Introduction to BS 6724 Cable

The BS 6724 Sectoral Shaped Copper Conductor Multi-Core SWA 1.9/3.3kV Cable is a robust, high-performance power cable designed for demanding electrical installations. Engineered to meet stringent industry standards, this cable is pivotal in applications requiring reliable power transmission under challenging conditions. Its unique construction, featuring sectoral-shaped copper conductors, steel wire armour (SWA), and halogen-free flame-retardant (HFFR) materials, makes it a preferred choice for both indoor and outdoor installations, particularly in environments where safety and durability are paramount.

Technical Specifications of BS 6724 Cable

Construction and Materials

The BS 6724 cable is meticulously designed to ensure optimal performance and safety. Its key components include:

• Conductor: Class 2 sectoral-shaped stranded copper, which maximizes conductivity while optimizing space within the cable. The sectoral shape reduces the overall diameter compared to round conductors, making it easier to handle in multi-core configurations.

• Insulation: Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE), offering excellent electrical insulation and thermal resistance, capable of operating at temperatures up to 90°C.

• Filler and Outer Sheath: Halogen-Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) materials, which minimize smoke and corrosive gas emissions in case of fire, enhancing safety in confined spaces.

• Armour: Galvanised Steel Wire Armour (SWA), providing mechanical protection against physical damage, making it suitable for direct burial and harsh environments.

• Core Identification: Brown, Black, and Grey cores for easy identification in three-core configurations.

• Sheath Colour: Black, with UV resistance to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight.

The cable’s construction adheres to standards such as BS 6724, EN 60228, and IEC 60502-1, ensuring compliance with global benchmarks for quality and safety. It is also flame-retardant (EN 60332-1) and low-smoke halogen-free (IEC/EN 61034-1/2, IEC/EN 60754-1/2), making it ideal for environments where fire safety is critical.

Applications and Usage Scenarios

The BS 6724 cable is versatile, suitable for both indoor and outdoor fixed installations. Its key applications include:

• Direct Burial: The SWA and UV-resistant sheath make it ideal for direct burial in free-draining soil, commonly used in underground power distribution networks.

• Industrial Settings: Its high current-carrying capacity and mechanical protection suit it for heavy-duty industrial applications, such as factories and mining operations.

• Public Infrastructure: The low-smoke, halogen-free properties make it a preferred choice for public buildings, tunnels, and metro systems where fire safety is critical.

• Renewable Energy Projects: The cable’s reliability and durability support connections in solar farms and wind energy installations.

In South Africa, where energy infrastructure is undergoing significant upgrades to address load-shedding and integrate renewable energy, the BS 6724 cable plays a vital role. Its ability to handle high voltages and currents, combined with its safety features, makes it suitable for modernizing the national grid and supporting sustainable energy initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes the BS 6724 cable suitable for direct burial?
   The cable’s galvanised steel wire armour provides mechanical protection, while its UV-resistant HFFR sheath ensures durability in free-draining soil conditions.

2. Can the BS 6724 cable be used in high-temperature environments?
   Yes, it can operate at temperatures up to 90°C, with a maximum short-circuit temperature of 250°C. However, equipment connected to the cable must be rated for these temperatures.

3. Why is the low-smoke, halogen-free feature important?
   In case of fire, HFFR materials emit minimal smoke and corrosive gases, enhancing safety in enclosed spaces like tunnels and public buildings.

4. What is the significance of the sectoral-shaped conductor?
   The sectoral shape reduces the cable’s overall diameter, making it more compact and easier to install in multi-core configurations.

5. How does the BS 6724 cable support South Africa’s energy goals?
   Its reliability and safety features make it ideal for upgrading aging infrastructure and integrating renewable energy sources, addressing load-shedding and sustainability challenges.

The BS 6724 Sectoral Shaped Copper Conductor Multi-Core SWA 1.9/3.3kV Cable is a cornerstone of modern electrical infrastructure, offering unmatched reliability, safety, and versatility. Its technical specifications, including high current-carrying capacity, robust construction, and compliance with international standards, make it a go-to solution for demanding applications. In South Africa, where energy challenges and sustainability goals are driving infrastructure upgrades, this cable is playing a pivotal role in rural electrification, renewable energy projects, and urban safety initiatives.