BS 6622 XLPE PVC 6.35/11 (12)kV Cable

BS 6622 CU XLPE AWA/SWA PVC 6.35/11 (12)kV Cable

            BS 6622 CU XLPE AWA/SWA PVC 6.35/11 (12)kV Cable

Application

Power cables for power networks, underground, and in cable ducting.

Characteristics

Property

Value

Voltage Rating Uo/U (Um)

6.35/11 (12)kV

Temperature Rating

Maximum conductor operating temperature

90°C

Initial temperature at S.C.C for metallic screen

80°C

Maximum conductor temperature during S.C

250°C

Minimum Bending Radius

Single core

15 x overall diameter

Multi core

12 x overall diameter

Construction

Component

Description

Conductor

Class 2 Stranded Circular Compacted Copper

Conductor Screen

Extruded Inner Semi Conductor (Bonded Type)

Insulation

XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)

Outer Semi Conductor

Extruded Outer Semi Conductor (Strippable Type)

Metallic Screen

Copper tape with 10% overlap

Inner Sheath

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Armour

Single core: AWA (Aluminium Wire Armoured)
Multi-core: SWA (Galvanised Steel Wire Armoured)

Outer Sheath

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Standards

  • BS 6622

  • IEC 60502-2

  • IEC/EN 60228

  • Flame Retardant according to IEC/EN 60332-1-2

Dimensions

Part No.

No. of Cores

Nominal Cross Sectional Area (mm²)

Nominal Insulation Thickness (mm)

Nominal Sheath Thickness (mm)

Nominal Overall Diameter (mm)

Nominal Weight (kg/km)

Sheath Colour

A9M11KV01070*

1

70

3.4

1.9

28.9

1424

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV01095*

1

95

3.4

1.9

30.2

1707

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV01120*

1

120

3.4

2.0

32.3

2046

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV01150*

1

150

3.4

2.1

33.9

2363

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV01185*

1

185

3.4

2.1

35.4

2735

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV01240*

1

240

3.4

2.2

38.0

3376

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV01300*

1

300

3.4

2.3

40.6

4012

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV01400*

1

400

3.4

2.4

44.6

5042

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV01500*

1

500

3.4

2.5

48.2

6154

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV01630*

1

630

3.4

2.6

53.3

7718

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV01800*

1

800

3.4

2.8

57.6

9616

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV03070*

3

70

3.4

2.7

54.6

5760

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV03095*

3

95

3.4

2.8

57.6

6732

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV03120*

3

120

3.4

3.0

61.0

7789

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV03150*

3

150

3.4

3.1

64.6

8916

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV03185*

3

185

3.4

3.2

68.3

10290

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV03240*

3

240

3.4

3.4

75.7

13367

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV03300*

3

300

3.4

3.4

81.5

15736

Red (RD), Black (BK)

A9M11KV03400*

3

400

3.4

3.8

87.7

18907

Red (RD), Black (BK)

Note: Replace * in Part No. with colour code (e.g., A9M11KV01070RD = 70mm² Red).

Voltage and Temperature Ratings

The BS 6622 cable is rated for a voltage of 6.35/11 (12)kV, making it ideal for medium voltage applications in power distribution networks. Its conductor can operate at a maximum temperature of 90°C, with a short-circuit temperature tolerance of up to 250°C, ensuring durability under high-stress conditions. During a short-circuit, the metallic screen maintains stability at an initial temperature of 80°C, safeguarding the cable’s integrity.

Construction Details

The cable’s robust construction is tailored for reliability:

  • Conductor: Made of Class 2 stranded circular compacted copper, offering excellent conductivity and flexibility.

  • Conductor Screen: An extruded inner semi-conductor (bonded type) ensures uniform electric field distribution.

  • Insulation: Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) provides superior thermal and electrical properties, resisting degradation over time.

  • Outer Semi-Conductor: A strippable extruded layer facilitates easy jointing and termination.

  • Metallic Screen: Features copper tape with a 10% overlap for effective fault current handling.

  • Inner Sheath: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) offers mechanical protection and moisture resistance.

  • Armour: Single-core cables use Aluminium Wire Armour (AWA), while multi-core cables employ Galvanised Steel Wire Armour (SWA), enhancing mechanical strength.

  • Outer Sheath: A durable PVC layer, available in red or black, protects against environmental factors.

Bending Radius

The cable’s flexibility is defined by its minimum bending radius: 15 x overall diameter for single-core cables and 12 x overall diameter for multi-core cables, ensuring ease of installation in confined spaces like ducts or trenches.

Standards Compliance

The BS 6622 cable adheres to international standards, including BS 6622, IEC 60502-2, IEC/EN 60228, and is flame-retardant per IEC/EN 60332-1-2, making it a trusted choice for safety-critical applications.

Dimensions and Variants

The cable is available in single-core and three-core configurations, with nominal cross-sectional areas ranging from 70 mm² to 800 mm² for single-core and 70 mm² to 400 mm² for three-core cables. Insulation thickness remains consistent at 3.4 mm, while sheath thickness varies slightly depending on the cable size. Nominal weights range from 1424 kg/km for a single-core 70 mm² cable to 18907 kg/km for a three-core 400 mm² cable, reflecting the robust materials used.

Applications in South African Power Networks

The BS 6622 cable is a workhorse in South Africa’s power infrastructure, used in:

  • Urban Power Grids: Supplying electricity to residential and commercial areas in cities like Cape Town and Durban, where underground cabling reduces visual clutter and enhances reliability.

  • Industrial Facilities: Powering heavy machinery in mining and manufacturing sectors, particularly in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.

  • Renewable Energy Projects: Connecting solar and wind farms to the national grid, supporting South Africa’s push for sustainable energy.

  • Rural Electrification: Delivering power to remote communities, addressing energy access challenges in provinces like the Eastern Cape.

Its ability to withstand harsh conditions, including moisture, mechanical stress, and temperature fluctuations, makes it ideal for South Africa’s varied climates and terrains.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes the BS 6622 cable suitable for South African conditions?

The cable’s XLPE insulation withstands high temperatures and moisture, while its AWA/SWA armour protects against mechanical damage, making it ideal for South Africa’s diverse environments.

2. What is the difference between AWA and SWA armour?

AWA (Aluminium Wire Armour) is used in single-core cables to prevent eddy currents, while SWA (Steel Wire Armour) is used in multi-core cables for enhanced mechanical strength.

3. How does the cable’s flame-retardant property benefit installations?

The cable meets IEC/EN 60332-1-2 standards, reducing fire risks in urban and rural settings, especially in fire-prone regions like the Western Cape.

The BS 6622 CU XLPE AWA/SWA PVC 6.35/11 (12)kV cable is a vital component in South Africa’s quest for reliable and sustainable power distribution. Its advanced construction, adherence to international standards, and versatility make it a top choice for urban grids, industrial applications, and renewable energy projects. As South Africa navigates its energy challenges, from load shedding to rural electrification, this cable plays a pivotal role in building a resilient power infrastructure.