Medium Voltage RHZ1 Cu OL/2OL Cable – XLPE Insulated, Water-Blocked, Halogen-Free Power Cable (IEC 60502-2)

Product Overview

The RHZ1 Cu OL/2OL cable is a medium voltage, XLPE-insulated, halogen-free copper power cable designed for fixed installations in power distribution networks. It is engineered in accordance with IEC 60502-2, ensuring reliable and safe transmission of electrical energy in demanding environments.

This cable is specifically suitable for transport and distribution of electrical power in medium voltage networks, combining excellent electrical performance, mechanical durability, and enhanced environmental protection.


Key Applications

The RHZ1 Cu OL/2OL cable is widely used in:

  • Medium voltage power distribution networks

  • Industrial installations requiring high reliability

  • Urban infrastructure, including street lighting and tunnels

  • Smart grid systems and modern energy networks

It supports voltage levels commonly used in distribution systems such as 10 kV, 11 kV, 20 kV, 22 kV, 30 kV, 33 kV, and up to 69 kV.


Electrical Characteristics

  • Rated voltage levels:

    • 6/10 kV

    • 8.7/15 kV

    • 12/20 kV

    • 18/30 kV

  • Conductor: Electrolytic annealed copper, Class 2 (EN 60228 / IEC 60228)

  • Insulation: Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)

  • Metallic screen: Copper wires and copper tape (minimum 16 mm²)

This configuration ensures high current-carrying capacity, low losses, and stable dielectric performance.


Thermal Performance

  • Maximum conductor operating temperature: 90°C

  • Short-circuit temperature: 250°C (max. 5 seconds)

  • Minimum service temperature: -15°C

These parameters guarantee stable operation under both normal and fault conditions.


Fire Performance

  • Halogen-free (LSHF) construction (EN / IEC 60754-1)

  • Low corrosive gas emission (EN / IEC 60754-2)

  • CPR reaction to fire: Fca (standard version)

This makes the cable suitable for installations where fire safety and reduced toxic emissions are critical.


Mechanical Performance

  • Minimum bending radius:

    • Installed: 15 × cable diameter

    • During installation: 20 × cable diameter

  • High resistance to:

    • Abrasion

    • Mechanical stress

    • Tearing

These features enable reliable installation in harsh industrial and underground environments.


Environmental Performance

  • UV resistant (UNE 211605)

  • Water resistance:

    • Longitudinal water blocking with hygroscopic tape (OL / 2OL design)

  • Suitable for:

    • Direct burial

    • Installation in ducts

    • Open air environments

The OL and 2OL variants provide enhanced protection against moisture ingress, making them ideal for humid or submerged conditions.


Cable Construction

The RHZ1 Cu OL/2OL cable consists of:

  1. Copper conductor (Class 2, optional longitudinal water-tight design -2OL)

  2. Semiconductive conductor screen

  3. XLPE insulation (triple-layer extrusion process)

  4. Strippable insulation screen

  5. Copper wire + copper tape metallic screen (≥16 mm²)

  6. Water-blocking layer (OL / 2OL hygroscopic tape)

  7. Halogen-free fire-resistant filler

  8. Outer sheath: Polyolefin type ST7 (IEC 60502-2), typically red

This advanced multi-layer structure ensures electrical integrity, moisture protection, and long service life.


Standards and Compliance

  • IEC 60502-2 (Medium Voltage Power Cables)

  • EN 60228 / IEC 60228 (Conductors)

  • EN 60754 / IEC 60754 (Halogen-free & gas emission)

  • EN 50575 (CPR classification)

  • AENOR certification


Key Advantages

  • ✔ High electrical reliability for medium voltage systems

  • ✔ Halogen-free design for enhanced fire safety

  • ✔ Excellent thermal endurance (90°C continuous operation)

  • ✔ Strong mechanical resistance for demanding installations

  • ✔ Longitudinal water-blocking (OL / 2OL) for moisture protection

  • ✔ Suitable for buried, duct, and open-air installations