150/250V XLPE Insulated, LSOH (SHF1) Sheathed, Armoured Flame Retardant Instrumentation & Control Cables (Multicore)

In the demanding environment of maritime operations, where safety, reliability, and compliance with stringent standards are non-negotiable, specialised cables play a critical role. Among these, 150/250V XLPE insulated, low smoke zero halogen (LSOH) sheathed, armoured flame-retardant instrumentation and control cables (multicore) stand out as a cornerstone of modern shipboard electrical systems. These cables, designed for fixed installations on ships, ensure robust performance under harsh conditions while prioritising safety for passengers, crew, and vessels.

The Role of Instrumentation and Control Cables in Maritime Operations

Maritime environments pose unique challenges for electrical systems. Ships, whether passenger liners or commercial vessels, operate in conditions marked by high humidity, temperature fluctuations, mechanical stress, and the ever-present risk of fire. Instrumentation and control cables are the backbone of a ship’s electrical infrastructure, facilitating critical functions such as communication, navigation, automation, and monitoring systems. These cables transmit signals and power to instruments and control units, ensuring seamless operation of everything from engine controls to fire detection systems.

The 150/250V XLPE insulated, LSOH sheathed, armoured cables are specifically engineered for fixed installations across all areas of a ship. Their robust construction and adherence to international standards make them suitable for use in demanding locations, from engine rooms to passenger cabins. By combining flame-retardant properties with low smoke and halogen-free characteristics, these cables enhance safety, particularly on passenger ships where evacuation in emergencies is a priority.

Compliance with International Standards

These cables are designed to meet a suite of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, ensuring their suitability for maritime applications. The key standards include:

• IEC 60092-350/351/376/359: These standards govern the general construction, testing, and performance requirements for shipboard cables. IEC 60092-352 specifically addresses the selection and installation of cables for fixed installations.

• IEC 60332-1 and IEC 60332-3-22: These standards test the flame-retardant properties of cables. IEC 60332-1 evaluates flame propagation on a single cable, while IEC 60332-3-22 assesses flame spread in bundled cables, simulating real-world installation scenarios.

• IEC 60754-1/2: These standards measure the absence of halogens and the acidity of gases emitted during combustion. Halogen-free cables reduce the risk of toxic fumes, which is critical in confined shipboard environments.

• IEC 61034: This standard tests the density of smoke emitted by burning cables. Low smoke properties ensure better visibility during a fire, aiding evacuation and firefighting efforts.

Compliance with these standards ensures that the cables meet the rigorous safety and performance requirements of the maritime industry, particularly for passenger ships where human safety is paramount.

Applications in Maritime Environments

The versatility of 150/250V XLPE insulated, LSOH sheathed, armoured cables makes them suitable for a wide range of shipboard applications. They are used in fixed installations across all areas of a ship, including:

• Control Systems: These cables transmit signals to and from control panels, ensuring precise operation of machinery, propulsion systems, and automation equipment.

• Instrumentation: They connect sensors, gauges, and monitoring devices, providing real-time data on critical parameters such as temperature, pressure, and fuel levels.

• Communication Systems: The cables support internal communication networks, including intercoms and alarm systems, which are vital for crew coordination and passenger safety.

• Navigation Systems: Reliable power and signal transmission are essential for radar, GPS, and other navigation equipment, ensuring safe voyage planning and execution.

Their flame-retardant, low smoke, and halogen-free properties make these cables particularly suitable for passenger ships, where large numbers of people rely on swift and safe evacuation in emergencies. Commercial vessels, such as cargo ships and offshore platforms, also benefit from their durability and resistance to harsh conditions.

Why LSOH Sheathing Matters

The use of LSOH sheathing is a game-changer in maritime safety. Traditional PVC cables, when exposed to fire, release dense smoke and toxic halogen gases, which can impair visibility and pose health risks in confined spaces like a ship’s interior. LSOH cables, by contrast, emit minimal smoke and no halogens, ensuring safer evacuation and firefighting conditions. This is particularly critical on passenger ships, where large numbers of people may need to navigate corridors and stairwells during an emergency.

The SHF1 sheath meets standard maritime requirements, while the optional SHF2 sheath provides enhanced resistance to oils and chemicals, making it suitable for engine rooms or areas exposed to hydrocarbons. This adaptability ensures that the cables can be tailored to specific shipboard environments.

The 150/250V XLPE insulated, LSOH sheathed, armoured flame-retardant instrumentation and control cables are a vital component of modern maritime electrical systems. Their robust construction, compliance with international standards, and safety-focused features make them indispensable for ensuring reliable and safe operations on ships. From their stranded copper conductors to their LSOH sheaths, every element is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the sea while prioritising passenger and crew safety. As the maritime industry continues to innovate, these cables will remain a cornerstone of shipboard infrastructure, safeguarding vessels and their occupants for years to come.