4 Core XLPE 0.6kV 1kV Copper Conductor Steel Armored Power Cable For Underground
4 Core XLPE Power Cable 0.6/1kV Copper Conductor Steel Wire Armored for Underground
Product Description
Four-core XLPE power cables are engineered for fixed wiring in low and medium voltage power distribution networks. With cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation and high-quality copper or aluminum conductors, they are widely used in industrial plants, commercial buildings, power substations, underground duct systems, cable trays, and renewable energy projects including solar farms and wind turbine towers.
This product range complies with IEC 60502‑1 and BS 5467 . The XLPE insulation allows continuous conductor operation at 90°C and withstands short‑circuit temperatures up to 250°C, offering superior thermal stability and electrical performance compared to PVC insulated alternatives .
The cable is available in both armoured (SWA) and unarmoured configurations. SWA provides mechanical protection against tension, compression, impact and rodent damage – ideal for direct burial and environments where mechanical stresses are anticipated . Unarmoured versions suit indoor installation in conduits, on cable trays or in ducts where external mechanical risks are low .
Voltage ratings cover 0.6/1kV (low voltage) and medium voltage options up to 12/20kV, with 3‑core and 4‑core constructions available [19†L13-L14]. Four‑core cables are designed for three‑phase plus neutral (or earth) configurations in power supply systems for residential blocks, commercial complexes, public buildings and industrial facilities.
Construction
| Layer | Material | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Conductor | Plain annealed copper or aluminum | Stranded Class 2 circular/sector‑shaped (IEC 60228 / BS EN 60228) |
| Insulation | Cross‑linked Polyethylene (XLPE) | XLPE compound, 90°C continuous / 250°C short‑circuit (IEC 60502‑1) |
| Filler / Bedding | PVC or polypropylene yarn | Non‑hygroscopic filler + binder tape |
| Inner Sheath | PVC (armoured type only) | PVC bedding |
| Armour | Galvanised steel wire / steel tape | SWA / STA – single layer (armoured version only) |
| Outer Sheath | PVC (Type ST2) or LSZH (upon request) | Black, flame retardant to IEC 60332‑1, chemical resistant |
Core identification (4‑core, standard IEC 60446 / HD 308 S2)
| Configuration | Colours |
|---|---|
| 4‑core | Red, Yellow, Blue, Black / Blue, Brown, Black, Grey |
| 4‑core + earth (4C+E) | Red, White, Blue, Black + Green/Yellow (earth) |
Armoured cables use a single layer of galvanised round steel wires (SWA) for mechanical protection, applied over the PVC bedding layer and covered by the outer PVC sheath.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rated voltage U₀/U | 0.6 / 1 kV (up to 12/20 kV for MV range) |
| Test voltage | 3.5 kV AC for 5 minutes |
| Max. conductor temperature (continuous) | 90°C |
| Max. conductor temperature (short‑circuit ≤5 sec) | 250°C |
| Ambient temperature (fixed installation) | –15°C to +70°C |
| Minimum bending radius (armoured / multi‑core) | 12 × cable O.D. (installation) / 8 × O.D. (fixed) |
| Maximum pulling tension | 50 N/mm² of copper area |
| Flame retardancy | IEC 60332‑1 / IEC 60332‑3‑22 Cat. A / C |
| Design standards | IEC 60502‑1, BS 5467, BS 6346, IEC 60228 [ |
Current Carrying Capacity – 4‑Core XLPE/PVC Cable (Copper Conductor)
Ambient air 30°C, conductor temperature 90°C. Calculated per IEC 60287. For correction factors in other installation conditions, refer to IEC 60364‑5‑52 .
| Conductor section (mm²) | In air – clipped direct (A) | In conduit (A) | On perforated tray (A) | Buried direct (A) | Voltage drop (mV/A/m, 3‑phase) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | 22 | 16.5 | 26 | 20 | 27 |
| 2.5 | 30 | 22 | 36 | 26 | 16 |
| 4 | 40 | 30 | 49 | 34 | 10 |
| 6 | 51 | 38 | 63 | 43 | 6.8 |
| 10 | 69 | 51 | 86 | 58 | 4.0 |
| 16 | 91 | 68 | 115 | 77 | 2.5 |
| 25 | 119 | 89 | 149 | 101 | 1.6 |
| 35 | 146 | 109 | 185 | 124 | 1.2 |
| 50 | 175 | 130 | 225 | 150 | 0.87 |
| 70 | 221 | 164 | 289 | 194 | 0.61 |
| 95 | 265 | 197 | 352 | 233 | 0.47 |
| 120 | 305 | 227 | 410 | 268 | 0.39 |
| 150 | 334 | 259 | 473 | 300 | 0.33 |
| 185 | 384 | 295 | 542 | 340 | 0.29 |
| 240 | 459 | 346 | 641 | 398 | 0.24 |
*Source: Caledonian multicore XLPE unarmoured current rating tables . Buried ratings assume soil temperature 20°C, thermal resistivity 1.2 K·m/W.*
Dimensional Data – 4‑Core Armoured (SWA) Copper XLPE/PVC
| Section (mm²) | Insulation thickness (mm) | Sheath thickness (mm) | Overall diameter (mm) | Approx. weight (kg/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 15.0 | 415 |
| 2.5 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 16.0 | 490 |
| 4 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 17.0 | 600 |
| 6 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 19.0 | 815 |
| 10 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 22.0 | 1070 |
| 16 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 25.0 | 1540 |
| 25 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 26.5 | 1985 |
| 35 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 29.0 | 2475 |
| 50 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 32.5 | 3100 |
| 70 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 38.0 | 4480 |
| 95 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 42.5 | 5750 |
| 120 | 1.2 | 2.5 | 48.0 | 7460 |
| 150 | 1.4 | 2.6 | 52.5 | 8810 |
| 185 | 1.6 | 2.8 | 58.5 | 10780 |
| 240 | 1.7 | 3.0 | 67.0 | 13930 |
*Source: Caledonian 4‑core SWA technical data sheet .
Applications
Low voltage (0.6/1kV) – armoured
-
Direct burial in ground where mechanical protection is required
-
Outdoor installation in cable ducts and trenches
-
Power networks with sudden load changes and industrial areas
-
Underground residential distribution
-
Refinery areas, chemical plants, oil & gas projects
Low voltage (0.6/1kV) – unarmoured
-
Fixed wiring inside buildings, in conduits and cable trays
-
Commercial and residential power supply
-
Industrial plant wiring and mains distribution
-
Power supply to motors and industrial machinery
Medium voltage (6/10kV, 12/20kV)
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Power transmission and distribution lines, 6kV~35kV
-
Wind farm grid connection
-
Submarine or offshore power supply (with copper tape screen)
-
Overhead power transmission and utility distribution
Ordering Example
4 Core XLPE Power Cable 0.6/1kV
– 4 cores × 35 mm², copper conductor
– SWA armoured, PVC sheathed black
– 500 metres per wooden drum
– Core colours: Blue, Brown, Black, Grey
– CE marked, IEC 60502‑1 compliant
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