Complete Technical Guide to 15kV Medium Voltage Cables — BS6622, BS7835, N2XS2Y, NA2XS2Y, (N)TSCGEWÖU Mining/Reeling Cables, Portuguese XHIOE Series for Power Distribution, Mining & Industrial Applications
Anhui Feichun Special Cable Co., Ltd.
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What is 8.7/15kV Cable?
Complete Technical Guide to 15kV Medium Voltage Cables — BS6622, BS7835, N2XS2Y, NA2XS2Y, (N)TSCGEWÖU Mining/Reeling Cables, Portuguese XHIOE Series for Power Distribution, Mining & Industrial Applications
1. Introduction to 8.7/15kV Medium Voltage Cables
The 8.7/15kV voltage rating is classified under Medium Voltage (MV), supporting heavy-duty equipment power and MV distribution on industrial sites, mining operations, and utility networks. 15kV is a voltage commonly specified for equipment cables, including robust mining equipment cables manufactured in accordance with IEC 60502-2, but is also associated with British standard armoured cables BS6622 and BS7835.
Whilst mining cables may be sheathed in robust rubber to provide abrasion resistance, especially for trailing applications, the BS6622 and BS7835 standard cables are instead sheathed in PVC or LSZH materials, with mechanical protection provided from a layer of steel wire armouring. As a British standard voltage, 8.7/15kV isn’t as commonly specified as 11kV or 33kV, but will depend on the application demands.
U₀ (Phase to Earth)
U (Phase to Phase)
Um (Maximum System)
Test Voltage (5 min)
EspañolIntroducción a los Cables de Media Tensión 8.7/15kV
La clasificación de tensión 8.7/15kV está clasificada bajo Media Tensión (MT), apoyando la alimentación de equipos de servicio pesado y distribución MT en sitios industriales, operaciones mineras y redes de servicios públicos. 15kV es una tensión comúnmente especificada para cables de equipos, incluyendo cables robustos para equipos de minería fabricados de acuerdo con IEC 60502-2, pero también está asociada con cables blindados de norma británica BS6622 y BS7835. Mientras que los cables de minería pueden tener cubierta de caucho robusto para proporcionar resistencia a la abrasión, especialmente para aplicaciones de arrastre, los cables de norma BS6622 y BS7835 tienen cubierta de PVC o LSZH, con protección mecánica proporcionada por una capa de armadura de alambre de acero.
繁體中文8.7/15kV 中壓電纜簡介
8.7/15kV電壓等級屬於中壓(MV)類別，支持工業現場、採礦作業和公用事業網絡的重型設備供電和中壓配電。15kV是設備電纜常用的電壓規格，包括按照IEC 60502-2製造的堅固採礦設備電纜，但也與英國標準鎧裝電纜BS6622和BS7835相關聯。採礦電纜可能採用堅固的橡膠護套以提供耐磨性，特別是用於拖曳應用，而BS6622和BS7835標準電纜則採用PVC或LSZH材料護套，機械保護由鋼絲鎧裝層提供。作為英國標準電壓，8.7/15kV不如11kV或33kV那樣常見，但這取決於應用需求。所有中壓電纜（包括15kV）都將包括銅絲屏蔽和/或銅帶層用於均壓目的。
Copper Wire Screen Function
All Medium voltage cables, 15kV included, will include a Copper wire screen and/or a layer of copper tape for equalising purposes. This is regardless of whether they have armour or not. These screens provide a route to earth in the event of a fault current or insulation failure, taking a substantial proportion of the total fault current and providing a return path for the cable neutral. Where it has been earthed at both ends of the cable it can also provide EMC electromagnetic protection.
2. 8.7/15kV Cable Categories Overview
The 8.7/15kV cable family encompasses multiple international standards and nomenclature systems, each designed for specific applications and installation environments. Understanding these categories helps engineers select the optimal cable for their project requirements.
| Category | Standards | Key Applications | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Standard Armoured Cables | |||
| BS6622 | BS6622 | Industrial, utility, direct burial | PVC/MDPE sheath, AWA/SWA armour |
| BS7835 | BS7835 | Public buildings, tunnels, fire-sensitive | LSZH sheath, fire safe |
| German DIN VDE Standard Cables | |||
| N2XS2Y / N2XS(F)2Y | VDE 0276-620 | Fixed installation, distribution | Copper conductor, PE sheath |
| NA2XS2Y / NA2XS(F)2Y | VDE 0276-620 | Fixed installation, cost-efficient | Aluminium conductor, PE sheath |
| N2XSH / N2XS(F)H | VDE 0276-620 | Fire-sensitive installations | Copper conductor, LSZH sheath |
| Mining & Reeling Cables (DIN VDE 0250-813) | |||
| (N)TSCGEWÖU | VDE 0250-813 | Excavators, reeling, open-cast mining | EPR insulation, rubber sheath |
| (N)TSCGECEWÖU | VDE 0250-813 | Enhanced flexibility, TBM | Concentric earth, high flex |
| (N)TSKCGEWÖU | VDE 0250-813 | Container cranes, STS cranes | Fibre optic integrated |
| Portuguese Nomenclature Cables | |||
| XHIOE / LXHIOE | IEC 60502-2 | Power distribution, external | PE sheath, Cu/Al conductor |
| XHIOE(be) / XHIOE(cbe) | IEC 60502-2 | Wet environments, waterlogged ducts | Waterblocking layers |
3. British Standard Armoured Cables: BS6622 & BS7835
British Standard BS 6622 sets out specifications for armoured cables (single core AWA and three core SWA) for fixed installations including networks and industrial installations. BS6622 is also commonly referred to by its construction in international markets as MV armoured XLPE/PVC/SWA/PVC.
| Voltage Rating | 8.7/15(17.5)kV |
| Standard | BS6622 IEC 60502-2 |
| Conductor | Class 2 stranded copper or aluminium (BS EN 60228) |
| Insulation | XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) |
| Metallic Screen | Copper wire and tape screen |
| Armour (Single Core) | AWA Aluminium Wire Armoured |
| Armour (Multi Core) | SWA Steel Wire Armoured |
| Outer Sheath | PVC or MDPE |
| Max. Operating Temp. | 90°C |
| Short Circuit Temp. | 250°C (5 seconds max) |
| Min. Bending Radius | 12-15 × overall diameter |
| Flame Retardancy | BS EN 60332-1-2 |
Source: Eland Cables – BS6622 Cable
BS7835 cables with their Low Smoke Zero Halogen sheathing are designed to produce low levels of smoke and corrosive gases on exposure to fire compared to cables specified in BS6622. The LSZH sheathing means it is CPR compliant to a higher classification than its PVC counterpart.
| Voltage Rating | 8.7/15(17.5)kV |
| Standard | BS7835 IEC 60502-2 |
| Conductor | Class 2 stranded copper or aluminium |
| Insulation | XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) |
| Bedding | LSZH Low Smoke Zero Halogen |
| Armour | AWA / SWA |
| Outer Sheath | LSZH |
| Fire Performance | BS EN 60332-1, BS EN 60332-3-24 (Cat C) |
| Smoke Density | BS EN 61034 (3m cube test) |
| Acid Gas Emission | ≤0.5% HCL (BS EN 50267-2-1) |
| Applications | Public buildings, tunnels, metros, airports |
Source: Eland Cables – BS7835 Cable
4. DIN VDE 0276-620 / HD620 Fixed Installation Cables
Cables manufactured in accordance with DIN VDE 0276-620 (HD620) are designed for fixed installation under high demands indoors, in the ground with external moisture exposure, outdoors, and in cable ducts for industrial and distribution networks. These cables are suitable for installation or operation under strong mechanical stress during installation and operation.
N2XS2Y & N2XS(F)2Y Series (Copper Conductor)
| Model | Construction | Waterblocking | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| N2XS2Y | Cu/XLPE/CWS/MDPE or HDPE | None | Direct burial, ducts, dry environments |
| N2XS(F)2Y | Cu/XLPE/CWS/WB/MDPE or HDPE | Longitudinal (powder) | Wet environments, flooded ducts |
| N2XS(FL)2Y | Cu/XLPE/CWS/WB/AL/PE | Longitudinal + Radial (Al tape) | Submersible, high moisture |
| N2XSH | Cu/XLPE/CWS/LSZH | None | Fire-sensitive, tunnels |
| N2XS(F)H | Cu/XLPE/CWS/WB/LSZH | Longitudinal | Fire-sensitive, wet environments |
NA2XS2Y & NA2XS(F)2Y Series (Aluminium Conductor)
The NA2XS2Y is a single core aluminium medium voltage cable with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation, copper wire screen, and a polyethylene (PE) oversheath. The robust and UV-resistant oversheath makes this cable ideally suited for fixed outdoor installations. NA2XS2Y is a cost-efficient alternative to its copper variant on installations where space is not an issue due to the larger overall diameter of aluminium cables.
| Model | Construction | Waterblocking | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| NA2XS2Y | Al/XLPE/CWS/MDPE or HDPE | None | Cost-efficient distribution |
| NA2XS(F)2Y | Al/XLPE/CWS/WB/MDPE or HDPE | Longitudinal | Wet installations |
| NA2XS(FL)2Y | Al/XLPE/CWS/WB/AL/PE | Longitudinal + Radial | High moisture, submersible |
| NA2XSH | Al/XLPE/CWS/LSZH | None | Fire-sensitive installations |
| NA2XS(F)H | Al/XLPE/CWS/WB/LSZH | Longitudinal | Fire-sensitive, wet |
Max. Operating Temp.
Short Circuit Temp.
Min. Bending Radius
Burial Depth
Sources: Eland Cables – NA2XS2Y Cable, Eland Cables – DIN VDE 0276 Cable
5. Mining & Reeling Cables (DIN VDE 0250-813)
DIN VDE 0250-813 specifies medium voltage reeling and trailing cables designed for high mechanical stresses in conjunction with mono spiral reels and cylindrical reels. These cables feature EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber) insulation and robust rubber sheaths for demanding mining, crane, and material handling applications.
For connection of large material handling machines such as excavators, dumpers, crushers in open-cast mines. Cables are suitable for high mechanical stresses in conjunction with mono spiral reels and cylindrical reels.
| Standard | DIN VDE 0250-813 |
| Conductor | Plain copper, fine stranded Class 5 (DIN EN 60228) |
| Insulation | EPR Type 3GI3 (super-clean) |
| Field Control | Inner and outer semiconductive rubber layers |
| Core Arrangement | 3+3 (power + earth) around aramid rope center |
| Inner Sheath | Rubber compound 5GM3 |
| Reinforcement | Polyester anti-torsion braid |
| Outer Sheath | 5GM5 Abrasion/tear resistant rubber |
| Max. Tensile Load | 30 N/mm² (VDE 0298-3: 15 N/mm²) |
| Travel Speed | Up to 240 m/min (consult for higher) |
| Operating Temp. | -25°C to +90°C (fixed: -40°C to +90°C) |
(N)TSCGEWÖU Variants at 8.7/15kV
| Model | Special Features | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| (N)TSCGEWÖU FO | Integrated fibre optics (50/125, 62.5/125 multimode or 9/125 single-mode) | Data + power, automated equipment |
| (N)TSCGEWÖU ATB | Anti-torsion braid (reinforced polyester) | High torsional stress applications |
| (N)TSCGEWÖU ZH | Zero halogen (PUR inner/outer sheath) | Tunnels, underground installations |
| (N)TSCGEWÖU Submersible | EPR inner + CM outer sheath | Dredging, up to 300m depth |
(N)TSCGECEWÖU Series – Enhanced Flexibility
The (N)TSCGECEWÖU series features enhanced flexibility compared to standard (N)TSCGEWÖU, with individual copper wire braid earth conductor for enhanced safety. Designed for monospiral drum reeling, trailing operations, and opencast/sub-surface mining.
| Model | Special Features | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| (N)TSCGECEWÖU | Enhanced flexibility, concentric earth | Trailing, monospiral drum reeling |
| (N)TSCGECEWÖU ATB | Anti-torsion braid | High torsional stress |
| (N)TSCGECEWÖU ATB GCC | ATB + Ground Check Conductor | Earth continuity monitoring |
| (N)TSCGECEWÖU Submersible | Submersible construction | Dredging, underwater operations |
| (N)TSCGECECWÖU | Enhanced TBM construction | Tunnel boring machine power supply |
| (N)TSCGECECWÖU ZH | TBM + zero halogen | Tunnel construction, fire safety |
(N)TSKCGEWÖU – Fibre Optic Integrated Reeling Cable
The (N)TSKCGEWÖU cable integrates fibre optic cores for simultaneous power and data transmission, making it ideal for container cranes, STS cranes, RTG cranes, and automated port equipment.
Sources: Eland Cables – DIN VDE 0250 Cable, Tratos Group – DIN VDE 250 Part 813
6. Portuguese Nomenclature Cables (XHIOE, LXHIOE Series)
Eland Cables’ extended portfolio of Medium Voltage cables includes IEC standard cables using the Portuguese nomenclature. These cables are manufactured in accordance with IEC 60502-2 and generally to HD620 standard, but are referenced using Portuguese designations. Both Copper and Aluminium variants are available in voltages 3.6/6kV, 6/10kV, 8.7/15kV, 12/20kV and 18/30kV.
| X | Copper conductor |
| LX | Aluminium conductor |
| H | XLPE insulation |
| I | Copper screen |
| IO | Copper tape + wire screen |
| O | Copper wire screen |
| E | Polyethylene (PE) sheath |
| V | PVC sheath |
| A | Armoured |
| (be) | Single layer waterblocking |
| (cbe) | Dual layer waterblocking (conductor + insulation) |
XHIOE & LXHIOE Series at 8.7/15kV
| Model | Conductor | Screen | Waterblocking | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XHIOE 8.7/15kV | Copper | Cu wire | None | Standard distribution |
| LXHIOE 8.7/15kV | Aluminium | Cu wire | None | Cost-efficient distribution |
| XHIOE(be) 8.7/15kV | Copper | Cu wire | Single layer | Damp environments |
| LXHIOE(be) 8.7/15kV | Aluminium | Cu wire | Single layer | Wet installations |
| XHIOE(cbe) 8.7/15kV | Copper | Cu wire | Dual layer | Flooded cable ducts |
| LXHIOE(cbe) 8.7/15kV | Aluminium | Cu wire | Dual layer | Submersible applications |
Sources: Eland Cables – XHIOE & LXHIOE Cables, Eland Cables – XHIOV & LXHIOV Cables
7. Italian Standard: FG7H1OAR Cable
The FG7H1OAR is an Italian standard medium voltage cable manufactured for 8.7/15kV and 12/20kV applications. This cable features copper conductor with XLPE insulation and is designed for power distribution networks in Italy and markets following Italian cable nomenclature.
| Model | FG7H1OAR 8.7/15kV |
| Voltage Rating | 8.7/15kV, 12/20kV |
| Conductor | Class 2 stranded copper |
| Insulation | XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) |
| Screen | Copper wire and tape |
| Sheath | PVC or PE |
| Standard | IEC 60502-2 Italian nomenclature |
Source: Eland Cables – IEC 60502 Cable
8. Complete 8.7/15kV Cable Product Range
| Cable Model | Standard | Conductor | Sheath | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Standard Armoured Cables | ||||
| BS6622 XLPE PVC 8.7/15kV | BS6622 | Cu/Al | PVC | Industrial, direct burial |
| BS7835 XLPE LSZH 8.7/15kV | BS7835 | Cu/Al | LSZH | Fire-sensitive, tunnels |
| DIN VDE 0276-620 Copper Conductor Cables | ||||
| N2XS2Y XLPE MDPE 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Cu | MDPE | Direct burial, distribution |
| N2XS2Y XLPE HDPE 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Cu | HDPE | High mechanical stress |
| N2XS(F)2Y XLPE MDPE 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Cu | MDPE | Wet environments |
| N2XS(F)2Y XLPE HDPE 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Cu | HDPE | Wet + mechanical stress |
| N2XS(FL)2Y XLPE MDPE 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Cu | MDPE | Radial waterblocking |
| N2XS(FL)2Y XLPE HDPE 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Cu | HDPE | Submersible |
| N2XSH 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Cu | LSZH | Fire-sensitive |
| N2XS(F)H 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Cu | LSZH | Fire-sensitive + wet |
| DIN VDE 0276-620 Aluminium Conductor Cables | ||||
| NA2XS2Y Aluminium XLPE MDPE 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Al | MDPE | Cost-efficient distribution |
| NA2XS2Y Aluminium XLPE HDPE 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Al | HDPE | High mechanical stress |
| NA2XS(F)2Y Aluminium XLPE MDPE 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Al | MDPE | Wet installations |
| NA2XS(F)2Y Aluminium XLPE HDPE 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Al | HDPE | Wet + mechanical stress |
| NA2XS(FL)2Y Aluminium XLPE MDPE 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Al | MDPE | Radial waterblocking |
| NA2XS(FL)2Y Aluminium XLPE HDPE 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Al | HDPE | Submersible |
| NA2XSH Aluminium XLPE LSZH 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Al | LSZH | Fire-sensitive |
| NA2XS(F)H Aluminium XLPE LSZH 8.7/15kV | VDE 0276-620 | Al | LSZH | Fire-sensitive + wet |
| DIN VDE 0250-813 Mining & Reeling Cables | ||||
| (N)TSCGEWÖU 8.7/15kV | VDE 0250-813 | Cu | 5GM5 | Excavators, reeling |
| (N)TSCGEWÖU FO 8.7/15kV | VDE 0250-813 | Cu | 5GM5 | Fibre optic integrated |
| (N)TSCGEWÖU ATB 8.7/15kV | VDE 0250-813 | Cu | 5GM5 | Anti-torsion |
| (N)TSCGEWÖU ZH 8.7/15kV | VDE 0250-813 | Cu | PUR | Zero halogen tunnels |
| (N)TSCGEWÖU Submersible 8.7/15kV | VDE 0250-813 | Cu | CM | Dredging, underwater |
| (N)TSCGECEWÖU 8.7/15kV | VDE 0250-813 | Cu | 5GM5 | Enhanced flexibility |
| (N)TSCGECEWÖU ATB 8.7/15kV | VDE 0250-813 | Cu | 5GM5 | High torsional stress |
| (N)TSCGECEWÖU ATB GCC 8.7/15kV | VDE 0250-813 | Cu | 5GM5 | Ground check conductor |
| (N)TSCGECEWÖU Submersible 8.7/15kV | VDE 0250-813 | Cu | CM | Dredging operations |
| (N)TSCGECECWÖU 8.7/15kV | VDE 0250-813 | Cu | 5GM5 | TBM power supply |
| (N)TSCGECECWÖU ZH 8.7/15kV | VDE 0250-813 | Cu | PUR | TBM + fire safety |
| (N)TSKCGEWÖU 8.7/15kV | VDE 0250-813 | Cu | 5GM5 | Cranes + fibre optic |
| Portuguese Nomenclature Cables | ||||
| XHIOE 8.7/15kV | IEC 60502-2 | Cu | PE | Power distribution |
| LXHIOE 8.7/15kV | IEC 60502-2 | Al | PE | Cost-efficient |
| XHIOE(be) 8.7/15kV | IEC 60502-2 | Cu | PE | Single waterblocking |
| LXHIOE(be) 8.7/15kV | IEC 60502-2 | Al | PE | Single waterblocking |
| XHIOE(cbe) 8.7/15kV | IEC 60502-2 | Cu | PE | Dual waterblocking |
| LXHIOE(cbe) 8.7/15kV | IEC 60502-2 | Al | PE | Dual waterblocking |
9. Technical Specifications Comparison
| Parameter | BS6622/BS7835 | N2XS2Y/NA2XS2Y | (N)TSCGEWÖU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage Rating | 8.7/15(17.5)kV | 8.7/15(17.5)kV | 8.7/15kV |
| Test Voltage | 24kV / 5 min | 24kV / 5 min | 24kV |
| Max. Operating Temp. | 90°C | 90°C | 90°C |
| Short Circuit Temp. | 250°C | 250°C | 250°C |
| Ambient Temp. (fixed) | -15°C to +90°C | -20°C to +90°C | -40°C to +90°C |
| Ambient Temp. (flexed) | N/A | N/A | -25°C to +90°C |
| Min. Installation Temp. | 0°C | 0°C | 0°C |
| Min. Bending Radius | 12-15 × OD | 15 × OD | 12-15 × OD |
| Max. Tensile Load | N/A | N/A | 30 N/mm² |
| Max. Torsional Stress | N/A | N/A | ±25°/m |
| Travel Speed | N/A | N/A | >240 m/min |
| Installation Type | Fixed | Fixed | Reeling/Trailing |
10. Application Summary
🏭 Industrial Distribution
BS6622, N2XS2Y, NA2XS2Y
Factory power distribution, substations, transformer connections
🔥 Fire-Sensitive
BS7835, N2XSH, NA2XSH
Tunnels, metros, airports, public buildings
⛏️ Mining Operations
(N)TSCGEWÖU, (N)TSCGECEWÖU
Excavators, dumpers, crushers, conveyors
🏗️ Crane & Material Handling
(N)TSKCGEWÖU, (N)TSCGEWÖU
Container cranes, STS, RTG, stacker-reclaimers
🌊 Submersible
(N)TSCGEWÖU Sub, N2XS(FL)2Y
Dredging, underwater pumps (up to 300m)
🚇 Tunnel Construction
(N)TSCGECECWÖU ZH, BS7835
TBM power supply, tunnel infrastructure
Authoritative External References
https://www.elandcables.com/…/15kv-cables
https://www.elandcables.com/…/bs6622-cable
https://www.elandcables.com/…/bs7835-cable
https://www.elandcables.com/…/vde0276-cable
https://www.elandcables.com/…/na2xs2y-cables
https://www.elandcables.com/…/vde0250-cable
https://www.elandcables.com/…/xhioe-and-lxhioe-cables
https://tratosgroup.com/…/iec-60502/
https://tratosgroup.com/…/din-vde-250-part-813/
https://products.lappgroup.com/…/n2xs2y.html
Contact Feichun Cable
For technical support with 8.7/15kV medium voltage cables, mining/reeling cables, or custom cable designs, please contact our engineering team.
