.327 59 23
7/.211 16.08 158.0 24.68 0.421 59 23
37/.102 18.13 195.0 30.54 0.537 56 23
37/.118 20.98 261.0 40.35 0.719 56 23
SATURN 37/3.00 21.0 261.5 41.8 0.721 56 23

Bare AAAC (Alloy 1120)

IODINE 7/4.75 14.25 124 34.72 0.339 59 23
OXYGEN 19/4.75 23.75 336.7 94.28 0.925 56 23

DATE 07/04/10 APP’D D Lloyd CABLE DATA

B
APP’D C. Lee DATE 28/05/02 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
CKD D. Park REC’D M Irvine
ATHR G. Treagle © COPYRIGHT 2010 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
HVABC and CCT AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 2 OF 4
in part or whole without written
properties updated sht 1
permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7029a4 7029-A4 B
 UNCONTROLLED COPY
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
STANDARD DISTRIBUTION CABLES

Stranding/Area Nom. Overall Cross- Min. Breaking Modulus of Coefficient of Linear

Mass
Code Name Metric Imperial Dia. Sectional Load Elasticity Expansion
2 2 (kg/m) -6
(mm/mm ) (Inches/Gauge) (mm) Area (mm ) (kN) (GPa) (/°C x 10 )

Bare ACSR
FERRET 6/1/.118 9.0 49.4 14.74 0.171 86 19.3
MINK 6/1/.144 10.97 73.54 21.67 0.255 86 19.3
RACOON 6/1/.161 12.26 91.9 26.96 0.319 86 19.3
DOG 6/.186+7/.062 14.15 118.5 32.5 0.396 83 19.9
CHERRY 6/4.75+7/1.60 14.3 120.4 33.2 0.404 76 19.9
WOLF 30/7/.102 18.3 194.9 32.5 0.396 92 18.4
LEMON 30/7/3.00 21.0 261.5 90.1 0.973 80 18.4
PANTHER 30/7/.118 21.0 261.5 92.25 0.975 80 18.4
BEAR 30/7/.132 23.46 326.6 111.34 1.22 92 18.4
GOAT 30/7/.146 25.96 399.6 135.47 1.494 92 18.4
CAMEL 54/7/.132 30.17 538.6 145.14 1.809 83 19.9
KOOKABURRA 3/4/.093 7.09 30.7 22.29 0.174 139 13.9

Bare Copper
7/.064 (7/16) 4.87 14.5 6.1 0.131 124 17
7/.080 (7/14) 6.09 22.7 9.45 0.206 124 17
7/.104 (7/12) 7.92 38.4 15.78 0.348 124 17
19/.044 5.58 18.36 7.82 0.168 124 17
19/.052 6.6 26.0 10.82 0.236 124 17
19/.064 (19/16) 8.12 39.4 16.2 0.357 124 17
19/.072 9.14 49.9 20.5 0.452 124 17
19/.083 (19/14) 10.54 66.3 26.97 0.603 124 17
19/.101 (19/12) 12.8 98.2 39.64 0.890 124 17
19/.116 14.73 129.6 51.72 1.175 124 17
37/.064 (37/16) 11.37 76.8 31.24 0.698 124 17
37/.072 12.8 97.2 39.53 0.883 124 17
37/.083 (37/14) 14.75 129.1 51.5 1.170 124 17
37/.093 16.53 162.2 64.7 1.470 124 17
37/.103 (37/12) 18.31 198.9 79.37 1.803 124 17

DATE 07/04/10 APP’D D Lloyd CABLE DATA

B
APP’D C. Lee DATE 28/05/02 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
CKD D. Park REC’D M Irvine
ATHR G. Treagle © COPYRIGHT 2010 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
HVABC and CCT AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 3 OF 4
in part or whole without written
properties updated sht 1
permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7029a4 7029-A4 B
 UNCONTROLLED COPY
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
STANDARD DISTRIBUTION CABLES

Stranding/Area Nom. Overall Cross- Min. Breaking Modulus of Coefficient of Linear

Mass
Code Name Metric Imperial Dia. Sectional Load Elasticity Expansion
2 2 (kg/m) -6
(mm/mm ) (Inches/Gauge) (mm) Area (mm ) (kN) (GPa) (/°C x 10 )

Cadmium-Copper
7/.113 8.6 45.3 26.5 0.410 124 17
19/.089 11.3 76.2 45.14 0.695 124 17

Bare Steel
3/.104 (3/12) 5.1 16.77 21.85 0.130 193 11.52
7/.104 (7/12) 7.92 38.70 50.83 0.304 193 11.52
7/2.75 8.25 41.58 51.77 0.326 193 11.52
19/2.00 10.0 56.59 74.0 0.483 193 11.52
19/.080 (19/14) 10.16 61.61 76.79 0.499 193 11.52
19/2.75 13.75 112.9 140.56 0.888 193 11.52

DATE 07/04/10 APP’D D Lloyd CABLE DATA

B
APP’D C. Lee DATE 28/05/02 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
CKD D. Park REC’D M Irvine
ATHR G. Treagle © COPYRIGHT 2010 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
HVABC and CCT AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 4 OF 4
in part or whole without written
properties updated sht 1
permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7029a4 7029-A4 B
 UNCONTROLLED COPY
BROADBAND COMMUNICATION CABLE (BBCC) IDENTIFICATION

TELSTRA OPTUS

Where multiple circuits are present, Telstra take the bottom Where multiple circuits are present, Optus take the top position.
position.

Earthing of catenary is via a driven stake near the base of a Earthing of the catenary is via the ENERGEX neutral.
wood pole.

Cantilever brackets may be present.

Power supply units are clearly marked and are small shoe box Power supply units are clearly marked and are larger than Telstra
sized units. Units.

Fibre optic cables are underground, ie no overhead fibre Overhead fibre optic cables are present in ENERGEX’s area of
supply. These are indicated by:

• ‘Figure of eight’ configurations,

• Cables that continue straight through the expansion loops.

Lashing wire is generally terminated within the expansion loop. Lashing wire is generally terminated outside the expansion loop
area.

Service ‘drops’ are taken from service ‘T’ hooks at the pole. Service ‘drops’ may be attached either at the pole or in-line (flying
These hooks may be present even though no service is fox). Usually it is only Optus that employs in-line service
attached. arrangements.

Note: Refer ‘Shared Assets Installations Manual’ 7192-A4, for further detail.

DATE APP’D D Lloyd CABLE DATA

A
APP’D DATE 28/05/02 BROADBAND COMM’S CABLE ID.
CKD REC’D M Irvine .
ATHR © COPYRIGHT 2002 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
ORIGINAL ISSUE AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 1 OF 1
in part or whole without written
permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7030a4 7030-A4 A
 UNCONTROLLED COPY
ENGINEERING BACKGROUND

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES CABLE DESIGNATIONS

Nominal or projected diameter is of relevance when determining
cable behaviour under wind conditions. Insulation, if present, is
included.
Cross-sectional area is important in determining the cable
strength, weight and potential elastic stretch. Where a cable has
a supporting catenary, only the cross-sectional area of the
catenary is included. Current-carrying conductors and insulation,
if present, are excluded.
Mass determines the amount of sag within a span strung at a
given tension, or conversely the amount of tension applied to the
supports by a line with a given sag.
Minimum breaking load is the ultimate tensile strength of the
cable. In general, conductor tension should not exceed 50% of
breaking load, even under wind conditions or cold conditions.
Modulus of elasticity is a measure of stress or load applied to a
material to cause a given strain (deformation or stretch).
Coefficient of Linear Expansion is the degree to which a cable
expands in length as temperature increases. This determines the
relationship between sag/tension and temperature.
Cables may be known by:
• A code name, eg “MOON”, which represents 7/4.75 AAC
• Stranding and material, eg “7/4.75 AAC”. Here the ‘7’ is the
number of strands and the ‘4.75’ is the strand diameter in
millimetres. For older imperial conductor sizes, the diameter
may be expressed in terms of inches (eg “7/.104”) or as a
standard wire gauge (eg “7/12”). The smaller the wire gauge
number, the larger the diameter. ACSR conductors have a
more complex designation because of the combination of
materials, eg RAISIN is designated “3/4/2.50”, having 3
strands of aluminium and 4 strands of galvanized steel, all with
a 2.5mm diameter.
•
2
Nominal cross-sectional area, eg “LVABC95” (95mm LVABC)
2
or “CCT120” (120mm covered conductor with added
insulation thickness). This is used primarily with insulated
conductors and cables. Note that actual cross-sectional area
may differ slightly from nominal cross-sectional area.
37/3.00
7/3.00
AAC
AAC
(SATURN) 3.00 mm
(LIBRA)

30/7/3.00
ACSR
(LEMON)

LVABC
B DATE 30/6/03 APP’D D Lloyd CABLE DATA
APP’D D LLOYD DATE 28/05/02 ENGINEERING BACKGROUND
CKD G BARTLETT REC’D M Irvine .
ATHR M IRVINE © COPYRIGHT 2003 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
DIAGRAMS ADDED AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 1 OF 1
in part or whole without written
permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM/6935\7031a4 7031-A4 B
 UNCONTROLLED COPY
GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS
AAAC All Aluminium Alloy Conductor Ex Existing NTS Not To Scale
AAC All Aluminium Conductor Exc Excavate, also Excavation Notice
ABC Aerial Bundled Cable Fdr Feeder OH Overhead
ABS Air Break Switch
ACR Automatic Circuit Reclosure GI Galvanised Iron P/BRANCH Parallel Branch
ACSR Aluminium Conductor Steel GT Ground Transformer PCPF Precast Concrete Pad Foundation
Reinforced
AHD Australian Height Datum GZ Galvanised Steel PE Photoelectric
AMG Australian Map Grid Ph Phase
Al Aluminium HAT Highest Astronomical Tide PLA Paper Lead Alloy
AS Australian Standard HDPE High Density Polyethylene PMR Pole Mounted Recloser
BIG Buried In Ground HV High Voltage (Greater than 1000V) PMT, PM Padmounted Transformer
BPM Base Plate Mounted HVABC High Voltage Aerial Bundled Cable Prop Proposed (also Property Pole)
CAA Civil Aviation Authority PSM Permanent Survey Mark
CAD Computer Aided Drafting KBS King Bolt Spacing PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
CB Circuit Breaker PT Pole-mounted Transformer
CBD Central Business District LTS Load Transfer Switch PTS Pole Top Switch
CBL Calculated Breaking Load LV Low Voltage (240 V/415 V) PVC Polyvinyl Chloride
CCF Concrete Collar Foundation LVABC Low Voltage Aerial Bundled Cable PW Parallel Webbed
CCT Circuit LVM Low Voltage Main
CCT Covered Conductor Thick MCBL Minimum Conductor Breaking Load QESI Queensland Electricity Supply Industry
Chng Chainage MDCF Maximum Depth Concrete Foundation
C/I, C&I Commercial and/or Industrial MEN Multiple Earthed Neutral RBGF Road Base Gravel Foundation
CMEN Common Multiple Earth Neutral MES Mean Equivalent Span (ruling span) RC Reinforced Concrete
Conc Concrete MWT Maximum Working Tension RL Reduced Level
CT Current Transformer RMU Ring Main Unit
Cu Copper NAEF Natural Earth Foundation RP Registered Plan
NB Nominal Bore
ECM Electronic Cable Marker XLPE Cross Linked Polyethylene
EDT Every Day Tension NMSHVABC Non Metallic Screened HV Aerial
Bundled cable
ESAA Electricity Supply Association of NS Neutral Screened
Australia

DATE APP’D D Lloyd

C
APP’D K Nuttall DATE 28/05/02 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
CKD J Tunney REC’D M Irvine
ATHR J Tunney © COPYRIGHT 2006 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
ACR, CCF, MCBL AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 1 OF 6
in part or whole without written
ADDED.
permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7054 7054-A4 C
 UNCONTROLLED COPY
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
AERIAL BUNDLED A type of overhead cable available in both LV and HV CADASTRAL MAP A map or plan showing details of land tenure (e.g., property
CABLE comprising XLPE insulated compacted aluminium phase (Parish Map) boundaries or natural features).
conductors laid together to form a ‘bundle’. HVABC CADASTRAL SURVEY A map or plan showing details of land tenure use for
incorporates a catenary wire for extra support and earthing PLAN lodgement to the titles office.
and either a metallic or nonmetallic screen. LVABC is self
supporting. CALCULATED The minimum load (in kN) at which a conductor fails,
BREAKING LOAD >breaks= or exceeds its maximum tensile strength.
In some cases, a HDPE oversheath is incorporated for
improved abrasion resistance. CANTILEVER STAY See “Sidewalk Stay”.
AERIAL STAY A staywire erected between two poles or between a pole CAPITAL A payment which an electricity authority requires a
and a bollard. CONTRIBUTION customer to make before starting work on a capital (new, or
A level surface based on the mean sea level at thirty tide adding to the value of the authority’s assets) project on
AUSTRALIAN HEIGHT
gauges around Australia’s mainland coast. behalf of the customer. The payment may fully or partly
DATUM
cover the cost of the works.
AUSTRALIAN MAP A means of identifying a site within Australia by coordinate
CLINOMETER An instrument for measuring slope.
GRID (Northing and Easting).
CHAINAGE The distance from a datum along the centreline of a
AIR BREAK SWITCH 3∅, ganged, pole mounted switching device utilising air as roadway. This term and offset are used to make reference
an insulation medium. Capable of making, carrying and to points on roadworks plans.
breaking currents to specified levels under normal
conditions. Capabilities are extended through use of arcing CIRCUIT BREAKER Mechanical switching device capable of making, carrying
horns or “Arcmasters” which respectively provide limited to and breaking currents under normal conditions.
full load break ability. Air breaks cannot interrupt fault Capable of making, carrying for a specified time and
currents. Refer Isolator Switch. breaking currents under specified abnormal conditions (eg.
short circuits).
AutoCAD A popular proprietary software Computer-Aided Drafting
Primary control is via external protection relays and manual
package suitable for use with Personal Computers.
overrides.
Registered Trademark of AutoDesk, Inc.
Circuit breakers are normally ground mounted.
AUXILIARY BOARD Addition to a LV switchboard. In general it: A circuit breaker (fitted with automatic reclose and external
• includes a GPO with fuse and link protection relays) is operationally similar to a recloser.
• may have additional fused supplies Circuit breakers may occur in ring main units. Refer
• is connected between the LV switch (ie. isolator or Recloser.
switch fuse), and the most convenient LV fuse or COMBINATION LINKS A combination of links that, close the through circuit and
switch fuse. then isolate the apparatus in one sequenced action, or vice
BAY See “Span”. versa (eg. Live bypass for single-phase regulators).
BLOWOUT The horizontal deviation from centre of powerline
conductors subjected to wind forces. COMMON MEN The LV MEN system extended to include the HV system
BOLLARD A pole specifically for supporting an aerial staywire. SYSTEM (CMEN) earthing with voltages up to subtransmission level. See
BRIDGING Short flexible leads providing electrical continuity across “Multiple Earth Neutral”.
points on the system which are structurally broken.

DATE APP’D D Lloyd

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APP’D DATE 28/05/02 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
CKD REC’D M Irvine
ATHR © COPYRIGHT 2006 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
ORIGINAL ISSUE AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 2 OF 6
in part or whole without written
permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7054 7054-A4 C
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COMMON USE POLE DROP OUT FUSE into an open position, after the fuse has operated. Use of
A pole owned by either the electricity authority or some the term EDO shall be discontinued.
other authority (e.g., Telstra) used by both parties to DUCT A pipe or closed passage formed underground or in a
support their mains. structure and intended to receive one or more cables which
CONDEMNED POLE A pole assessed as unsuitable to remain in service, may be drawn through them.
typically due to diminished strength from white-ant attack, EARTHING (Earths) The process of connecting components of electricity supply
below-ground rot or some other cause. networks to ground to prevent dangerous voltages
CONDUCTOR A wire or other form of conducting material suitable for occurring on components which may be contacted by
carrying current. persons, or which may be damaged by the voltages.
CONDUIT See “Duct”. Usually applied to rods, metallic electrodes or a group of
interconnected rods and the wire making connection to the
CONSTRUCTION Pole attachments and their configuration, including distribution system component that is ‘earthed’.
crossarms and insulators.
EASEMENT A strip of land registered on the title deed in the office of the
CONSTRUCTION See “Works Plan”. Registrar of Titles allowing access or other rights to a public
DRAWING body or party other than the owner of the parcel of land on
CORFLO A commercial name for a type of ribbed UPVC conduit. which the easement exists.
CROSS-ROAD PILLAR A service pillar fed by underground supply from the EVERY DAY TENSION See “Sustained Load”.
opposite side of the road. EXCESS CABLE A charge electricity authorities apply to customers to cover
CUBICLE See “Padmounted Transformer”. CHARGE the cost of service cable and installation longer than the
TRANSFORMER maximum length provided free of charge.
CUT The depth of excavation needed to reduce the existing EXCAVATION NOTICE A form electricity authorities use to obtain approval to
ground levels to proposed ground levels at a particular point excavate a local or public authority footpath to erect poles
in a roadworks or other construction project. or install underground cables.
DISCONNECT BOX Junction box (typically set in the ground), which permits FEEDER A circuit (normally HV) emanating from a substation for
cables to be connected in various configurations, via use of distributing electric power.
links. FIELD BOOK A notebook used to record site survey data (e.g., distances,
DISCONNECT LINK 1∅, air insulated (normally), switch used to isolate lines and bearings, angles, slope readings and topographical
apparatus from the network. A disconnect link shall be features).
easily operable as a switch. It shall not require unbolting (or FILL The depth of earth to be deposited and compacted to raise
otherwise complex disconnection), of electrical connections. existing ground levels to proposed ground levels at a
Refer Link. particular point in a roadworks or other construction project.
DISTRIBUTION That part of the electricity supply network at voltages below FOOTPATH A distance relative to the edge of a footpath (usually the
NETWORK transmission/ subtransmission level (typically 22 kV, 11 kV ALIGNMENT property boundary side) used to describe the position of an
and LV). See also “Distribution Mains” or “Distribution underground service or pole.
System”. FOOTPATH A space in the footpath between two alignments designated
DISTRIBUTION A substation that transforms or converts electrical energy ALLOCATION by the local or public authority in which a pole or
SUBSTATION from a higher voltage network to a secondary distribution underground service may be located.
network (see also “Padmounted Transformer”). GATIC A commercial name for a type of segmented steel and
DROP OUT (DO) or Drop Out fuse (DO) is a fuse where the fuse carrier drops concrete cover used on cast-in-situ pits in roadways and

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APP’D DATE 28/05/02 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
CKD REC’D M Irvine
ATHR © COPYRIGHT 2006 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
ORIGINAL ISSUE AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 3 OF 6
in part or whole without written
permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7054 7054-A4 C
 UNCONTROLLED COPY
footpaths. LONG SECTION See “Profile”.
GROUND CLEARANCE The vertical distance between the conductor and ground. LOW VOLTAGE (LV) Electrical potential in the range of 32V to 1000V.
GUARANTEE A contract signed by a prospective customer which LUMINAIRE A streetlight head assembly comprising the lamp and
guarantees an electricity authority a set sum of money reflector.
annually for a fixed term to supply electricity, regardless of MAINS Common parts of a network between various sites,
whether energy is used or not. describing particular voltage classes of
HEAD STAY See “Aerial Stay”. overhead/underground feeder network (e.g., 11 kV mains,
HEIGHT STICK An extendable stick used for measuring the heights of LV mains).
conductors and poles. MASTER DROP OUT Master Drop Out fuses (MDO’s) are 3x1∅, drop out fuses
HIGH VOLTAGE (HV) Electrical potential greater than 1000V FUSES typically located where a spur or tee-off branches form the
feeder backbone. Refer Drop Out Fuse.
ISOLATOR SWITCH 1∅ or 3∅, enclosed switching device utilising air, oil, SF6, Maximum Demand Indicator (MDI) is a resettable, peak
MAXIMUM DEMAND
or vacuum Insulation mediums. Capable of making, demand, current measuring device.
INDICATOR
carrying and breaking currents to specified levels under
normal conditions. Isolators cannot interrupt fault currents. MAXIMUM WORKING See “Short Duration Load”.
In substations such an enclosed switch shall be called an TENSION
isolator and a similar non-enclosed switch shall be called an MEAN EQUIVALENT A theoretical span length used to represent the behaviour of
air break. Isolators may exist in ring main units. SPAN (Ruling Span) a number of spans of varying lengths in a strain section of
JOINT A location in an electricity supply network where two or an overhead powerline.
more cables join or terminate. MODULE A specific learning segment, complete in itself, dealing with
JOINT USE See “Common Use Pole”. one or more competency units, capable of being separately
POLE/COLUMN assessed and standing on its own.
KING BOLT The main bolt attaching a crossarm or other fixture to a
pole. MULTIPLE EARTH An earthing system connecting the neutral conductor to an
KING BOLT SPACING The vertical distance between king bolt attachment points. NEUTRAL (MEN) earth electrode in a customer’s electrical installation, at
In a top construction, it may be the distance from below the electricity authority transformers and at multiple locations
top of the pole to the attachment point. on the electricity distribution network.
KIOSK TRANSFORMER See “Padmounted Transformer”. NOTICE OF See “Excavation Notice”.
LINK 1∅, air insulated (normally), isolation point used to isolate EXCAVATION
lines and apparatus from the network. A link shall require OPISOMETER A small hand instrument like a miniature trundle wheel with
unbolting (or otherwise complex disconnection), of electrical graduated dial carrying an engraved scale. Used in
connections. Refer Disconnect Link. mapping , it is ‘wheeled’ along a line on a map and the
A pillar containing isolating links or switch fuses allowing the scale distance read from the dial.
LINK PILLAR
joining together or disconnection of two or more LV OPTICAL RANGE See “Telemeter”.
distribution circuits. Commonly found in URD estates. FINDER
OUTRIGGER STAY See “Sidewalk Stay”.
OVERHEAD A map or plan detailing the overhead distribution system
LOAD TRANSFER An enclosed, non-air insulated, pole mounted switch with
DISTRIBUTION MAP (e.g., pole positions/numbers, overhead conductor
SWITCH full load break capability but no inbuilt protection functions.
types/sizes, span lengths, pole substations positions/sizes,
Also known as a “Load Break Switch”

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APP’D DATE 28/05/02 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
CKD REC’D M Irvine
ATHR © COPYRIGHT 2006 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
ORIGINAL ISSUE AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 4 OF 6
in part or whole without written
permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7054 7054-A4 C
 UNCONTROLLED COPY
air break switch positions/sizes and earth sizes). be connected in series with a circuit in order to alter its
OVERHEAD MAINS Overhead powerlines constructed of suitable conductors voltage and the other winding is an energising winding.
and other components in accordance with the requirements RESOURCE ESTIMATE A list of materials, labour and other requirements for a
of the Electricity Regulation. construction project.
PADMOUNTED Transformer mounted on a pad (typically concrete). RING MAIN UNIT Switchable device containing a combination of switch fuses,
TRANSFORMER Typically considered as a distribution transformer, mounted and/or isolators, and/or circuit breakers. Typically a HV
(Cubicle, Kiosk at ground level and the enclosure (eg. the padmount device connected to a transformer.
Transformer) container) forms an integral part of the transformer. RULING SPAN See “Mean Equivalent Span”.
PARISH MAP See “Cadastral Map”. SAG The vertical distance between an overhead conductor’s
PHASING The relative positions of the phases in a polyphase power midspan height and the chord drawn between the
system. attachment points of the conductor.
PILLAR See “Service Pillar”. SAG TEMPLATE A transparent template shaped like a boomerang used to
draw profiles of overhead mains conductor spans.
PIT An excavation giving access to underground cables for
installation, maintenance or repairs. SAG TENSION A graph of sags and tensions applying to similar conductor
See “Sinking Depth”. TEMPERATURE CURVE types over a range of span lengths and temperatures.
PLANTING DEPTH
SECTIONALISER Switching device that automatically isolates faulted sections
POINT OF ENTRY The position on a customer’s premises where the electricity
of line from the distribution system. Normally applied in
authority’s overhead service is attached.
conjunction with a recloser or circuit breaker. Sectionalizer
POLE A structure (wood, concrete, steel poles and columns) has no fault interrupting capability. It counts operations of
supporting conductors and other equipment forming part of recloser/circuit breaker during fault conditions. After a fixed
the overhead mains. number of counts the sectionalizer opens while the
POLE STAY See “Aerial Stay”. reloser/circuit breaker is open. Sectionalizer is available in
POLETOP SWITCH See “Air Break Switch”. 1∅ & 3∅ versions with hydraulic or electronic counting
mechanisms.
PROFILE A longitudinal cross-section of ground or a powerline used
to check clearances and select optimum pole positions. SERVICE The electricity authority’s wires (running overhead or
underground) connecting its mains to the customer’s
RANGE ROD A painted staff or rod surveyors use to maintain a straight premises.
line or mark point.
SERVICE PILLAR/PIT An enclosure where underground supply to a customer’s
RATE See “Tariff”. premises is connected to the secondary distribution network
RECLOSER 1∅, or 3∅ protective device able to sense over currents, to through a primary fuse.
time and interrupt overcurrents, and to reclose SHORT DURATION The force applied by the conductors to support structures in
automatically to re-energise line sections. Line sections with LOAD an intense wind.
“permanent faults” may be isolated after a set number of
operations. Reclosers have hydraulic or electronic controls SIDEWALK STAY A type of ground stay where the staywire is installed
and use oil, SF6 or vacuum interrupting mediums. Primary vertically; used where footpath space is limited.
control is internal or via manual overrides. Reclosers are SINKING DEPTH The depth of a pole below ground level.
normally pole mounted. Refer Circuit Breaker.
REDUCED LEVEL The elevation of a point above an adopted datum relative to SPAN (Bay) The horizontal distance between the pole attachment points
mean sea level. of an overhead conductor.
REGULATOR A regulating transformer in which one winding is intended to SPANNING LIMITATION The maximum span distance and deviation angle that may

DATE APP’D D Lloyd

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APP’D DATE 28/05/02 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
CKD REC’D M Irvine
ATHR © COPYRIGHT 2006 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
ORIGINAL ISSUE AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 5 OF 6
in part or whole without written
permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7054 7054-A4 C
 UNCONTROLLED COPY
be used for a given conductor and construction in an features of the country (e.g., hills, rivers, forests, swamps,
overhead powerline. roads and railway bridges etc.).
SPUR LINE A short radial electricity line. TRANSFORMER A device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to
STATION A site at which a survey measurement is taken. another, via a magnetic field that links the circuits.
TRENCHING Trenches excavated by an electricity authority or developer
STRENGTH RATING The maximum allowable pole tip load that may be applied
to install underground cables.
to a pole by both conductors and wind forces on the pole
itself. TRUNDLE WHEEL A device used to measure linear distances.
STRAIN SECTION A section of overhead powerline between fixed strain points UNDERGROUND A map or plan detailing the underground distribution system
(shackle or termination constructions). DISTRIBUTION MAP service (e.g., pillar and pit positions, cable pit positions,
A table providing stringing tensions and/or sags for a duct sizes and configurations and cable sizes).
STRINGING TABLE
nominated conductor over a range of span lengths and VERTICAL STAY See “Sidewalk Stay”.
conductor temperatures. WAVE SAGGING A way of determining conductor sag by timing the return of
STRINGING TENSION The tension to which a conductor is installed in an overhead a wave generated at one end.
powerline. WAYLEAVE A written authority which the owner/occupier of a property
SUSTAINED LOAD The continuous force exerted by conductors under no wind uses to authorise an electricity authority to construct,
conditions at 15°C. maintain and clear vegetation for electrical line installations.
SUBDIVIDER’S SUPPLY An agreement between a supply authority and a developer WORKS A document providing authorisation of works and
AGREEMENT (subdivider) covering conditions of supply to a subdivision. AUTHORISATION expenditure associated with provision of electricity supply.
SWITCH FUSE Combination switch and fuse providing a switchable WORKS PLAN An instruction in the form of a drawing or plan detailing the
isolation point and protective fusing. Use of the term fuse (Construction Drawing) construction requirements to carry out nominated capital or
switch shall be discontinued. maintenance works on the electricity distribution system.
SWITCH GEAR Switching devices and their combination with associated
control, measuring, protective and regulating equipment.
This may include assemblies, interconnections,
accessories, enclosures and supporting structures
associated with such equipment.
TARIFF A scale of charges and set of conditions electricity
authorities apply to customers to cover the capital cost of
installation, maintenance and electricity consumed.
TELEMETER (OpticalA handheld optical instrument which measures the height of
Range Finder) objects (conductors etc.) by focusing two images of the
object in the field of view until they are aligned. The
distance between the instrument and object is read from a
scale on the instrument. The height of the instrument
above ground is added to the reading to determine the
object’s height.
TIP LOAD Equivalent mechanical load applied to a pole tip by
attached conductors or stays.
TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP A map or plan showing details of the natural and manmade

DATE APP’D D Lloyd

A
APP’D DATE 28/05/02 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
CKD REC’D M Irvine
ATHR © COPYRIGHT 2006 ENERGEX CKD G Dowling
This drawing must not be reproduced
ORIGINAL ISSUE AUTHR S Hennessy SHEET 6 OF 6
in part or whole without written
permission from ENERGEX WORD FILE ODM\6935\7054 7054-A4 C