Complete Technical Encyclopedia of Medium Voltage Power Cables — IEC 60502-2, German VDE, Portuguese Nomenclature & International Standards
Anhui Feichun Special Cable Co., Ltd.
安徽飞纯特种电缆有限公司
What is 3.6/6kV Cable?
Complete Technical Encyclopedia of Medium Voltage Power Cables — IEC 60502-2, German VDE, Portuguese Nomenclature & International Standards
1. Introduction to 3.6/6kV Medium Voltage Cables
Cables with a rated voltage of 3.6/6kV under IEC 60502-2 represent the entry point into Medium Voltage (MV) power distribution systems. These cables are generally specified for equipment connections, power distribution networks, transformer stations, and industrial applications requiring voltages above low voltage (1kV) but below high voltage transmission levels.
U₀ (Phase to Earth)
U (Phase to Phase)
Um (Maximum System)
Test Voltage
Like other Medium Voltage cables, 3.6/6kV cables are available in both armoured and unarmoured constructions, and with a range of outer sheathing materials across MDPE, PVC and LSZH materials depending on the application demands and installation parameters. IEC 60502-2 specifies the construction, dimensions, and test requirements of power cables with extruded solid insulation for rated voltages from 6 kV (Um = 7.2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV).
Source: Tratos Group – IEC 60502 Standard
EspañolIntroducción a los Cables de Media Tensión 3.6/6kV
Los cables con tensión nominal de 3.6/6kV según IEC 60502-2 representan el punto de entrada a los sistemas de distribución de Media Tensión (MT). Estos cables se especifican generalmente para conexiones de equipos, redes de distribución de energía, estaciones transformadoras y aplicaciones industriales que requieren tensiones superiores a baja tensión (1kV). La designación 3.6/6(7.2)kV indica: U₀ = 3.6kV (tensión fase-tierra), U = 6kV (tensión fase-fase), Um = 7.2kV (tensión máxima del sistema). Están disponibles en construcciones armadas y sin armar, con materiales de cubierta exterior que incluyen MDPE, PVC y LSZH.
繁體中文3.6/6kV 中壓電纜簡介
按照IEC 60502-2標準，額定電壓為3.6/6kV的電纜代表中壓（MV）配電系統的入門級別。這些電纜通常用於設備連接、配電網絡、變壓站和需要高於低壓（1kV）的工業應用。電壓標示3.6/6(7.2)kV表示：U₀ = 3.6kV（相對地電壓）、U = 6kV（相間電壓）、Um = 7.2kV（最高系統電壓）。電纜有鎧裝和非鎧裝結構可選，外護套材料包括MDPE、PVC和LSZH，可根據應用需求和安裝參數選擇。IEC 60502-2規定了額定電壓6kV至30kV擠出固體絕緣電力電纜的結構、尺寸和測試要求。
2. IEC 60502-2 Standard Requirements
International Standard IEC 60502-2, prepared by IEC Technical Committee 20: Electric Cables, specifies the construction, dimensions, and test requirements of power cables with extruded solid insulation for rated voltages from 6 kV up to 30 kV for fixed installations such as distribution networks or industrial installations.
Voltage Ratings Covered by IEC 60502-2
| Voltage Rating U₀/U | Maximum Um | Test Voltage (AC) | Impulse Test (kV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.2 kV | 12.6 kV | 40 kV | |
| 12 kV | 21 kV | 60 kV | |
| 17.5 kV | 30 kV | 75 kV | |
| 24 kV | 42 kV | 95 kV | |
| 36 kV | 63 kV | 125 kV |
Insulation Types and Temperature Ratings
| Insulation Type | Operating Temp | Emergency Overload | Short Circuit (5s) | For 3.6/6kV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLPE Cross-linked Polyethylene | 90°C | 130°C | 250°C | Yes (Preferred) |
| EPR Ethylene Propylene Rubber | 90°C | 130°C | 250°C | Yes |
| HEPR Hard Ethylene Propylene Rubber | 90°C | 130°C | 250°C | Yes |
| PVC/B Polyvinyl Chloride Type B | 70°C | 100°C | 160°C | Yes (3.6/6kV only) |
Insulation Thickness for 3.6/6kV Cables
| Insulation Material | Nominal Thickness | Conductor Size Range |
|---|---|---|
| XLPE or EPR/HEPR | 3.4 mm | 10 – 1600 mm² |
| PVC/B (3.6/6kV only) | 3.4 mm | 10 – 1600 mm² |
Source: Addison Cables – IEC 60502 Medium Voltage Cables
Conductor and Screening Requirements
Types of conductors include Class 1 (solid) or Class 2 (stranded) of plain or metal-coated annealed copper, plain aluminium or aluminium alloy in accordance with IEC 60228. The conductor size range includes 10mm² up to and including 1600mm². EPR and HEPR (3.6/6kV) cables may be unscreened providing an increased radial thickness of insulation is used. All other cables must contain a semiconducting conductor screen and a semiconducting insulation screen plus a metallic layer surrounding the cores.
Conductor Screen: Extruded layer of non-metallic, semi-conducting compound firmly bonded to the insulation. The conductor screen is optional for PVC and EPR/HEPR insulated 3.6/6kV cables.
Insulation Screen: Extruded layer of semi-conducting compound (minimum 0.3mm thickness, maximum resistivity 500 Ohm-m at 90°C) tightly fitted to the insulation. Optional for PVC and EPR/HEPR insulated 3.6/6kV cables.
Metallic Screen: Copper tapes, copper wires, or combination providing earth fault current path. Cross-sectional area determined by fault level requirements.
Source: Caledonian Cables – Medium Voltage Cables to IEC 60502
3. International Cable Nomenclature Systems
3.6/6kV cables are manufactured worldwide using various national naming conventions. Understanding these nomenclatures is essential for international cable specification and procurement. The same construction may be referenced differently depending on the country of origin or destination market.
German VDE Nomenclature
German Standard (DIN VDE 0276)
| Cable Code | Conductor | Insulation | Screen | Sheath |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N2XSY | Copper | XLPE | Cu wire + tape | PVC (red) |
| NA2XSY | Aluminium | XLPE | Cu wire + tape | PVC (red) |
| N2XS2Y | Copper | XLPE | Cu wire + tape | PE (black) |
| NYFGY | Copper | PVC | — | PVC + Steel armour |
| N2XSEY | Copper | XLPE | Each core screened | PVC |
Source: Eland Cables – DIN VDE 0276 Cable
German Cable Designation Key
| Letter | Position | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| N | 1st | Energy cable (Copper conductor) |
| NA | 1st | Energy cable (Aluminium conductor) |
| 2X | Insulation | XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) |
| Y | Insulation | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) |
| S | Screen | Copper wire screen |
| SE | Screen | Each core individually screened |
| (FL) | Water blocking | Longitudinal + radial water blocking |
| 2Y | Sheath | PE outer sheath |
| FG | Armour | Flat steel wire armour |
Source: Eland Cables – N2XSY Cable
Portuguese Nomenclature
Portuguese Standard (IEC 60502-2 / HD620)
| Cable Code | Conductor | Screen Type | Armour | Sheath |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XHIV | X = Copper | Cu tape | — | PVC (V) |
| LXHIV | LX = Aluminium | Cu tape | — | PVC (V) |
| XHIE | X = Copper | Cu tape | — | PE (E) |
| XHIOV | X = Copper | Cu wire (O) | — | PVC (V) |
| XHIRV | X = Copper | Cu tape | SWA (R) | PVC (V) |
| XHIAV | X = Copper | Cu tape | STA (A) | PVC (V) |
| XHI1AV | X = Copper | Cu tape | ATA (1A) | PVC (V) |
Source: Eland Cables – XHIV & LXHIV Cables
Portuguese Cable Designation Key
| Code | Meaning | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| X | Copper conductor | V | PVC sheath |
| LX | Aluminium conductor | E | PE sheath |
| H | XLPE insulation | R | Steel wire armour (SWA) |
| I | Cu tape screen | A | Steel tape armour (STA) |
| IO | Cu tape + wire screen | 1A | Aluminium tape armour (ATA) |
4. Complete 3.6/6kV Cable Model Comparison
The following comprehensive table compares all major 3.6/6kV cable types available in the market, including German VDE, Portuguese, Italian, and mining cable designations.
| Cable Model | Standard | Conductor | Insulation | Screen | Armour | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| German VDE Standard Cables | ||||||
| N2XSY | VDE 0276-620 | Cu | XLPE | Cu wire+tape | — | Power distribution, transformer stations |
| NA2XSY | VDE 0276-620 | Al | XLPE | Cu wire+tape | — | Cost-effective distribution |
| NYFGY | VDE 0271 | Cu | PVC | — | Flat steel wire | Power plants, heavy industry |
| N2XS(FL)2Y | VDE 0276-620 | Cu | XLPE | Water blocked | — | Wet locations, flooded ducts |
| Portuguese Standard Cables | ||||||
| XHIV | IEC 60502-2 | Cu | XLPE | Cu tape | — | Indoor/outdoor distribution |
| LXHIV | IEC 60502-2 | Al | XLPE | Cu tape | — | Lightweight distribution |
| XHIOV | IEC 60502-2 | Cu | XLPE | Cu wire | — | Enhanced EMC protection |
| XHIRV | IEC 60502-2 | Cu | XLPE | Cu tape | SWA | Direct burial with protection |
| XHIAV | IEC 60502-2 | Cu | XLPE | Cu tape | STA | Mechanical protection |
| Italian Standard Cables | ||||||
| FG7H1OAR | CEI 20-13 | Cu | HEPR | Cu wire | SWA | Industrial, LSZH installations |
| Mining & Special Application Cables | ||||||
| (N)TSCGEWÖU | Mining spec | Cu | EPR | Cu braid | — | Mining trailing cables |
| (N)TSCGECEWÖU | Mining spec | Cu | EPR | Individual + overall | — | Mining with earth check |
| (N)3GHSSHCH | Mining spec | Cu | EPR | Screened | — | Mining, halogen-free |
5. 3.6/6kV Cable Construction Details
Medium voltage cables for 3.6/6kV applications require specific construction elements to ensure safe and reliable operation. The construction follows IEC 60502-2 requirements with variations depending on specific application needs.
Typical Cable Construction Layers
| Layer | Material | Function | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Conductor | Cu (Class 1/2) or Al (Class 2) | Current carrying | IEC 60228, 10-1600mm² |
| 2. Conductor Screen | Semiconducting XLPE | Electric field grading | Optional for 3.6/6kV PVC/EPR |
| 3. Insulation | XLPE / EPR / HEPR / PVC | Electrical insulation | 3.4mm nominal thickness |
| 4. Insulation Screen | Semiconducting compound | Field uniformity | Min 0.3mm, max 500 Ohm-m |
| 5. Metallic Screen | Cu wires + Cu tape | Earth fault path | Sized per fault current |
| 6. Water Blocking | Swellable tape/powder | Prevent water ingress | Optional |
| 7. Bedding/Separator | PVC / PE / LSZH | Protection under armour | Min 1.2mm if no lead sheath |
| 8. Armour (if required) | Steel wire/tape, Al tape | Mechanical protection | Per IEC 60502-2 Table 9/10 |
| 9. Outer Sheath | PVC / PE / LSZH | Environmental protection | UV resistant for external |
Conductor Specifications
Copper Conductor
Aluminium Conductor
Size Range
Compacted Stranding
EspañolConstrucción de Cables 3.6/6kV
Los cables de media tensión para aplicaciones de 3.6/6kV requieren elementos de construcción específicos según IEC 60502-2. Las capas incluyen: conductor (Cu Clase 1/2 o Al Clase 2, 10-1600mm²), pantalla del conductor (semiconductora, opcional para 3.6/6kV), aislamiento (XLPE/EPR/HEPR/PVC, 3.4mm nominal), pantalla de aislamiento (min 0.3mm), pantalla metálica (hilos + cinta de Cu), bloqueo de agua (opcional), separador (min 1.2mm), armadura (alambre/cinta de acero si se requiere), y cubierta exterior (PVC/PE/LSZH). El proceso de extrusión triple garantiza interfaces lisas entre pantalla del conductor, aislamiento y pantalla de aislamiento.
繁體中文3.6/6kV 電纜結構詳解
3.6/6kV應用的中壓電纜需要按照IEC 60502-2要求的特定結構元件。各層包括：導體（Cu 1/2類或Al 2類，10-1600mm²）、導體屏蔽（半導體，3.6/6kV可選）、絕緣（XLPE/EPR/HEPR/PVC，標稱3.4mm）、絕緣屏蔽（最小0.3mm）、金屬屏蔽（銅絲+銅帶）、阻水層（可選）、隔離層（最小1.2mm）、鎧裝（鋼絲/帶，如需要）、外護套（PVC/PE/LSZH）。三重擠出工藝確保導體屏蔽、絕緣和絕緣屏蔽之間的光滑界面，消除氣隙和電場集中。
6. Current Ratings for 3.6/6kV XLPE Cables
Current carrying capacity (ampacity) depends on conductor material, size, installation method, ambient temperature, and soil thermal resistivity. The following tables provide typical current ratings for 3.6/6kV XLPE insulated cables per IEC 60502-2 Annex B.
Single-Core Cables – Trefoil Formation in Ground
| Conductor Size (mm²) | Copper (A) | Aluminium (A) | DC Resistance Cu (Ω/km) | DC Resistance Al (Ω/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 140 | 110 | 0.727 | 1.20 |
| 35 | 170 | 130 | 0.524 | 0.868 |
| 50 | 200 | 155 | 0.387 | 0.641 |
| 70 | 245 | 190 | 0.268 | 0.443 |
| 95 | 295 | 230 | 0.193 | 0.320 |
| 120 | 340 | 265 | 0.153 | 0.253 |
| 150 | 385 | 300 | 0.124 | 0.206 |
| 185 | 440 | 340 | 0.0991 | 0.164 |
| 240 | 520 | 405 | 0.0754 | 0.125 |
| 300 | 595 | 465 | 0.0601 | 0.100 |
| 400 | 695 | 545 | 0.0470 | 0.0778 |
| 500 | 800 | 625 | 0.0366 | 0.0605 |
Reference conditions: Ground temperature 20°C, soil thermal resistivity 1.0 K·m/W, depth of laying 0.8m
Derating Factors
| Condition | Value | Derating Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Ambient Ground Temperature (Reference: 20°C) | ||
| Ground temperature | 15°C | 1.04 |
| Ground temperature | 25°C | 0.96 |
| Ground temperature | 30°C | 0.93 |
| Ground temperature | 35°C | 0.89 |
| Soil Thermal Resistivity (Reference: 1.0 K·m/W) | ||
| Soil thermal resistivity | 0.7 K·m/W (wet) | 1.10 |
| Soil thermal resistivity | 1.5 K·m/W (dry) | 0.88 |
| Soil thermal resistivity | 2.0 K·m/W (very dry) | 0.79 |
| Depth of Laying (Reference: 0.8m) | ||
| Depth | 0.5m | 1.03 |
| Depth | 1.0m | 0.98 |
| Depth | 1.5m | 0.94 |
Source: IEC 60502-2 Annex B – Current Ratings
7. Applications for 3.6/6kV Cables
3.6/6kV cables serve a wide range of applications in power distribution and industrial settings. The specific cable type selected depends on installation environment, mechanical requirements, and regulatory compliance.
⚡ Power Distribution
Primary and secondary distribution networks, industrial power supply, commercial buildings, transformer station connections.
🏭 Industrial Plants
Motor feeders, switchgear connections, process equipment, manufacturing facilities, heavy machinery power supply.
⛏️ Mining Operations
Trailing cables for mobile equipment, longwall systems, shuttle cars, continuous miners, submersible pumps.
🌿 Renewable Energy
Solar farm collection circuits, wind turbine connections, battery storage systems, inverter connections.
🏗️ Construction Sites
Temporary power distribution, tower cranes, construction hoists, site lighting systems.
🚇 Infrastructure
Railway traction substations, tunnel ventilation, airport systems, port facilities, water treatment plants.
Installation Methods
| Installation Type | Cable Type Required | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Direct burial | Armoured (SWA/STA) or unarmoured with mechanical protection | Soil thermal resistivity, depth ≥0.8m under roads |
| Cable ducts/conduits | Unarmoured preferred | Duct fill ratio, pulling tension limits |
| Cable trays | Unarmoured or armoured | Spacing, fire retardancy requirements |
| Outdoor exposed | UV-resistant PE sheath (XHIE, N2XS2Y) | UV protection, mechanical damage risk |
| Indoor installations | PVC sheath (XHIV, N2XSY) or LSZH | Flame retardancy, smoke emission |
| Wet/flooded conditions | Water-blocked construction (FL type) | Longitudinal and radial water sealing |
8. Mining Cable Variants for 3.6/6kV
In addition to general equipment power connections, 6kV cables are commonly specified in mining equipment, where power cables with fibre optic, ground check conductors, and submersible variants are available. These mining cables often have a robust rubber outer sheath that offers flexibility and durability.
| Cable Model | Type | Features | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| (N)TSCGEWÖU | Standard trailing | EPR insulated, rubber sheath, flexible | Mobile mining equipment |
| (N)TSCGEWÖU FO | Fibre optic | Integrated optical fibres for data | Automated equipment, monitoring |
| (N)TSCGECEWÖU ATB | Ground check | Earth check conductor for safety | Longwall systems, shuttle cars |
| (N)TSCGEWÖU Submersible | Submersible | Water resistant, suitable for pumps | Mine dewatering pumps |
| (N)TSCGEWÖU ZH | Zero halogen | LSZH sheath, reduced toxicity | Underground with ventilation concerns |
| (N)TMCGEWÖU | Heavy duty | Enhanced mechanical protection | Draglines, shovels |
Conductor: Tinned copper, Class 5 flexible stranding for repeated bending
Insulation: EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber) for flexibility and oil resistance
Screen: Copper braid or tape for EMC and fault current
Sheath: Heavy-duty rubber (CPE, EPR, or PCP) for abrasion and cut resistance
Temperature Range: -40°C to +90°C for harsh underground conditions
9. Feichun Cable 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 3.6/6kV medium voltage cables compliant with IEC 60502-2, German VDE 0276, and international standards for power distribution, industrial, and mining applications.
| Product Category | Standards | Models Available | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLPE Power Cable (Cu) | IEC 60502-2, VDE 0276 | N2XSY, XHIV, YJV | Power distribution, transformer stations |
| XLPE Power Cable (Al) | IEC 60502-2, VDE 0276 | NA2XSY, LXHIV, YJLV | Cost-effective distribution networks |
| Armoured MV Cable | IEC 60502-2 | XHIRV, XHIAV, N2XSRY | Direct burial, mechanical protection |
| Mining Trailing Cable | Mining specifications | (N)TSCGEWÖU series | Mining equipment, mobile machinery |
| LSZH MV Cable | IEC 60502-2, IEC 60332 | N2XSH, LSZH variants | Tunnels, buildings, confined spaces |
| Water-Blocked Cable | IEC 60502-2 | N2XS(FL)2Y, XHIOE(cbe) | Wet locations, flooded ducts |
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/…/iec-60502-cable
IEC 60502 standard overview and cable specifications
https://tratosgroup.com/products/standards/international/iec-60502/
Comprehensive IEC 60502-1 and IEC 60502-2 explanation
https://www.elandcables.com/cables/n2xsy-copper-conductor-cable
German VDE N2XSY cable specifications
https://www.elandcables.com/…/vde0276-cable
German VDE 0276 medium voltage cable standard
https://www.elandcables.com/cables/xhiv-lxhiv-cable
Portuguese nomenclature MV cables
https://www.elandcables.com/cables/xhiov-lxhiov-cable
Portuguese copper wire screened MV cables
https://www.elandcables.com/cables/nyfgy-cables
German armoured MV cable specifications
https://www.addison-cables.com/…/single-core-cables-iec60502.html
Technical specifications for IEC 60502 cables
https://www.caledonian-cables.net/…/single-core-cables-iec60502.html
Medium voltage cable construction details
https://www.gudacable.com/medium-voltage-cable-selection-guide-6kv-36kv/
Comprehensive MV cable selection guidance
Contact Feichun Cable
For technical support with 3.6/6kV medium voltage 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
