The main objections to the traditional design are that the multiple conductors are
considered unappealing, and external forces (such as high winds) can cause them to
touch and short circuit. The resultant sparks have been a cause of bushfires in drier
climates. In the UK where some supplies to rural property are converted to PME/MEN from
TT Earthing system concerns have been expressed that the lower conductor alone may
be broken, (by high vehicle or falling tree for example) but with the upper phase
conductors intact. This is a potentially dangerous fault condition. With ABC,
a simultaneous disconnection of all conductors is more likely.


In moister climates, tree growth is a significant problem for overhead power lines.
Aerial bundled cables will not arc over if touched by tree branches.
Although persistent rubbing is still a problem, tree-trimming costs can be reduced.

Areas with large trees and branches falling on lines are a problem for
aerial bundled cables as the line degrades over time. Due to the very
large strain forces cracking and breaking insulation can lead to short circuit
failures which can then lead to ground fires due to dripping of molten insulation.

Low voltage ABC has already been developed in several countries across
the globe and promises to be cheaper, safer, more reliable, require less tree
clearing and pruning, be more aesthetic, be less labor intensive, require less
maintenance and eliminate bushfires being initiated by conductor clashing.