Amokabel Covered Conductor rollouts

Enhancing network safety and efficiency: lessons from Amokabel Covered conductor rollouts

This blog was written in partnership with Amokabel and Groundline Engineering.

As utilities across Australia face increasing pressure to improve network resilience, Amokabel Covered conductor technology is proving to be a practical solution for network operators. TEN has been supporting customers with the rollout of the conductors by supplying the required tools and equipment for the installation across Australia.

"As the demand for these conductors continues to rise, more of our customers are finding it necessary to update their tooling. From strippers and 60T crimping heads, dies to cable grips and cable socks, TEN has been meeting this growing national need and providing the essential tools to support a successful rollout", said James Brown, TEN's General Manager of Sales and Marketing.

Why Covered conductor technology matters

Traditional bare conductors pose risks in areas that are fire prone, with dense vegetation and wildlife. Contact from branches, animals, or adverse weather can lead to faults, outages, and fire ignition. Amokabel covered conductor mitigates these risks with a lightweight, insulated overhead cable that can be installed on existing poles.

For distribution networks and their field crews, this means:

• fewer faults and outages
• improved safety margins; and
• easier installation and maintenance

Lessons from Tasmania

In 2024, TasNetworks deployed Amokabel's covered conductor in Neika, a bushfire-prone area south of Hobart. The installation used existing infrastructure, avoiding costly upgrades and interpoling. TasNetworks have continued the roll-out of covered conductor in other high-risk zones as part of broader safety upgrades. Field crews reported smoother installs and fewer post-installation issues due to the conductor's flexibility and insulation.

New South Wales (NSW) targeted approach

New South Wales distributors have taken a targeted approach, focusing on regions with similar environmental challenges. Here, utilities have:

• partnered with Groundline Engineering for training and supervision
• compared performance against legacy CCT systems

• prioritised retrofit-friendly installations to reduce costs

Engineers noted improved mechanical strength and thermal performance, making Amokabel's conductors suitable for both LV and HV applications.

For trade-qualified professionals, the benefits are clear:

• fewer live-line interventions
• lower exposure to hazardous conditions
• less vegetation clearing during maintenance

The technology also supports faster fault isolation and restoration, contributing to better SAIDI/SAIFI metrics and customer satisfaction.

Looking ahead

As more utilities consider Covered conductor technology, the experiences in Tasmania and other Australian states offer a practical blueprint. Our recommendations include:

• invest in hands-on training
• leverage existing infrastructure; and
• monitor performance metrics to guide future rollouts

For more information on suitable products and technical solutions:

Copyright © TEN Group | ABN 72 093 052 441