KEN YA STANDARD  KS 2704 : 2016  
ICS 29.035.01  
© KEBS 2016  First Edition 2016   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AERIAL BUNDLED CONDUCTOR  
ACCESSORIES  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 PUBLIC REVIEW  DRAFT , DECEMBER  2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 KS 2704 : 2016  
ii © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION  
 
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
 
Kenya Power and Lighting Co. Ltd.  
Metse c Cables   
Kenwest Cables Ltd. 
Consumer Information Network  
Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology  
SGS(K)  
KIRDI  
Kengen  
Taifa Cables  
Cable Connect  
East African cables  
Rural Electrification Authority  
University Of Nairobi  
ASL Cables  
Intertek  
Kenya Bureau of Standards  — Secretariat  
 
 
 
 
 
 
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
 
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya standards shall be regularly reviewed. Suggestions 
for improvement to published standards, addressed to  the Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards, 
are welcome.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 2016 
 
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 12 of 2001  of the Laws of Kenya, copyr ight 
subsists in all K enya Standards and except as provided under Section 26 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of 
Standards may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in  writing 
from the  Managing Director . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 KENYA STANDARD  KS 2704 : 2016  
ICS 29.035.01  
© KEBS 2 016 — All rights reserved  iii  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AERIAL BUNDLED CONDUCTOR  
ACCESSORIES  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KENYA BUREAU OF STANDARDS (KEBS)  
 
Head  Office:  P.O. Box 54974, Nairobi -00200, Tel.: (+254  020) 605490, 69028000, 602350, Mobile: 0722202137/8, 0734600471/2; 
Fax: (+254 020)  604031  
E-Mail: info@kebs.org,  Web:http://www.kebs.org  
 
KEBS Coast Region  
P.O. Box 99376, Mombasa 80100  
Tel: (+254 041) 229563, 230939/40  
Fax: (+254 041) 229448  
E-mail: kebs -msa@swiftmombasa.com  KEBS Lake Region  
P.O. Box 2949, Kisumu 40100  
Tel: (+254 057) 23549,22396  
Fax: (+254 057) 21814  
E-mail: kebs -ksm@swiftkisumu.com  KEBS North Rift Region  
P.O. Box 2138, Nakuru 20100  
Tel: (+254 051) 210553, 210555   
iv © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  F O R E W O R D  
 
This Kenya Standard has been prepared by the Conductors and Cables Technical Comm ittee, under the 
direct supervision of the Electrical Industry Standards Committee, and it is in accordance with the procedures 
of the Bureau.  
 
The standard specifies requirements for accessories for low voltage overhead lines using aerial bundled 
conducto rs (ABC).  
 
In the preparation of this Kenya Standard, assistance was derived from a Kenya Power Specification 
TSP/05/012 . Acknowledgement is made for the assistance derived from this source.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 KS 2704 : 2016  
© KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  v  
Contents  
 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  1 
2. Normative References  
3. Definitions  
4. Requirements  
 
 
 
 
 
  
KENYA STANDARD  KS 2704 : 2016  
 
© KEBS 2014 — All rights reserved  1  
 
SPECIFICATION FOR AERIAL BUNDLED CONDUCTOR  
ACCESSORIES  
 
 
 
 
1 Scope  
 
1.1 This  specification  is for accessories  for low voltage  overhead  power  
lines using  Aerial Bundled  Conductors  (ABC) . The lines are constructed 
on wooden and round concrete poles.  
 
1       The accessories  shall be suitable  for low voltage  Aerial Bundled  
Conductors  consisting  of cross -linked polyethylene (XLPE ) insulated  
aluminium  phase  conductors  and bare  or insulated  aluminium  alloy strain -
bearing neutral  messenger  wire . 
 
1.3      The specification  covers  the following  categories  of Low Voltage  ABC 
accessories : 
  
a)  Strain  and Suspension  Fittings  for;   
i. Aerial  Bundled  Cables  consisting  of bare or insulated strain  
bearing  neutral  messenger  wire.  
ii. Aerial  Service  Cables  
 c)  Current -carrying  Connectors  and Joints . 
d)  Cable  Ties for use with Aerial Bundled  Conductors . 
  
 
 
2 Normative referenc es 
 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this standard. 
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest 
edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
 
KS 219:1981 (1991)  
 
KS 355:1982 (2015)  
 
IEC 60695 -2-11 
 
IEC 61089  
 
BS EN50483  
 
NFC 33 -040,041  
  
2 © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  PIESA 1018  
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 Definitions  
 
For the purpose of this standard the  following  definitions together with the definitions in KS 
2650 shall apply:  
 
aerial-bundled conductors (or ABC or bundle)  
 
insulated conductors twisted together to form a cable that is intended to be suspended 
between  structures  
 
 
 
 
4.   REQUIREMENTS  
4.1 Service  Conditions  
 
 
The LV ABC accessories  shall be suitable  for continuous  operation  outdoors  in tropical  
areas  at: 
 
a)  Altitudes  of up to 2200m  above  sea level,  
b)  Humidity  of up to 95% , 
c)  Average  ambient  temperature  of +30°C  with a minimum  of -1°C and a maximum  of 
+40°C , in direct  sunlight  and 
d)   Heavy  saline  conditions  along the coast.  
e)   lsokeraunic  level : 180 thunderstorm  days  per year 
 
 
 
4.2.     General  Requirements   (applicable to all accessories)  
  
4.2.1. Range  of Accessories       
  
4.2.1 .1.        The accessories  shall comply  fully with requirements  of PIESA  1018 
standards  besides the  individual  standards  of manufacture  referred to  on each  
item . 
 
4.2.1.2 The accessories shall be suitable for low voltage aerial bundled conductors as 
referenced in KS 2650:2016.  
 
 
  KS 2704 :2016  
© KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  3  
4.2.2.   Materials  
 
Materials  used  in the manufact ure of accessories  covered  by this  specification  shall be: 
  
a)  Of adequate  strength  for the intended  application  of the accessories  and free from 
any defects  that impair  performance . 
 
b)  Compatible  with the cable  materials  such  that there  is no detrimen tal   
 
effect  on the cable  or the accessories  as a result  of their association  and 
 
c)  Compliant  with the physical  and electrical  requirements  of this specification  and 
retain these  characteristics  during  the normal  life of the accessories  whilst  in an 
outdoor environment.  
 
 
 
4.2.3.   Protection a g a i n s t  Corrosion  
 
All ferrous  parts  of accessories  shall be hot-dip galvanized  (heavy duty)  in acco rdance  
with KS 355:1982 (2015 ).  Ferrous  parts  shall not be electroplate d. 
 
 
4.2.4.   Protection again st Ultra -Violet Radiation  
 
All components of accessories shall be manufactured from u ltra-violet stabilized 
material.  
 
4.2.5.    Fastening  
 
All threaded  fasten ings that form part of the fittings  shall have  ISO metr ic 
threads  of the preferred  sizes  given  in  KS 219:1981 (1991) and at least two full 
threads  shall project clear  of the locking  device when  ·It is tightened.  
 
4.2.6.   Fire Retardation  
 
All non-metallic  components  of fittings shall satisfy  the glow-wire test 
requir emen ts specified in lIEC 60695 -2-11. The glow-wire temperature  shall be 
550°C  and sha ll be applied for 30 s. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
4 © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved        
 4.2.7.    Finish  
All accessories  shall be free from sharp  edges,  burrs  and swarf . The insulating  
mater ials us ed in the manufac ture of the accessories  shall be black . 
 
4.3.      Strain  and Suspension F i t t i n g s  for Insulated Strain  Bearing 
Neutral  Conductor  
 
4.3.1.     Strain  Clamp  - Dead  End Clamp  
 
4.3.1.1.        The strain  clamp  shall conform  to the standard  BS EN 50483 : Part 2 
& 3, NFC 33-040, NFC  33-041 and the  design  shall be as per Fig.  1. 
 
4.3.1.2 .      The clamps  shall be designed  to anchor  LV-ABC cables  with 
insulated  neutral messenger  and suitable  for use at the terminal  
poles , section  poles  and at  road crossings  to carry  the tens ion 
at the end of the line. 
 
4.3.1.3.        The clamp  should  consist  of an aluminium  alloy corrosion  resistant  
casted  body  of minimum  300MPa , bail of stainless  steel  and self-
adjusting  plastic  wedges  which  shall anch or/hold  the neutral  
messenger  without  damaging  the insulation  and shall be of weather  
and Ultra -Violet resistant  polymer .. 
 
4.3.1.4.      The clamp  shall be installed  properly with  no losable  part in the 
process of  clamping arrangement.  It shall not be possible  to assemble  
the clamp  in an incorrect  manner  and it  shall not slip or release  the 
supporting  conductor  during normal  use. 
 
 
 
 KS 2704 :2016  
© KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  5  
 
4.3.1.5.       A suspension fitting shall hold the supporting conductor without any 
slippage when the conductor is subje cted to a force equal to 2.0 %  of 
breaking force. It shall be designed to release the supporting conductor 
by failure at a vertical load of approximately 8 kN as  
per Pl ESA 1O18 -3 clause 4.6.  
 
 
4.3.1.6.        The clamps shall be fixed to the pole by eye hook (clause 4.3.3) or 
bracket (clause  4.3.4).  
 
4.3.1.7.       Ultimate tensile strength and slip load of the clamp shall not be less 
than the values stated in the Table 1  below.  
 
4.3.1.8.        The clamp shall have at least two bolts for tightening and the 
hooking end shall be provided with hot dip galvanized nut and bolts with 
safety locks.  
 
 
 
 
 
Table 1:   Strain clamp -  dead end clamp sizes  
 
 
Neutral 
messenger  
cross - sectional 
area mm2 Diameter mm  Breaking Load 
(min)kN  Slip load kN  Weight  kg/10 
pcs 
(approximate)  
25-35         4 -11 10 2 3.2 
50-70 12 - 14 16.6 3 3.4 
95-  120        14-16 20 5 4.12 
 
 
 
 
 
4.3.2.  Suspension  Clamp 
 
4.3.2 .1.       The 'clamp shall conform to the standard  BS EN 50483 -3 and NFC 33 
040 in design and a typical suspension c lamp is as per Fig. 2. 
 
4.3.2.2.       The clamps  shall be designed  to suspend  LV-ABC cables  with 
insulated  neutra l messenge rs. The neutra l messengers  shall be fixed  
by an  adjustab le grip device. A movable  link shall allow  longitudinal  
and transversa l movement  of the clamp  body . 
  
6 © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  4.3.2.3.       The clamp shall be installed  properly  with no losable  part in the 
process  of clamping arrangement.  
 
4.3.2.4 .       The clamps  and the  movable  links shall be made  of weather  and 
Ultra Violet resistant glass  fiber reinforced polymer  of at least 1.5mm 
thick and shall prov ide an additiona l insulation between  the cable  and 
the pole. 
 
 
4.3.2.5.        Clamps  shall be fixed to the pole by eye  hook  (clause  4.3.3) or bracket  
(clause  4.3.4) 
and shall  be of a type which can be installed without  the use of 
specialized  tools . 
 
4.3.2.6 .      The ultimate  tensile strength  and maximum  allowable  load of the 
clamp  shall not be less than  the values  stated  in Table  2. 
 
4.3.2.7.        The clamp  shall sustain a maximum  angle  of deviation of 60° of the 
conduc tors and shall  hold the supporting  conductor  without  any 
slippage  to within  5% of the specified  break ing force  of the supporting  
conductor.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  KS 2704 :2016  
© KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  7  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.3.3.   Suspension / Dead End Eye Hook (wood  and concret e) 
  
4.3.3 .1.        Suspension/dead -end eye hooks shall be suitable  for mounting  
through  wood  poles  (by single  bolt) and attachment  to pre-stressed  
round  concrete  poles  by use  of universal  pole clamps.  The diameter  at 
the point of  mounting  shall be 170 to 230mm.  
 
 
8 © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  4.3.3.2.    Eye hooks  shall be designed  as to hold both suspension  clamps  and 
dead -end clamps and shall  be of wood  type or concrete  type.  
 
4.3.3.3.  Eye hooks  shall be made  of forged  hot dip galvanized  stee l (as per 
clause  4.2.3).  The ma nufacture  shall not involve  cold bending  or 
welding  (or both) . They  shall be supplied complete  with nuts and two  
washers  as follows : 
a)   Eye Hook  for use as a through  bolt for wood  poles  - Fig 3a 
(l)   Nut M20 x 2 
(ii)  Round washer  M20 x 2 of 5mm thickne ss 
(iii) Square  curved  washer  M20 x 2 of 5mm  thickness  
b)  Open and cl osed Eye Hook  for use with universal  clamps  -  Fig. 3b & 
c 
(i)  Nut M20 x 2 
(ii) Round  washer  M20 x 2 of 3mm  thickness  
(iii) Square  washer  M20 x 2 of 3mm  thickness  
 
4.3.3. 4.      The bolts and nuts  shall be corrosion  resistant  and the 
galvanization  shall conform  to KS 355:1982 (2015).  
  
4.3.3.5.      Suspension/dead -end eye hooks  shall be manu factured  from grade  
4.8 material  in accordance  with ISO 898-1  whereas  nuts shall be 
manufactured  from grade  5 material  in accordance  with ISO 898-1. 
 
4.3.3 .6.       External  threads  shall not be undercut.  Galvan izing shall be of type C 
of  KS 355:1982 (2015) whereas  internal  threads  shall be undercut  to 
suit matching  galvan ized components  and shall  be treated  with an 
acceptable  rust inhibitor.  Galvanizing  of nuts shall precede threading . 
 
4.3.3. 7.     The ultimate  tensile  strength (UTS)  of the eye hook shall  be 20 
KN. The design  and dimensions  shall be as per Fig. 3a, b & c. 
 
 
 
  KS 2704 :2016  
© KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  9  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10 © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.3.4.    Suspe nsion/S train  Bracket  
  
4.3.4 .1.       The suspension/strain  brackets  shall be designed  as per Fig 4a and 
4b.  The manufacturer  shall provide the technical  data for the dimensions  
necessary  to withstand the  minimum  tensile strengths of  the ABC cables  
referred to  in KS 2650:2016.  
 
4.3.4. 2.       They  shall be made  of high strength corrosion  resistant  alum inium 
alloy with a tensile strength of  not less than 300MPa  and shall be suitable  
for use in wood  poles (using  pole bolts) and concrete  poles (using  
galvanized  steel  straps  or universal  clamps) .The galvanization  shall be 
hot dip as per KS 355:1982 (2015) . 
 
4.3.4.3.       Fixing of the brackets  shall be by 1  bolt M20 or 2 stainless  steel  
straps  of 20mm  x 0. 7 mm.  The maximum  line deviation  angles shall be 
30° towards the  pole and up to 50° pulling away  from the pole 
 
 
 
 
 
 KS 2704 :2016  
© KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  11  
4.3.5.    Stainl ess  steel strap and buckl es 
 
4.3.5. 1.      The stainless  stee l strap shall cons ist of: 
 
a)  Stain less steel  strap of size 20mm  ±0.2 x 0.7mm  ±0.05 mm and shall  
have  tensile 
strength of  7.5KN min.,  elongation  30% Min, finish 2B,  and the 
stainless  steel mate rial shall be of high mechan ical strength , 
corrosion  and wear  resistant  as per AISI SS 202. 
b)   Tensile  strength of  strap  is to be min 7.5KN to be tested on a loop 
with buckle . 
 
Number  of loops  for mounting the  bracket  on pole to be allocated  
as per load requirement  for dead -end and suspension  clamp  
specified in this specificatio n. 
 
c)  Minimum  two loops  of 0.75 meter  each w ith one buckle  to be cons idered for attach ing 
the brackets  to the poles . For dead -end or suspension  pole bracket  a total of 1.5 meter  of 
stainless  steel strap and two  buck les are required  
 
d)  The stainless  steel  buckle  to suit above  strap  shall be used to  
tension  and fix  it. It shall  have a  slot width of not less than 20.5 
mm x 1.5 mm . 
e} T h e  Buckle shall  be made  from AISI SS 304 of  thickness  not less 
than 1.2 mm. 
  
4.3.5.2.   Type  tests  on stainless  steel  Straps  and Buckles shall  consist  of 
Chemical  Analysis  Test Report of  Compos ition.  In addition  the stainless  
steel  Strap  should  have  been  type tested for  Tensile  Strength  and 
Ultimate  Elongati on.  
 
 
 
 
 
12 © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.4.      Current -Carrying   Connectors  
   
4.4.1.    General  requirements  
  
4.4.1.1.        The connectors  shall connect  cables  designed  to IEC 61089  and 
shall be designed  and tested  in accordance  with BS EN 50483 -4 and 
Class  A requirements  as defined  in BS EN  50483 -5. They  shall also 
fully withstand  the type tests  prescribed  in BS EN 50483 -1, PIESA  
1080 -5. 
 
4.4.1.2.        The connectors  shall be suitable  for use with ABC conductors  of 
aluminium  construction with conductor  cross -sect ion area in the range  
16mm 2 to 120mm 2 and for service  cables of  either  copper  or aluminium  
with cross -section  area in the range  1.5mm 2 to 25mm 2• 
 
4.4.. 1.3.       The connectors  design  shall allow  them  to be fitted  without  having  to 
dismantle  their individual  components.  All segments  of the connector  
shall be held captive  when  opened  
for fitting  to the conductors  
4.4.1. 4.      All connectors  shall be such  that their current -carrying  capac ity is 
greater  than that of the larger  conductor  to which  they are intended  
to be connected . 
 
4.4.1 .5.       In addition  to Clause  4.2.2,  materials  used in  the manufacture  of 
the connectors  shall be of  a quality that  ensures  that the material  
 KS 2704 :2016  
© KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  13 does  not split and does  not deteriorate  from its intended  state  during  
the application  process . 
 
4.4.1.6.      The connectors  shall be designed  to withstand  physica l and 
chemica l processes expected  in service  i.e. oxidation,  galvanic  
corrosion,  thermal  expansion  etc. They  shall be  UV protected . 
 
4.4.2.   Insulation P i e r c i n g  Connectors  
  
4.4.2.1.       Genera l 
 
4.4.2.1.1.      The insulating  piercing  connecto rs (IPC)  shall be designed  and 
tested in accordance with  BS EN 50483 -1&4, PIESA  1018 -5 and 
NFC 33-020 .The desig n shall be weather -proof  for aluminium 
and/or copper  main  and branch  conductors.  
 
4.4.2.1.2.    The IPC shall  be applicable  in the process  of replacing  the 
bare conductors  with LV ABC  cables to  reduce  power  theft and 
line losses  by providing  a proper  metho d of service  connection  
from ABC cables  to consumers  without  damaging  the cable.  
 
4.4.2.1.3.     Removal  of bare conductor , stringing  of LVABC  cable  and re-
establishing  the service connections shall  be done  as a 
simultaneous  process . 
 
4.4.2.1.4 .   In this regard the  IPC shall  be used  for:- 
a)  Providing  1-2 service  connections  from 30 metres  
away  from the pole ,  
b)  providing  supply to  Junction/  Distribution  Box from 
ABC cable  
c)   Establishing  Tee connection  from LV ABC to LV ABC cables . 
 
4.4.2 .1.5
. This IPC shall . Not be exposed  to any bare conduc tor in the environment  
during connection . The design  of the connectors  shall ensu re total 
weather  and moisture  proof so  that no  water  or moisture  can enter 
through  the pierced  holes  on to the cable   
 
 
• 
 Insulation .  
 
4.4.2.1.6.  
For individual connectors , the torque  required  for different  conductor  
sizes shall  be stated  in the equipment  by the manufacture r. 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
4.4.2.2.       Construction  
 
4.4.2.2.1 .    The connectors  shall be totally  insulated  with no loose parts . They  
shall be totally weather  and moisture  proof  so that  no water  or 
moisture  can enter through  the pierced holes  on the cable  insulation . 
  
14 © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  4.4.2 .2.2.   The connectors  shall work  at 30 cm under  water  bath for 30 minutes,  
and when  tested at  an applied  voltage of 4 KV for 1  minute,  there  shall 
be no flashover/  failure  and moisture  ingress  in it in accordance  with 
BS EN 50483 -1. 
 
4.4.2.2.3.     The design  shall also withs tand working  temperatures  for installation  
from -10''C upto 
+600·c  and operati on experience  with temperature  from -2o·c  up to 
+75•c. 
  
4.4.2.3.       Material  
  
Material  used in  the manufacturing  process  of the components  of this 
product  shall be specified  in the respective  product  drawings  and shall  
be summarized  as follows:  
 
a)  All the metallic  part of the connector  shall be corrosion  resistant  and 
shall be proven in  Salt Fog chamber  and Wet  S02 gas chamber  and 
there  shall not be any change  in contact  resistance , temperature  
after overloads,  load cycling.  
 
b)  The body  shall be manufactured  from corrosion  resistant  pure 
aluminium/aluminium alloy  with tensile  strength  of 300MPa.  
 
c)  The contact  plates  shall be made  of tinned  aluminium/copper.  The 
connector  teeth shall  be factory  greased  and sealed  to retard  water  
or moisture  ingre ss and corrosion . 
 
d)  The insulation material  shall be made  of weather  and Ultra  
Violet  resistance, reinforced  polymer  in accordance  with UL 
746-C. 
 
e)  The outer  metallic  part shall have potential  free tightening  
bolts  to allow  safe installation  on live lines.  
 
f)  The bolts  shall be made  of "Shear  Head " type so that  it controls  the 
effective  applied torque  during  installa tion and break  off at a specified  
torque  after establishing  proper connection . 
 
g)  The connector  shall not have any  losable  component  which  may 
drop and then  lost while  installation  is taking  place  at overhead  
conditions.  The cable  end cap shall be 
attached  to the body. 
 
 
 
  KS 2704 :2016  
© KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  15  
 
 
 
4.4.2. 4.      Sizes 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16 © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved   
4.4.3 .    ABC  Bolted Connectors  
4.4.3 .1.        Parallel  Groove  Clamps  – Aluminium  
 
This type of bolted  connec tor shall:  
a)  Be made  from forged  alumin ium; for aluminium  to aluminium  
connection throughout the  conductor  range . 
b)  The clamps  shall have serrated  transverse  grooves  for maximum 
conductor  contact;  use hot dip galvanized  steel bolts  property  class  
8.8. 
c)  They  shall utilize  Belleville  washers  to prevent  thermal  ratcheting  
under  cyclic  loads.  
d)  The clamps  shall be coated with an oxide  inhibitor.   
  
4.4.3.2.       Bi-metal  Parallel Grooves Clamps  
  
4.4.3 .2.1.     Bi-Metal  parallel  groove  clamps  shall be suitable  for tapping  or 
joining  hard drawn  or annealed  copper  conduc tor or aluminium  
overhead  conductor  type AAC,  AAAC  or ACSR  to the ABC cables . 
 
4.4.3.2.2.     Bi-Metal  Parallel  Groove  clamps  shall have  the following  features : 
  
a)   They  shall be forged  from 99.6% pure aluminium  clamp  with a 
friction  welded  copper insert ; clearly  marked  in blue for making  
copper  conductor  connections . The clamps shall  have serrat ed 
transverse  grooves  for maximum  conductor  contact.  
 
b)  One parallel  groove  shall have a  copper  inlay impact  welded  onto 
the surface  of the groove,  and the external  aluminium  to copper  
interface  is sealed  by a special compound  which  prevents  interface  
corrosion ; 
 
c)   Slotted  bolt holes  which  allow ad justment  to varying  conductor  sizes  
in each  groove; tightened  onto the conductors  using  hot dip 
galvanized  steel  bolts,  property  class  8.8, gal vanized  nuts that shall  
allow the  connector  to be tightened with  the use of a single spanner 
at higher  torques  and utilize  belleville  washers  on bolts  to prevent  
thermal ratcheting  under  cyclic  load , maintaining  clamping  pressure,  
thus preventing  metal creep . 
 
d)  The connectors  shall be ultrasonically  tested  to check  bonding  
between  copper  inlay and aluminium . 
 
e)  The clamps  shall be coated  with an oxide  inhibitor .   KS 2704 :2016  
© KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  17  
4.4.3.2.3.     Typical  design  and ·dimensional  requirements  shall be as per Fig. 6a 
and b. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18 © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved   
 
4.4.4.   Bi-metallic  Lugs  
  
4.4.4.1.      The bi-metallic  lugs shall be of pre-insulated  type i.e. the compression  
shall be directly made  over the insulation  but crimping  shall not 
deteriorate  the insulation of  the sleeve . 
 
4.4.4.2.       The lugs shall be of wate rproof  type . For this purpose the  lugs shall 
be equipped with  a suitable  rubber gasket  to prevent  ingress  of water.  
 
4.4.4 .3.       The lugs shall be pre-filled with any suitable  oxide  inhibiting  compound  
or silicon  grease and  their current  ratings shall  be equivalent  to the 
respective  cable/messenger.  
 
4.4.4.4.  For easy  identificatio n, bi-metallic  lugs shall have markings  indicating 
size of conductor applicable  (or colour  coded  as per BS EN 50483:  Part 
5), sequence  and location  of hexagonal  compression  indents  and dies 
to be used.  Also insulation stripping  length shall  be indicated  on the 
lugs.  
 
4.4.4.5.  The current  rating  of the bi-metallic  lugs shall not be less than that of 
the ABC cable rating . 
 
4.4.4 .6.       The temperature  rise at the time of lugging  shall not be more than  that 
of the conductor stipulated  in the relevant  standard  IEC 61089.  
 
4.4.4. 7.      Compression  of all bi-metallic  lugs for both phase  and messenger  
neutral  shall be achieved  by means  of using  a single  die. 
 
4.4.4.8.       The design  and dimens ional requirements  shall be as per Fig. 6 and 
Table  4. 
 
 
 
 
 KS 2704 :2016  
© KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  19  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.4.5.   Pre- insula ted Sleeves 
 
4.4.5.1.      These  pre-insulated  sleeves  shall be used to  link together  LV insulated  
overhead  lines 
(ABC cables  up to 1   kV) . 
 
4.4.5 .2.      The sleeves  shall compose  of: 
a)  An aluminium  (phase)  or aluminium  alloy (neutral)  sleeve  with a 
stop in the middle. b)  A black thermop lastic sealed  tube with a flexible 
elastomer  ring. 
c)  Neutra l contact  grease in the tube which improve  the contact  area 
and protect  the 
aluminium  against  oxidat ion. 
 
4.4.5.3 .      The crimp ing shall be realized  on the plastic  part accord ing to the 
marks  on the body  of the sleeve.  
4.4.5.4 The design and the dimensional requirements shall be as per  fig 7 and 
table 5  
 
 
20 © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved   
4.4.6. Cable  Joint Compound  
 
4.4.6.1.       Cable  jointing  compound  shall be made  from polyurethane  based  
resin  compound,  which involves electrical  grade  potting, especially  
formulated  for use in cable  joints.  It shall be tested  accord ing to BS 
2782:  Part 6: Method  630A:  1994.  
 
4.4.6.2.       The resin  shall be a blend  of complex  polyols  with selected  additives  
formulated  to give a stable  product  specif ically suited  to the 
requ irements  of a cable  jointing  compound . 
 
4.4.6.3.       Pot life shall be controlled  to give adequate  time for mixing  and 
pouring ; the setting  shall take place  with a gradual  increase  in viscosi ty 
to give a rubber -like solid within about  an hour  and the  hardness  shall 
gradually  increase  for approximately  the next twenty-four hours . 
4.4.6.4.       The joint compound  shall be suitable  for prevention  of oxidation  on 
aluminium  surfaces ; 
protect  the connec tion from corros ion and reduce  the 
transition  resistance . 
  
4.4.6.5.       The compound  shall contain  no skin-irritant ingredients  and shall be 
supplied  in tubes  of 
250g  each . 
 
 KS 2704 :2016  
© KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  21 4A.6.6.       The expiry  date of the joint compound  shall be quoted  and shall 
be capable  of being stored  for not less than 24 months  
4.5.   End Sealing Caps, Core Separators (pairs) and Cable Ties for use with 
Aerial Bundled  
Conductors 
 
4.5.1 .   Cable End Sealing Caps 
 
4.5.1.1.       End sealing  caps  shall be insulated  and provide  protection  against 
the ingress  of moisture  and also ensure  that the system  is fully 
insulated . They  shall be manufactu red and tested  as per BS EN 50483 . 
 
4.5.1.2.        Cable  End Sea ling Caps  shall have the  follow ing features : 
 
a)  Quick and foolproof  installation  using  
simple  tools . b)  A strong  and permanent  
environmental  seal. 
c)  Excellent  resistance  to weathering,  moisture  contam ination  & 
adverse  environmental  
condit ions. 
d)  Special  adhesi ve lining  provides  seal on irregular  
cable  sheaths . e)  Valved  end Cap  available  for 
pressurized  applicat ion. 
 
Table 6: Test requirements  for end caps 
 
 
 
 
4.5.1. 3.      The caps  shall be permanent  applied,  range  taking  and suitable  for 
installation on  
10mm 2-120mm 2ABC cables . 
 
4.5.1.4.      The caps  shall not be push fit  as accidental  contacts  could  result  in 
them  being  removed and exposing  the live cores . 
 
22 © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved   
4.5.1.5.       The end sealing cap design  and dimens ional requirements  shall be as 
per Fig. 8 and 
Table  7. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.5.2.     Core  Separators  (pairs)  
 
 KS 2704 :2016  
© KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  23 4.5.2.1.        The core separators  shall comprise  of two wedges  to facilitate  the 
installation  of connectors  on tensioned  ABC cables . The two 
separators  shall be joined  together  with a nylon  cord as per Fig. 9. 
 
4.5.2.2.       The two separators  shall be made  from good  quality  hardened  
plastic  with the shape being  capable  to positi vely lock tight in 
position . They  shall be supplied  complete  with relevant  nylon cord . 
 
4.5.2.3.        The dielectric  strength of  material  used  shall be 3 kV/mm  for one 
minute . 
 
4.5.2.4.         Both sides  of the wedge  shall have large  grooves  so that  it can 
easily be inserted  in the twisted  cable . 
 
4.5.2.5.        They  shall be used  for separating  phases  of aerial  bundle  conductor  
during  installation  of the fitting s. The cam action and wedge  action  shall 
be incorporated  in one unit  
 
4.5.2.6.        The core sepa rator shall also be used  during  stringing  the ABC 
cables  and in  installation of  piercing type  connectors  to the individual  
core of twisted  cable.  
 
4.5.2. 7.      The separator s shall be inserted  in the twist of the cable so that one  
particular ca ble shall be separated. The  top surface  shall also have small  
grooves  for the application  of 
manual force.  
 
 
 
 
 
4.5.3.   Cable Ties 
 
 
24 © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  4.5.3.1.       Cable  ties shall be designed  as per this specificat ion and tested  in 
accordance  with 
PIESA  1020 . 
  
4.5.3.2.      The cable  tie shall be heavy  duty type single  piece  assemb ly of 
minimum  loop tensi le strength  of 550N ; advanced  pawl and teeth  
design, with tail finger  grips  for easier handling  and tightening  as per 
Fig.  10. 
 
4.5.3.3.      The cable  tie shall be at least  9 mm in  width, 350 mm us able length  
measured  from the inside  of the tie clamp  and tapered  to facilitate  
insert ion into the tie clamp  
 
4.5.3.4.       The cable  tie material  shall be Polyamide  6.6, coloured  black, 
weather -stabilized and corros ion resistant  and shall pass  UL 94 V-2 
flammab ility tests . 
 
4.5.3.5.       Cable  ties shall be of uniform  quality and  shall be free from sharp 
edges , irregularities  or defects  that could  affect  their performance , 
reliability or durability . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.6.      Strain  and Suspension  Fittings  for Aeria l Service  Cables 
  
 KS 2704 :2016  
© KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  25 4.6.1.     House Service Strain  Clamp  
  
4.6.1.1      The house service  strain  clamp  shall be designed,  manufactured  and 
tested  to NFC 33- 
042 and shall be type tested  to BS EN 50483 : Part 2 & 3 standard  
requirements . 
 
4.6.1.2        The design  shall be such  that the  parts  do not separate  when  the 
fittings  are being installed on the service  cable.  Any wedges  used 
shall be attached  to the clamp  body . 
 
4.6.1.3         It shall be made  from Ultra  Violet  resista nt thermo -plastic  body  with 
the wedge  made from hot galvanized  steel  bail conforming  to ISO 
1461 ; that can accommodate  round cables from 7 to 19 mm diameter.  
 
4JS.1.4        Strain  fittings  shall not slip or release  the service  cable  during  
normal  service  and the m inimum  break ing loads  shall be 2.5 kN. 
 
4.6.1.5        Strain fittings  shall not cause  damage  to the service  cable  during 
normal  service . They shall be of a type that can be installed  without  
the use of special  tools . 
4.6.1.6  The strain  fittings  shall be suitable  for the tenn ination  of single  phase  
and three  phase service  cables  of sizes  10 - 16mm 2  and 25mm 2  
respectively .(suitable  for use for 2x10 - 
2x35 mm 2 and 4x16 - 4x25 mm 2cables)  
 
4.6.1.  7      The genera l design  of the house  strain  clamp  shall be as per Fig.   11 
 
 
 
 
4.6.2    Pigtail Couch  Screw 
 
4.6.2.1         Pigtail  couch  screw  shall be suitable  for screwing directly  into 
wooden  pole and for securing  into brick wall when  used  with P16 
plastic  wall plug . 
 
 
26 © KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  4.6.2.2       The screws  shall have adequately  adjusted  threads  that shall  
withstand  a high pull-out resistance  and optimum  conditions  for the 
specific  field of applica tion. 
 
4.6.2.3        The screws  shall be made  from hot dip galvanized  steel with 
minimum  tensile  strengths conform ing to those  of the ABC cables  
prescribed  in clause  4.2.1.1. 
 
4.6.2.4       The design  requir ements  shall be as per Fig.  12.  The size shall be 
M16 , with the length suitable  to withstand  the tensile  pull strength  when  
secured  on the pole . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.0.     MA RKING AND PACKING  
 
6.1.     Marking  
 
 
6.1.1  Each item shall be packed in such a manner as to protect it from 
damage during transportation and storage.  
 
6.1.2    Each package shall contain relevant instructions for handling and use 
printed in the English  
Language.  
 
 
6.1.3  All products mentioned above shall be engraved indelibly and 
permanently  with the following information:  
a)  Manufacturer's trade mark or logo;  
b)  Traceability code I batch number;  
c)  The minimum and maximum cross section for which the u nit is suitable;  
d)  Tightening torque or die reference, if applicable;  
e) Country of origin  
6.2.      PACKING  
 KS 2704 :2016  
© KEBS 2016 — All rights reserved  27  
 
6.2.1.   The Low Voltage ABC accessories shall be suitably packed separately in 
reinforced wooden boxes firmly secured with metallic straps and  the 
quantity of items in a package is as in a), b), c), or d) given below.  
 
a)  Strain and Suspension Fittings for Aerial Bunched Cables consisting of 
insulated Strain Bearing Neutral Messenger Wire - shall be packed 
separately in reinforced wooden boxes  firmly secured with metallic 
straps.  
 
b)  Strain and Suspension Fittings for Aerial Service Cables - shall be packed 
separately in reinforced wooden boxes firm ly secured with metallic 
straps.  
 
c)  Current -carrying Connectors and Joints - shall be package d individually in 
plastic bag.  
 
d)  Cable Ties and End Sealing Caps - shall be packaged in plastic bags to 
contain moisture and shall remain sealed until ready for use and the 
quantity of items in a package shall be  
100. 
 
6.2.2.   Each packing shall be cle arly and indelibly marked with the following;  
 
 
a)    Name of Item  
 b)   Quantity  
c)    Gross Weight  
d)  The boxes shall be marked with manufacturer's identification.