1. Introduction to NSHXAFÖ Cable Technology

The NSHXAFÖ represents a specialized category of single conductor halogen-free flexible power cables engineered for demanding industrial applications, including wind turbine installations where exceptional flexibility, fire safety, and multi-voltage capability are critical requirements. This cable series spans three voltage classes from 0.6/1 kV through 3.6/6 kV, providing comprehensive solutions for both low and medium voltage power distribution within wind energy systems.

The NSHXAFÖ cable construction follows DIN VDE 0250 Part 606, which establishes comprehensive requirements for halogen-free rubber-sheathed cables suitable for both mobile and fixed installations. Germany’s DIN VDE standards have achieved global recognition as the ultimate benchmark for tough rubber-sheathed flexible cables, particularly for applications involving cranes, material handling equipment, and renewable energy installations where reliability is non-negotiable.

Reference: DIN VDE 0250 Cable Standard — Eland Cables

2. Voltage Class Overview

The multi-voltage capability of the NSHXAFÖ series enables system designers to specify a single cable type across various voltage levels within a wind turbine installation. According to VDE 0250 Part 606, arrangements made of single-conductor NSHXAFÖ cables with nominal voltage of at least U₀/U: 1.8/3 kV can be used for short circuit-proof and short-to-ground-proof installation up to 1000 V in accordance with VDE 0100 Part 520 and VDE 0298 Part 3.

Reference: NSHXAFÖ 1.8/3 kV Technical Specifications — LAPP Group

3. Construction Specifications

3.1 Conductor Design

The conductor comprises annealed flexible stranded copper conforming to IEC 60228 and HD 383 Class 5 requirements. Both tin-coated and bare copper configurations are available depending on application requirements. The Class 5 fine-wire stranding achieves optimal flexibility for mobile applications while maintaining excellent electrical conductivity.

3.2 Insulation System

The cable utilizes Ethylene-Propylene Rubber (EPR) type 3GI3 insulation conforming to DIN VDE 0207 Part 20. This halogen-free rubber compound provides superior electrical properties with excellent thermal stability across the operating temperature range. EPR insulation offers significant advantages over traditional materials, including enhanced flexibility retention and superior resistance to thermal aging.

The flexibility of elastomer insulation proves particularly crucial in wind turbine applications. Nacelles and tower sections are subject to constant motion from wind loading and rotational stresses, creating dynamic conditions that would quickly fatigue rigid insulation materials. The elastomer compound flexes with these movements, maintaining its integrity over thousands of operational cycles without compromising electrical performance.

Reference: EPR Elastomer Insulation Technology — Crane Cable

3.3 Outer Jacket Construction

The outer jacket utilizes halogen-free thermosetting compound type HM3 conforming to DIN VDE 0207 Part 24. Standard jacket color is black, though alternative colors are available upon request for circuit identification purposes.

• Halogen-free construction protects human life in fire events through low smoke density
• Eliminates corrosive gas emission during combustion
• Excellent flexibility for mobile and fixed applications
• Water resistant compound formulation
• Flame retardant per IEC 60332-1-2
• UV, sunlight, and ozone resistant
• Oil resistant (indicated by “Ö” designation)
• Ink jet printed for easy circuit identification

4. Temperature Performance

4.1 Operating Temperature Range

5. Detailed Technical Parameters

5.1 NSHXAFÖ 0.6/1 kV — Low Voltage Series

5.2 NSHXAFÖ 1.8/3 kV — Medium Voltage Series

5.3 NSHXAFÖ 3.6/6 kV — High Medium Voltage Series

6. Insulation Thickness Comparison Across Voltage Classes

Understanding the relationship between voltage rating and insulation thickness is fundamental to cable selection. Higher voltage classes require proportionally thicker insulation to maintain adequate dielectric strength and ensure safe operation. The following comparison demonstrates how insulation requirements scale with voltage rating:

7. Applications and Use Cases

7.1 Primary Application: Wind Turbine Systems

The NSHXAFÖ cable series is engineered specifically for heavy-duty flexible single core power applications in both mobile and fixed installations within wind energy systems. The combination of halogen-free construction, excellent flexibility, and multi-voltage capability makes these cables ideal for the demanding environment inside wind turbine nacelles and towers.

7.2 Extended Industrial Applications

Beyond wind energy, the NSHXAFÖ cable finds extensive application across multiple industrial sectors. The VDE certification and comprehensive environmental resistance make it suitable for wiring of machines, tools, devices, appliances, and control cabinets where reliability and safety are paramount.

• Wind turbine nacelle and tower power distribution
• Railway vehicles and buses — short-circuit-proof up to 1000V
• Switching stations and power distributors
• Installation in ducts, tubes, pipes, conduits, and closed channels
• Bundled cable installations
• Connection of movable parts requiring flexibility
• Machine wiring and control cabinet connections
• Industrial equipment in harsh environmental conditions

7.3 Installation Considerations

The cable is suitable for both mobile (flexible) applications with minimum bending radius of 10× outer diameter and fixed installations with minimum bending radius of 6× outer diameter. Note that direct burial is not permitted except for lead-through applications such as fire separation sand cups.

8. Bending Radius Specifications

9. Standards and Compliance Reference

10. Packaging and Delivery

Standard delivery configuration is 1000 meters on wooden drums. Alternative packaging formats including smaller reels, cut-to-length options, and custom drum sizes are available upon request from Anhui Feichun Special Cable Co., Ltd. Custom jacket colors other than standard black can be provided for circuit identification purposes.