ACL Cables PLC, Sri Lanka's leading cable manufacturer, unveiled its state-of-the-art ACL SAX Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) System at Techno 2025, Sri Lanka’s premier engineering exhibition.
ACL Cables introduced the revolutionary solution which combines exceptional reliability with cost-effectiveness for the country's power distribution infrastructure.
The ACL SAX MVCC System represents the future of medium voltage power lines, offering utilities and power distribution companies an innovative alternative addressing critical challenges in reliability, safety, and operational efficiency, managing costs effectively.
The ACL SAX MVCC System is engineered to ‘break the fault chain’ that plagues traditional bare conductor systems.
It is a holistic solution for medium voltage distribution, addressing Sri Lanka’s critical need for reliability, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
Currently, a 33kV line in Tangalle has been operating flawlessly for eight years indicating proven performance, and unprecedented reliability in challenging environments ranging from coastal areas to dense urban zones and wildlife habitats.
The ACL SAX MVCC features a sophisticated multi-layer design setting new standards for power distribution.
The system comprises an ‘All Aluminium Alloy Conductor’, is longitudinally watertight and protected using a semiconductive screen layer for enhanced performance.
This is surrounded via virgin MV-grade XLPE insulation for maximum safety, with a tracking-resistant HDPE outer layer providing environmental protection.
The system conforms to BS EN 50397-1:2020 standards and is complemented by ENSTO accessories meeting BS EN 50397-2:2020 specifications, delivering complete system integrity.
The ACL SAX MVCC System significantly reduces flashovers caused due to animals, fallen branches, and conductor clashing, minimizing accidental contact with live parts to protect humans and wildlife.
It provides superior defense against electric shock hazards in urban and rural areas, making power distribution safer for communities islandwide.
Additionally, the three-layer protective covering, shields against air pollution and corrosion.
With proven durability against high humidity, UV radiation, and coastal conditions, it is ideal for forests, wildlife areas, crowded zones, and polluted industrial areas.
The ACL SAX MVCC System provides compelling economic benefits than MV ABC or underground cables per circuit kilometer.
Simple retrofitting utilizing existing bare conductor poles and standard 50-70m spans eliminates the need for costly infrastructure replacement.
Reduced phase-to-phase cross-arm distances result in substantial infrastructure savings, while lower maintenance costs with minimal service disruptions enhance the overall value proposition.
The system offers over 30 years of service life with reduced right-of-way maintenance and vegetation clearance costs compared to bare conductors.
Higher current carrying capacity than alternatives than alternatives, and low leakage and electromagnetic interference, the system deliver a smart, future-ready infrastructure investment.
ACL Cables emphasizes successful implementation requires a comprehensive system approach.
This integrates line design conforming to BS EN 50397-1 to BS EN 50397-3, proper selection of MVCC and accessories meeting relevant standards, and installation strictly following BS EN 50397-3:2010 guidelines, and appropriate monitoring and maintenance protocols.
Notably, the company recommends turnkey project implementation to ensure optimal performance and success rates.
The ACL SAX MVCC is available in multiple configurations with nominal cross-sectional areas ranging from 90mm² to 210mm², offering current carrying capacities from 200A to 342A at still air and 80°C conductor temperature, with enhanced capacities under wind conditions.
The system is complemented through a complete range of ENSTO accessories including tension clamps, composite line post insulators, automatic midspan hybrid joints, power arc devices, and insulation piercing connectors, all designed for next-generation MV distribution.
Industry professionals, utility representatives, and stakeholders visited the ACL Cables booth during TECNO 2025 experience the ACL SAX MVCC System firsthand and learn how this innovative technology can transform medium voltage power distribution infrastructure.