600/1000V Mica+XLPE Insulated, LSZH Sheathed, Armoured Power Cables to BS 6724 (Single Core)

APPLICATION

The cables are mainly used in power stations, mass transit underground passenger systems, airports, petrochemical plants, hotels, hospitals and high-rise buildings.

STANDARDS

Basic design adapted from BS 6724

FIRE PERFORMANCE

Circuit Integrity

IEC 60331-21; EN 6387; BS 8491

Flame Retardance (Single vertical wire or cable test)

IEC 60332-1-2; EN 60332-1-2

Reduced fire Propagation (Vertically-mounted bundled wires & cables test)

IEC 60332-3-24; EN 60332-3-24

Halogen Free

IEC 60754-1; EN 50267-2-1

No Corrosive Gas Emission

IEC 60754-2; EN 50267-2-2

Minimum Smoke Emission

IEC 61034-2; EN 61034-2

VOLTAGE RATING

600/1000V

CABLE CONSTRUCTION

Conductor : Annealed copper wire, stranded according to BS EN 60228 class 2.

Fire Barrier : Mica glass tape.

Insulation : XLPE type GP 8 according to BS 7655-1.3. HEPR type GP 6 according to BS 7655-1.2 or crosslinked polyolefin material type EI 5 according to BS EN 50363-5 can be offered as option.

Bedding : Extruded layer of polymeric material.

Armouring : Aluminium wire.

Outer Sheath : Extruded layer of polymeric material LTS 1 according to BS 7655-6.1.

Outer Sheath Option : UV resistance, hydrocarbon resistance, oil resistance, anti-rodent and anti-termite properties can be offered as option.

COLOUR CODE

Insulation Colour : Brown or blue; other colours can be offered upon request.

Sheath Colour : Black; other colours can be offered upon request.

PHYSICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES

Maximum temperature range during operation : 90°C

Maximum short circuit temperature (5 Seconds) : 250°C

Minimum bending radius : 6 × Overall Diameter

CONSTRUCTION PARAMETERS

Conductor

FFX300 1mRZ1MAZ1-R

No. of Cores × Cross-sectional Area

Conductor Class

Nominal Insulation Thickness

Nominal Bedding Thickness

Nominal AL Wire Armour Diameter

Nominal Sheath Thickness

Approx. Overall Diameter

Approx. Weight

no.×mm²

 

mm

mm

 

mm

mm

kg/km

1×50

2

1.0

0.8

0.9

1.5

18.5

696

1×70

2

1.1

0.8

1.25

1.5

21.2

949

1×95

2

1.1

0.8

1.25

1.6

23.3

1253

1×120

2

1.2

0.8

1.25

1.6

25.2

1533

1×150

2

1.4

1.0

1.6

1.7

28.4

1863

1×185

2

1.6

1.0

1.6

1.8

31.0

2304

1×240

2

1.7

1.0

1.6

1.8

33.8

2938

1×300

2

1.8

1.0

1.6

1.9

36.6

3626

1×400

2

2.0

1.2

2.0

2.0

41.5

4668

1×500

2

2.2

1.2

2.0

2.1

45.2

5795

1×630

2

2.4

1.2

2.0

2.2

49.8

7357

1×800

2

2.6

1.4

2.5

2.4

56.4

9380

1×1000

2

2.8

1.4

2.5

2.5

61.6

11660

Introduction

In the realm of electrical engineering, the selection of appropriate power cables is paramount to ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency in power distribution systems. This is particularly true in South Africa, where diverse environments—from arid mining sites in the Northern Cape to bustling urban centres in Gauteng—demand robust solutions that can withstand extreme conditions. Among the most advanced options available are the 600/1000V Mica+XLPE insulated, LSZH sheathed, armoured power cables, designed in accordance with BS 6724 standards. These single-core cables represent a pinnacle of fire-resistant technology, combining mica glass tape for circuit integrity with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation and low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) sheathing to minimise hazards during fire incidents.

South Africa's infrastructure landscape, characterised by rapid urbanisation, expanding renewable energy projects, and stringent safety regulations, has seen increasing adoption of these cables. With a voltage rating of 600/1000V, they are engineered for medium-voltage applications where fire performance is critical.

Applications

These cables are versatile, primarily used in power stations, mass transit systems, airports, petrochemical plants, hotels, hospitals, and high-rise buildings. Their fire-resistant nature makes them indispensable where circuit integrity saves lives, such as in emergency lighting and alarm systems.

In South Africa, applications abound. In mining operations, like those in the Witwatersrand basin, the armoured design protects against mechanical damage from heavy machinery. Renewable energy projects, such as wind farms in the Eastern Cape, benefit from UV-resistant options for outdoor exposure. Urban infrastructure, including Johannesburg's high-rises, relies on LSZH properties to comply with fire codes under the National Building Regulations (SANS 10400).

Petrochemical facilities in Secunda utilise hydrocarbon-resistant variants, while hospitals in Durban employ them for uninterruptible power supplies. The cables' halogen-free emission profile is vital in confined spaces like the Gautrain tunnels, preventing toxic fumes during potential fires.

The 600/1000V Mica+XLPE insulated, LSZH sheathed, armoured power cables to BS 6724 embody a synergy of innovation and safety, tailored for demanding environments. Their superior fire performance, robust construction, and electrical efficiency make them indispensable in South Africa's evolving infrastructure. As the nation invests in sustainable development—from Gautrain expansions to renewable hubs—these cables will continue to play a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and assets. Engineers and policymakers should prioritise such technologies to build a resilient future, where power reliability meets uncompromising safety standards.