N2XBY XLPE-insulated Armoured Power Cable
N2XBY Cable: Robust XLPE-insulated Armoured Power Cable Ideal for Industrial and Harsh Environments
N2XBY XLPE-insulated Armoured Power Cable
Category | Details |
|---|---|
Application | For installation indoors, in cable channels, and in ducts in the ground, in switchgear, power stations, and industrial applications, in harsh environments where high-level mechanical protection is required. |
Characteristics | |
Voltage Rating Uo/U | 0.6/1kV |
Test Voltage | 3.5kV |
Temperature Rating | Maximum Operating: +90ºC Maximum Short-Circuit: +250°C |
Minimum Bending Radius | 12 x overall diameter |
Construction | |
Conductor | Class 2 Stranded copper |
Insulation | XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) |
Filler | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) |
Armour | Double galvanized steel tape |
Outer Sheath | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) |
Core Identification | |
2 core | Brown, Blue |
3 core | Brown, Blue, Green/Yellow |
4 core | Brown, Black, Grey, Green/Yellow |
5 core | Brown, Blue, Black, Grey, Green/Yellow |
7 core and above | Black, Green/Yellow |
Outer Sheath Colour | Black |
Standards | IEC 60502-1, VDE 0276-603, IS 1516.1, IEC/EN 60228 Flame retardant according to IEC/EN 60332-1 |
Electrical Characteristics
Nominal Cross Sectional Area (mm²) | Current Carrying Capacity in Conduit (A) | Current Carrying Capacity in Air (A) | Maximum Conductor Resistance at 20°C (Ω/km) |
|---|---|---|---|
1.5 | 30 | 24 | 12.1 |
2.5 | 40 | 32 | 7.41 |
4 | 52 | 42 | 4.61 |
6 | 64 | 53 | 3.08 |
10 | 86 | 73 | 1.83 |
16 | 111 | 96 | 1.15 |
25 | 143 | 130 | 0.727 |
35 | 173 | 160 | 0.524 |
50 | 205 | 195 | 0.387 |
70 | 252 | 247 | 0.268 |
95 | 303 | 305 | 0.193 |
120 | 346 | 355 | 0.153 |
150 | 390 | 407 | 0.124 |
185 | 441 | 469 | 0.0991 |
240 | 511 | 551 | 0.0754 |
In the realm of electrical engineering and power distribution, cables are the unsung heroes that keep our modern world humming. Among them, the N2XBY cable stands out as a reliable workhorse designed for demanding applications. This low-voltage armoured power cable, featuring cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation and double galvanized steel tape armour, is engineered to withstand mechanical stresses while ensuring efficient power transmission. As South Africa grapples with energy crises, infrastructure upgrades, and a shift toward sustainable power sources, the N2XBY cable emerges as a key player in bolstering reliability and safety.
Usage Scenarios:
The N2XBY cable is versatile, designed for indoor installations, cable channels, ducts in ground, switchgear, power stations, and industrial applications requiring high mechanical protection. Its armoured design excels in harsh environments, such as mining operations, chemical plants, or construction sites prone to abrasion.
In switchgear and power stations, it connects transformers to distribution panels, ensuring reliable low-voltage supply. Underground ducts benefit from its rodent-resistant armour, reducing failure risks in urban or rural grids. Industrial uses include feeding motors, pumps, and machinery in factories, where EMI shielding maintains signal integrity.
For South Africa, with its vast mining sector and expanding renewables, the N2XBY supports off-grid solar farms by linking inverters to batteries or loads. It's also ideal for temporary power setups during load shedding, providing a robust alternative to vulnerable unarmoured cables.
Frequently Asked Questions About N2XBY Cable
What is the difference between N2XBY and unarmoured cables?
N2XBY includes steel tape armour for mechanical protection, unlike unarmoured types like N2XY, making it suitable for direct burial or high-risk areas.
Can N2XBY be used outdoors?
Yes, but primarily in ducts or channels; its PVC sheath offers UV resistance, but prolonged exposure may require additional protection.
How do I select the right core count and size?
Base it on load requirements—use electrical characteristics tables. For example, a 3-core 50 mm² handles 205 A in conduit.
Is N2XBY fire-resistant?
While XLPE and PVC provide some resistance, it's not inherently fire-retardant; variants with low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) sheaths are available for enhanced safety.
The N2XBY cable exemplifies advanced cable technology, blending robust construction with high performance to meet modern power demands. Its technical specs—from XLPE insulation to steel armour—enable versatile applications, while case studies in South Africa highlight its relevance amid theft challenges, grid upgrades, and renewable transitions. As the country invests in a sustainable future, cables like N2XBY will play a vital role, delivering power reliably and efficiently. Whether you're an engineer, policymaker, or enthusiast, understanding this technology offers a glimpse into the wires that power progress.
