PUR-HF Low Voltage Festoon Cable

Understanding PUR-HF Low Voltage Festoon Cable

                                            PUR-HF Low Voltage Festoon Cable

Section

Details

APPLICATION

For use as energy and control cable in festoon systems and as a chain cable. Also suitable as drum reeling cable under moderate mechanical stresses, torsion, tension and torque. The special polyurethane compound jacket offers excellent protection against hydrolysis, solvents, alkalines and oils.

CHARACTERISTICS

Voltage Rating (Uo/U): 0.6/1kV

Temperature Rating: Fixed installation: -50°C to +80°C; Mobile operation: -40°C to +80°C

Minimum Bending Radius: Fixed: 6 × Overall Diameter; Mobile: 8 × Overall Diameter

Maximum Tensile Load: 15 N/mm²

Maximum Torsion: ±25°/m

Travel Speed: Festoon systems: up to 200 m/min; Reeling applications: up to 60 m/min horizontal; Chain systems: up to 200 N/mm

CONSTRUCTION

Conductor: Class 5 flexible stranded tinned copper

Insulation: HF (Halogen Free) compound based on polyester

Lay Up: Central textile strength member, cores laid up in concentric layers with short length of lay

Outer Sheath: PUR HFFR (Polyurethane – Halogen Free, Flame Retardant)

Core Identification: 3 Core: Green/Yellow, Blue, Brown 4 Core: Green/Yellow, Brown, Black, Grey 5 Core: Green/Yellow, Blue, Brown, Black, Grey From 6 cores: White cores with black numbers

Sheath Colour: Black, Yellow, or Orange

STANDARDS

IEC 60228; Generally to IEC 60502; DIN VDE 0472-501, 502, 503, 508; DIN VDE 0472-401, 402, 602, 303, 615; DIN VDE 0250-1 and IEC 60502; IEC 60332-1; HD/EN/IEC 60811-2-1; DIN VDE 0473-811-2-1; DIN VDE 0298-4

Dimensions

PART NO.

NO. OF CORES

NOMINAL CROSS SECTIONAL AREA (mm²)

NOMINAL OVERALL DIAMETER (mm)

NOMINAL WEIGHT (kg/km)

Minimum

Maximum

B7U030015**

3

1.5

6.5

7.5

B7U040015**

4

1.5

8.1

9.1

B7U070015**

7

1.5

9.0

10.0

B7U120015**

12

1.5

14.3

15.5

B7U180015**

18

1.5

14.5

15.7

B7U240015**

24

1.5

16.5

17.8

B7U300015**

30

1.5

19.6

21.0

B7U030025**

3

2.5

8.1

9.1

B7U040025**

4

2.5

9.2

10.2

B7U050025**

5

2.5

9.8

11.0

B7U070025**

7

2.5

11.5

12.7

B7U120025**

12

2.5

16.5

17.7

B7U180025**

18

2.5

16.7

17.9

B7U240025**

24

2.5

19.2

20.4

B7U300025**

30

2.5

24.9

26.5

B7U040040**

4

4

10.3

11.5

B7U050040**

5

4

11.6

12.7

B7U040060**

4

6

12.1

13.2

B7U050060**

5

6

14.0

15.2

B7U04010**

4

10

15.0

16.2

B7U05010**

5

10

16.2

17.5

B7U04016**

4

16

17.7

18.9

B7U05016**

5

16

19.4

20.6

B7U04025**

4

25

21.1

22.5

B7U05025**

5

25

23.2

24.5

B7U04035**

4

35

25.8

27.4

B7U04050**

4

50

31.0

33.0

Current Carrying Capacity

NOMINAL CROSS SECTIONAL AREA (mm²)

LAYING ON THE FLOOR (Amps)

FREE IN AIR (Amps)

REELED (Amps) 1L

2L

3L

4L

5L

6L

7L

1.5

24

25

19

15

12

10

9

6

5

2.5

30

32

24

18

15

13

11

8

7

4

41

43

33

25

20

17

16

11

9

6

53

56

42

32

26

22

20

14

12

10

74

78

59

45

36

31

28

20

16

16

99

104

79

60

49

42

38

27

22

25

131

138

105

80

64

55

50

35

29

35

162

170

130

99

79

68

62

44

36

50

202

212

162

123

99

85

77

55

44

70

250

263

200

153

123

105

95

68

55

95

301

316

241

184

147

126

114

81

66

What is a PUR-HF Low Voltage Festoon Cable?

The term PUR-HF refers to Polyurethane – Halogen-Free. This type of festoon cable combines mechanical strength with safety-oriented materials. Its unique design allows it to function as:

  • Energy and control cable in festoon systems, chain systems, and reeling applications.

  • A flexible connection cable that resists torsion, tensile stress, and mechanical load.

  • A safe, eco-friendly solution because it is halogen-free, flame retardant, and resistant to oils, solvents, and alkalines.

In essence, PUR-HF festoon cables are engineered for dynamic environments where cables are in continuous motion and exposed to harsh conditions.

Usage Scenarios of PUR-HF Low Voltage Festoon Cable

1. Mining and Mineral Processing

South Africa’s gold, platinum, and coal mines require robust festoon systems for cranes, conveyors, and reeling equipment. PUR-HF festoon cables are ideal due to their abrasion resistance, torsional strength, and flexibility in confined tunnels.

2. Ports and Logistics

Festoon systems are widely used in container cranes and automated logistics hubs. The high travel speed tolerance (up to 200 m/min) makes PUR-HF cables suitable for Gantry Cranes (RTGs), Ship-to-Shore Cranes (STS), and automated storage and retrieval systems.

3. Industrial Automation

In automotive and manufacturing plants, festoon cables power robotic arms, overhead cranes, and moving assembly systems. Their halogen-free design ensures low smoke and toxicity, reducing risks in enclosed spaces.

Case Studies: South African Applications and Trends

Port of Durban Crane Upgrades

Durban, the busiest port in Africa, recently invested in container handling automation. Crane operators reported frequent cable fatigue and jacket cracking due to high UV exposure and fast operating speeds. After switching to PUR-HF festoon cables with yellow outer sheaths for visibility, performance reliability improved, and maintenance cycles were extended.

Why Choose PUR-HF Low Voltage Festoon Cable? 

  • Durability: Resistant to cuts, abrasion, and oils.

  • Flexibility: Suitable for continuous movement in festoon and chain systems.

  • Safety: Halogen-free, flame retardant, and low smoke emission.

  • Environmental resistance: Withstands chemicals, solvents, alkalines, and UV exposure.

  • Compliance: Meets international standards (IEC, VDE) compatible with SANS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why use PUR-HF festoon cables instead of PVC cables?

PVC cables are cheaper but degrade faster under mechanical and chemical stress. PUR-HF cables offer longer life, environmental safety, and higher reliability.

2. Can PUR-HF festoon cables be used in underground mines?

Yes. Their mechanical strength and halogen-free flame-retardant properties make them safe for confined, hazardous environments such as underground tunnels.

3. Are PUR-HF festoon cables suitable for outdoor use in South Africa’s climate?

Yes. Their temperature resistance (–50°C to +80°C) and UV-resistant polyurethane jacket make them suitable for extreme weather conditions.

4. How do these cables support sustainability goals?

They are halogen-free (reducing toxic emissions in case of fire) and long-lasting, which reduces waste and maintenance.

5. What is the maximum travel speed for festoon applications?

They can operate up to 200 m/min in festoon systems, making them ideal for modern automated cranes and material handling equipment.

The PUR-HF Low Voltage Festoon Cable is more than just an electrical conductor; it is a strategic investment in safety, durability, and operational efficiency. With a robust design, compliance with international and South African standards, and proven case studies in mining, ports, and renewable energy, these cables are becoming indispensable in modern industries.