Complete Technical Guide to Low Voltage Armoured Cables — BS5467, BS6724, SANS Type 63 & Comprehensive Comparison with 3.6/6kV Medium Voltage Cables
Anhui Feichun Special Cable Co., Ltd.
安徽飞纯特种电缆有限公司
What is 1.9/3.3kV Cable?
Complete Technical Guide to Low Voltage Armoured Cables — BS5467, BS6724, SANS Type 63 & Comprehensive Comparison with 3.6/6kV Medium Voltage Cables
1. Introduction to 1.9/3.3kV Cables
Whilst low voltage generally refers to cables under 1kV voltage, the 1.9/3.3kV cables are often classified within this banding too. These cables represent the upper boundary of the “extended low voltage” classification and are primarily manufactured in accordance with British Standards BS5467 and BS6724. The 1.9/3.3kV rating indicates cables designed for systems where the phase-to-earth voltage is 1.9kV and phase-to-phase voltage is 3.3kV, with a maximum system voltage (Um) of 3.6kV.
U₀ (Phase to Earth)
U (Phase to Phase)
Um (Maximum System)
IEC Classification
The cables referenced are often an extension of the lower voltage specifications, such as the case with BS5467 and BS6724 1.9/3.3kV cables where the 0.6/1kV voltage variant would be much more commonly specified. Both voltage ratings share similar construction principles but with increased insulation thickness for the higher voltage grade.
Source: Eland Cables – BS5467 Standard Cable
EspañolIntroducción a los Cables 1.9/3.3kV
Aunque la baja tensión generalmente se refiere a cables por debajo de 1kV, los cables de 1.9/3.3kV a menudo se clasifican dentro de esta banda también. Estos cables representan el límite superior de la clasificación de “baja tensión extendida” y se fabrican principalmente según las normas británicas BS5467 y BS6724. La clasificación 1.9/3.3kV indica cables diseñados para sistemas donde la tensión fase-tierra es 1.9kV y la tensión fase-fase es 3.3kV, con una tensión máxima del sistema (Um) de 3.6kV. Los cables referenciados son a menudo una extensión de las especificaciones de voltaje más bajo, como es el caso de los cables BS5467 y BS6724 de 1.9/3.3kV donde la variante de 0.6/1kV sería mucho más comúnmente especificada.
繁體中文1.9/3.3kV 電纜簡介
雖然低壓通常指1kV以下的電纜，但1.9/3.3kV電纜也經常被歸入這一類別。這些電纜代表”擴展低壓”分類的上限，主要按照英國標準BS5467和BS6724製造。1.9/3.3kV額定值表示設計用於相對地電壓為1.9kV、相間電壓為3.3kV、最高系統電壓(Um)為3.6kV的系統。所引用的電纜通常是較低電壓規格的延伸，例如BS5467和BS6724的1.9/3.3kV電纜，其中0.6/1kV電壓變體會更常被指定使用。這些電纜廣泛應用於工業配電、採礦設備和需要機械保護的固定安裝場合。
2. Critical Comparison: 1.9/3.3kV vs 3.6/6kV Cables
Understanding the fundamental differences between 1.9/3.3kV and 3.6/6kV cables is essential for proper cable selection. While both voltage classes serve power distribution applications, they fall under different IEC standards and have distinct construction requirements, applications, and technical characteristics.
Understanding the boundary between Extended Low Voltage and Medium Voltage classifications
Voltage Classification Comparison
| Parameter | 1.9/3.3kV Cables | 3.6/6kV Cables |
|---|---|---|
| IEC Standard | IEC 60502-1 | IEC 60502-2 |
| Classification | Extended Low Voltage (LV) | Medium Voltage (MV) |
| U₀ (Phase-Earth) | 1.9 kV (1900V) | 3.6 kV (3600V) |
| U (Phase-Phase) | 3.3 kV (3300V) | 6 kV (6000V) |
| Um (Maximum) | 3.6 kV | 7.2 kV |
| Test Voltage (AC) | 6.5 kV (routine) | 12.6 kV (routine) |
| Primary Standards | BS5467, BS6724, SANS 1520 | VDE 0276, HD620, IEC 60502-2 |
Construction & Technical Differences
| Construction Element | 1.9/3.3kV Cables | 3.6/6kV Cables |
|---|---|---|
| Conductor Screen | Not Required | Optional (XLPE/EPR) |
| Insulation Screen | Not Required | Optional (XLPE/EPR) |
| Metallic Screen | Armour provides earth path | Required (Cu wire/tape) |
| XLPE Insulation Thickness | 2.0 – 2.4 mm (typical) | 3.4 mm (nominal) |
| Armour Type | SWA (multicore) / AWA (single) | Optional (or unarmoured) |
| Operating Temperature | 90°C (XLPE) | 90°C (XLPE) |
| Conductor Size Range | 1.5 – 630 mm² (BS5467) | 10 – 1600 mm² (IEC 60502-2) |
Source: Tratos Group – IEC 60502 Standard
Key Differences Explained
Standard Classification
1.9/3.3kV cables fall under IEC 60502-1 (up to 3kV), while 3.6/6kV cables are governed by IEC 60502-2 (6kV to 30kV). This is the fundamental regulatory boundary between LV and MV cables.
Screening Requirements
3.6/6kV cables typically require conductor and insulation screens to manage electric field stress. 1.9/3.3kV cables do not require these screens, simplifying construction.
Armour as Standard
1.9/3.3kV British Standard cables (BS5467/BS6724) are typically armoured as standard. 3.6/6kV cables are often unarmoured, relying on metallic screens and external mechanical protection.
Cost & Complexity
1.9/3.3kV cables have simpler construction (no screens), lower cost, and easier termination. 3.6/6kV cables require specialized jointing and termination techniques.
EspañolDiferencias Clave: 1.9/3.3kV vs 3.6/6kV
Los cables de 1.9/3.3kV están regidos por IEC 60502-1 (hasta 3kV), mientras que los cables de 3.6/6kV caen bajo IEC 60502-2 (6kV a 30kV). Esta es la frontera regulatoria fundamental entre cables de Baja Tensión (BT) y Media Tensión (MT). Las diferencias principales incluyen: (1) Requisitos de pantalla – los cables de 3.6/6kV típicamente requieren pantallas de conductor y aislamiento para gestionar el estrés del campo eléctrico, mientras que los cables de 1.9/3.3kV no las requieren; (2) Armadura – los cables británicos de 1.9/3.3kV vienen típicamente con armadura como estándar (SWA/AWA), mientras que los cables de 3.6/6kV a menudo no están armados; (3) Costo y complejidad – los cables de 1.9/3.3kV tienen construcción más simple, menor costo y terminación más fácil.
繁體中文關鍵差異：1.9/3.3kV 與 3.6/6kV 電纜比較
1.9/3.3kV電纜受IEC 60502-1（最高3kV）管轄，而3.6/6kV電纜則屬於IEC 60502-2（6kV至30kV）範圍。這是低壓（LV）和中壓（MV）電纜之間的根本監管界限。主要區別包括：(1) 屏蔽要求 – 3.6/6kV電纜通常需要導體屏蔽和絕緣屏蔽來管理電場應力，而1.9/3.3kV電纜不需要這些屏蔽；(2) 鎧裝 – 英國標準1.9/3.3kV電纜通常標配鎧裝（SWA/AWA），而3.6/6kV電纜通常是非鎧裝的；(3) 成本與複雜性 – 1.9/3.3kV電纜結構更簡單、成本更低、端接更容易。3.6/6kV電纜需要專業的接頭和端接技術。
3. British Standards: BS5467 and BS6724
British Standards BS5467 and BS6724 are the primary specifications for 1.9/3.3kV armoured power cables in the UK and internationally. Both standards cover thermosetting insulated cables but differ in their sheathing materials and fire performance properties.
| Feature | BS5467 | BS6724 |
|---|---|---|
| Sheath Material | PVC | LSZH |
| Voltage Ratings | 0.6/1kV and 1.9/3.3kV | 0.6/1kV and 1.9/3.3kV |
| Insulation | XLPE (90°C) | XLPE / EPR (90°C) |
| Fire Performance | Flame retardant (IEC 60332-1) | Low Smoke Zero Halogen |
| Smoke Emission | Standard (PVC fumes) | Low smoke (IEC 61034) |
| Acid Gas | Corrosive (HCl from PVC) | Low corrosive (IEC 60754) |
| CPR Classification | Generally Eca | Higher classifications available |
| Applications | General indoor/outdoor | Public areas, tunnels, buildings |
Cable Construction (BS5467 / BS6724)
| Layer | Material | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Conductor | Plain annealed copper, Class 2 stranded (or Class 1 solid) | Current carrying, per BS EN 60228 |
| Insulation | XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) or EPR | Electrical insulation, 90°C rated |
| Bedding | PVC (BS5467) or LSZH (BS6724) | Protection under armour |
| Armour – Single Core | AWA Aluminium Wire | Non-magnetic (prevents eddy currents) |
| Armour – Multicore | SWA Steel Wire | Mechanical protection + earth path |
| Outer Sheath | PVC (BS5467) or LSZH (BS6724) | Environmental protection |
Source: Eland Cables – BS6724 Standard Cable
Core Identification
| Number of Cores | Core Colours |
|---|---|
| 2 Core | Brown, Blue |
| 3 Core | Brown, Black, Grey |
| 4 Core | Brown, Black, Grey, Blue |
| 5 Core | Brown, Black, Grey, Blue, Green/Yellow |
4. Complete 1.9/3.3kV Cable Product Range
The following table provides a comprehensive overview of all major 1.9/3.3kV cable types available, including British Standard armoured cables, South African mining cables, and flexible trailing cables.
| Cable Model | Standard | Construction | Sheath | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS5467 PVC Sheathed Armoured Cables | ||||
| 6941X 1.9/3.3kV | BS5467 | Single Core XLPE/AWA | PVC | Power distribution, motor feeders |
| 6943X 1.9/3.3kV | BS5467 | 3 Core XLPE/SWA | PVC | Industrial mains distribution |
| Sectoral 1.9/3.3kV | BS5467 | 3 Core Shaped XLPE/SWA | PVC | Reduced diameter installations |
| BS6724 LSZH Sheathed Armoured Cables | ||||
| 6941AB 1.9/3.3kV | BS6724 | Single Core XLPE/AWA | LSZH | Public buildings, tunnels |
| 6943LSH 1.9/3.3kV | BS6724 | 3 Core XLPE/SWA | LSZH | Fire-safe installations |
| Sectoral LSH 1.9/3.3kV | BS6724 | 3 Core Shaped XLPE/SWA | LSZH | Confined spaces, reduced diameter |
| Mining & Trailing Cables | ||||
| SANS Type 63 | SANS 1520-1 | Flexible EPR/Cu braid | Rubber | Opencast mining machinery |
| Coil End Lead 4D | BS6195 | Flexible conductor | Rubber | Motor connections |
| Type 62/63/64 | BS6708 | TAC/MEPR/SWA | Rubber | Mining trailing applications |
Source: Eland Cables – SANS Type 63 Flexible Trailing Cables
5. Current Ratings for 1.9/3.3kV Cables
Current carrying capacity for BS5467 and BS6724 cables at 1.9/3.3kV rating. Reference conditions: Ground temperature 20°C, soil thermal resistivity 1.5 K·m/W, burial depth 0.8m, air temperature 30°C, conductor operating temperature 90°C.
3-Core 1.9/3.3kV XLPE/SWA Cables – Current Rating
| Conductor Size (mm²) | Clipped Direct (A) | In Free Air (A) | Direct Buried (A) | In Duct (A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 80 | 68 | 74 | 61 |
| 25 | 106 | 89 | 96 | 78 |
| 35 | 131 | 109 | 116 | 94 |
| 50 | 158 | 130 | 138 | 112 |
| 70 | 200 | 163 | 170 | 138 |
| 95 | 241 | 196 | 202 | 163 |
| 120 | 278 | 224 | 230 | 185 |
| 150 | 318 | 255 | 258 | 207 |
| 185 | 362 | 289 | 290 | 232 |
| 240 | 424 | 336 | 334 | 266 |
| 300 | 481 | 379 | 374 | 297 |
Single Core 1.9/3.3kV XLPE/AWA Cables – Current Rating
| Conductor Size (mm²) | Trefoil Touching (A) | Flat Spaced (A) | Direct Buried Trefoil (A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | 310 | 385 | 260 |
| 150 | 355 | 445 | 295 |
| 185 | 405 | 510 | 330 |
| 240 | 480 | 610 | 385 |
| 300 | 545 | 695 | 430 |
| 400 | 635 | 820 | 495 |
| 500 | 730 | 955 | 560 |
| 630 | 830 | 1095 | 630 |
Reference: BS7671, IEE Wiring Regulations. For buildings installations, verify connected equipment is suitable for conductor operating temperature per IEE Wiring Regulations 512.1.2.
6. Mining Cable Applications: SANS Type 63
South African National Standard (SANS) Type 63 cables are manufactured in accordance with SANS 1520-1 and are flexible cables with reinforcement braid rated at 1.9/3.3kV. These are commonly used within the mining industry because of their suitability for trailing applications, but have applications across industries.
Voltage Rating
Conductor Class
Insulation
Outer Sheath
SANS 1520 Cable Type Classification
| Cable Type | Voltage Rating | Standard Part | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 41 | 640V / 1.1kV | SANS 1520-1 | Low voltage mining equipment |
| Type 61 | 640V / 1.1kV | SANS 1520-1 | Submersible pumps, conveyors |
| Type 63 | 1.9/3.3kV | SANS 1520-1 | Opencast mining, draglines |
| Type 66 | 3.8/6.6kV | SANS 1520-2 | High voltage trailing cables |
| Type 611 | 6.35/11kV | SANS 1520-2 | Large mining machinery |
| Type 622 | 12.7/22kV | SANS 1520-2 | Heavy-duty mining operations |
Source: Eland Cables – SANS 1520 Cable
Mining Cable Applications
⛏️ Opencast Mining
Draglines, electric shovels, section feeders, drills, and portable equipment in opencast mining operations.
🏭 Industrial Applications
Ports, steel plants, material handling, stackers, and conveyor systems requiring flexible power cables.
💧 Submersible Equipment
Mine dewatering pumps, submersible motors, and equipment operating in wet conditions.
🔄 Reeling Applications
Mobile equipment with cable reels, shuttle cars, and dynamic applications requiring repeated flexing.
7. Applications: 1.9/3.3kV vs 3.6/6kV
The choice between 1.9/3.3kV and 3.6/6kV cables depends on the system voltage, power requirements, installation environment, and specific industry standards. The following table compares typical applications for each voltage class.
| Application Sector | 1.9/3.3kV Cables | 3.6/6kV Cables |
|---|---|---|
| Power Distribution | Local distribution, equipment feeders | Primary distribution, substations |
| Industrial Motors | Motors up to ~2MW | Large motors 2MW+ |
| Mining | SANS Type 63, conveyor drives | SANS Type 66+, draglines, shovels |
| Buildings | Riser cables, main distribution | High-rise building supplies |
| Renewables | Small wind turbines, inverters | Collection circuits, large turbines |
| Typical Standards | BS5467, BS6724, SANS 1520-1 | VDE 0276, IEC 60502-2, HD620 |
| Cable Termination | Standard glands (CW, BW types) | Specialized MV terminations |
| Installation Complexity | Standard (electrician) | Specialized (cable jointer) |
8. Sheathing Material Selection Guide
3.3kV cables are available in a range of sheathing materials with the selection dependent on the application demands and environmental conditions.
| Sheath Type | Properties | CPR Class | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | Flame retardant, UV resistant, oil resistant | Generally Eca | General internal & external installations |
| LSZH | Low smoke, zero halogen, low toxicity | Higher classifications | Public areas, tunnels, buildings where life safety is critical |
| Rubber (CPE/PCP) | Robust, abrasion resistant, flexible, oil resistant | Varies | Trailing applications, mining, dynamic equipment |
| MDPE | Enhanced water resistance, abrasion resistant | N/A | Direct burial in wet conditions |
EspañolGuía de Selección de Material de Cubierta
Los cables de 3.3kV están disponibles en una variedad de materiales de cubierta, siendo la selección dependiente de las demandas de la aplicación y las condiciones ambientales. PVC: Adecuado para instalaciones internas y externas, retardante de llama, generalmente clasificación CPR Eca. LSZH: Adecuado para instalaciones internas que requieren cumplimiento CPR a una clasificación más alta, ofreciendo protección contra humo tóxico y vapores en caso de incendio. Caucho: Robusto y resistente a la abrasión para aplicaciones de arrastre en minería e industria.
繁體中文護套材料選擇指南
3.3kV電纜提供多種護套材料選擇，具體選擇取決於應用需求和環境條件。PVC：適用於室內外安裝，阻燃，一般CPR分類為Eca。LSZH（低煙無鹵）：適用於需要更高CPR分類的室內安裝，在火災時提供防護免受有毒煙霧和氣體影響。橡膠：堅固耐磨，適用於採礦和工業中的拖曳應用。選擇正確的護套材料對於確保電纜在預期環境中的安全性和使用壽命至關重要。
9. Feichun Cable 1.9/3.3kV & 3.6/6kV Product Range
Anhui Feichun Special Cable Co., Ltd. (安徽飞纯特种电缆有限公司) manufactures a comprehensive range of both 1.9/3.3kV and 3.6/6kV cables, providing complete solutions from extended low voltage through medium voltage applications.
| Voltage Class | Product Category | Standards | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9/3.3kV Extended Low Voltage Range | |||
| BS5467 PVC Armoured | BS5467, IEC 60502-1 | General industrial distribution | |
| BS6724 LSZH Armoured | BS6724, IEC 60502-1 | Fire-safe installations | |
| Mining Trailing Cable | SANS 1520-1, BS6708 | Opencast mining, trailing | |
| Flexible Rubber Cable | BS6195, Custom specs | Motor connections, coil leads | |
| 3.6/6kV Medium Voltage Range | |||
| XLPE Power Cable (Cu) | IEC 60502-2, VDE 0276 | Power distribution, substations | |
| XLPE Power Cable (Al) | IEC 60502-2, VDE 0276 | Cost-effective distribution | |
| Mining Trailing Cable | SANS 1520-2 | Large mining machinery | |
| Armoured MV Cable | IEC 60502-2 | Direct burial, protection | |
Authoritative External References
The technical information in this article is supported by the following authoritative sources from standards organizations, industry publications, and recognized technical resources.
https://www.elandcables.com/…/3-3kv-cables
1.9/3.3kV cable specifications and applications
https://www.elandcables.com/…/bs5467-cable
British Standard armoured cable specifications
https://www.elandcables.com/…/bs6724-cable
LSZH armoured cable specifications
https://tratosgroup.com/products/standards/uk/bs-6724/
BS6724 standard scope and requirements
https://tratosgroup.com/products/standards/international/iec-60502/
IEC 60502-1 and IEC 60502-2 comparison
https://www.elandcables.com/cables/sans-type-63-and-type-66-flexible-trailing-cables
South African mining cable specifications
https://www.elandcables.com/…/sans-1520-cable
SANS 1520 mining cable standard
https://www.elandcables.com/cables/lv-armoured-xlpe-swa-awa-pvc-lszh-cables
XLPE/SWA/AWA armoured cable range
https://www.clevelandcable.com/BS6724-3300v-3core-mains-cable
3.3kV LSZH mains cable specifications
https://openelectrical.org/…/Cable_Voltage_Grade
Voltage grade explanation and IEC classifications
Contact Feichun Cable
For technical support with 1.9/3.3kV or 3.6/6kV cable requirements, specifications, or custom designs, please contact our engineering team.
Technical Support
[email protected]Sales – Mr. Zihao Yang
[email protected]Sales – Mr. Ziyu Huang
[email protected]Company Address: Building A, Private Science and Technology Park, Hefei Economic and Technological Development Zone, Anhui Province, China
