What is PROTOLON XPRT -50°C / PROTOLON XPRT-LWL -50°C: An In-Depth Engineering Analysis of the Cold-Resistant Medium Voltage Reeling Cable
PROTOLON XPRT -50°C and PROTOLON XPRT-LWL -50°C are flexible medium voltage reeling cables designed for high to extreme mechanical stress in very cold environments. The family covers multiple voltage classes from 3.6/6 kV to 12/20 kV, with the LWL version adding integrated fibre optics for combined power and data transmission. Its defining engineering value is not only medium voltage power supply, but reliable reeling, bending, torsion and dynamic tensile performance even in fully flexible operation down to -50°C.
“`Definition and application
1. What is PROTOLON XPRT -50°C / PROTOLON XPRT-LWL -50°C?
PROTOLON XPRT -50°C is a cold-resistant flexible medium voltage reeling cable for high to extreme mechanical stress. The standard power version uses the type designation (N)TSCGEWOEU. The fibre-optic hybrid version, PROTOLON XPRT-LWL -50°C, uses the LWL designation (N)TSKCGEWOEU.
The family is based on DIN VDE 0250-813 and is designed for mobile equipment such as fast-moving container cranes and other large dynamic machinery. It is intended for applications involving high travel speeds, dynamic tensile loads, frequent directional changes across multiple planes, churning over rollers and torsional forces.
The decisive difference from standard medium voltage reeling cables is the cold-temperature design boundary: this family remains suitable for fully flexible operation down to -50°C. That makes it relevant for cold regions, winter port operations, mining machinery, Arctic and sub-Arctic outdoor terminals, and any project where a conventional flexible rubber cable may become too stiff under low-temperature movement.
Technical thesis
Engineering argument: PROTOLON XPRT -50°C is not simply a standard reeling cable with a lower storage temperature. The insulation, inner sheath and outer sheath are all based on special compounds for extreme cold conditions, while the cable still needs to survive dynamic reel tension, roller bending and torsion. The key engineering value is the combination of medium voltage electrical safety, high mechanical stress capability and fully flexible -50°C mobility in one cable system.
| Product family | Type designation | Construction concept | Primary engineering function |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROTOLON XPRT -50°C | (N)TSCGEWOEU | 3C+3G, also with control or BUS options | Cold-resistant medium voltage reeling power cable for dynamic machinery |
| PROTOLON XPRT-LWL -50°C | (N)TSKCGEWOEU | LWL: 3C+2G+FO, also with control or BUS options | Cold-resistant opto-power reeling cable for combined power and data transmission |
Electrical parameters and voltage classes
2. Electrical Parameters: From 3.6/6 kV to 12/20 kV
The -50°C family covers several medium voltage classes. The supplied electrical table lists 3.6/6 kV, 6/10 kV, 8.7/15 kV and 12/20 kV, with corresponding maximum permissible operating voltage and AC test voltage values.
| Rated voltage U0/U [kV] | Max. permissible operating voltage AC [kV] | Max. permissible operating voltage DC [kV] | AC test voltage [kV] | Engineering interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6/6 | 4.2/7.2 | — | 11 | For 6 kV class mobile medium voltage supply systems |
| 6/10 | 6.9/12 | — | 17 | For 10 kV class reeling supply systems |
| 8.7/15 | 10.4/18 | — | 24 | For 15 kV class crane and mobile machinery systems |
| 12/20 | 13.9/24 | — | 29 | For 20 kV class large mobile equipment supply |
The product heading also references 1.8/3 kV / 3.6/6 kV as part of the family positioning. The electrical parameter table provided here explicitly lists values from 3.6/6 kV upward, so project documentation should confirm the exact electrical data if a 1.8/3 kV version is requested.
Voltage selection warning
Engineering warning: voltage class selection should not be based on the nominal system voltage alone. The engineer should also verify maximum permissible operating voltage, AC test voltage, termination system, cable outer diameter, reel geometry, moving bending radius and installation temperature. In cold reeling duty, electrical and mechanical verification are inseparable.
Cable construction
3. Construction Analysis: Conductors, EPR Insulation, Field Control, PCP Sheath and Polyester Braid
The cable construction follows the architecture of a high mechanical stress medium voltage reeling cable, but with compounds selected for extreme cold conditions. Both the power-only version and the LWL hybrid version are designed around flexible tinned copper conductors, EPR-based insulation, semiconductive field control and a special PCP sheath system for cold dynamic operation.
Why the sheath system matters
Engineering argument: at -50°C, the sheath is no longer just an abrasion layer. It becomes a decisive mechanical spring in the cable system. If the sheath hardens, the moving bending radius effectively increases, roller pressure rises, internal elements become overstressed and the cable loses dynamic life. The special PCP sheath system is therefore central to both cold flexibility and mechanical reliability.
Cold-temperature engineering
4. -50°C Cold Flexibility: Why Fully Flexible Operation at -50°C is the Key Feature
Many cables can be stored or installed at low temperatures, but far fewer can operate dynamically at those temperatures. PROTOLON XPRT -50°C is specified with an ambient temperature range for fully flexible operation from -50°C to +80°C. That means the cable is intended to move, bend, reel and pass over rollers at -50°C, not merely remain stationary.
| Thermal parameter | Value | Engineering interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum operating temperature of conductor | 90°C | Continuous thermal limit of the conductor and insulation system |
| Maximum short-circuit temperature of conductor | 250°C | Short-time thermal withstand basis |
| Ambient temperature for fixed installation | -50°C to +80°C | Suitable for static or fixed sections in extreme cold environments |
| Ambient temperature in fully flexible operation | -50°C to +80°C | Suitable for dynamic reel, roller and moving operation at -50°C |
The distinction between fixed and fully flexible temperature is critical. A cable that survives fixed installation at -50°C may still be unsuitable for a moving reel at the same temperature. In this product family, both fixed and fully flexible minimum temperatures are stated as -50°C, which is the central engineering reason for choosing the -50°C version.
LWL fibre-optic hybrid version
5. PROTOLON XPRT-LWL -50°C: Power and Data Transmission in One Cold-Resistant Reeling Cable
The LWL version is available with integrated fibre optics for combined transmission of power and data. The fibre-optic element can contain up to 24 optical fibres, with single-mode E9 or multi-mode G62.5 or G50 options.
This makes the LWL version relevant for advanced communication and control capabilities on container cranes, large mobile machinery and automation-heavy equipment. The same reeling cable can carry medium voltage power, protective earth and optical communication, reducing the need for a separate fibre-optic reel or cable route.
| Data transmission feature | Available option | Engineering meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum fibre count | Up to 24 fiber optics | Enough for redundant communication, control, monitoring and future spare channels |
| Single-mode option | E9 | Suitable for long-distance and high-bandwidth crane or terminal communication |
| Multi-mode option | G62.5 or G50 | Suitable for specific equipment networks and site communication architectures |
| Hybrid structure | 3C+2G+FO | Combines medium voltage power, protective earth and optical data in one cable |
Power + data under cold movement
Engineering argument: in cold climates, running a separate fibre-optic reeling cable adds another moving system that must survive the same low-temperature bending, torsion and roller stress. The LWL hybrid approach consolidates power and data into one cable path, but it also makes correct reel design, bending radius and fibre termination especially important.
Mechanical, chemical and environmental performance
6. Mechanical, Chemical and Environmental Parameters
The cable is designed for high to extreme mechanical stress, including high travel speeds, dynamic tensile loads, frequent directional changes across multiple planes, churning over rollers and torsional forces. The maximum tensile load on the conductor is 20 N/mm², bending radii follow DIN VDE 0298, part 3, and reeling operation is specified up to 240 m/min.
| Parameter group | Value / reference | Engineering interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Max. tensile load on conductor | 20 N/mm² | Primary tensile verification value for the conductor system |
| Bending radii min. | According to DIN VDE 0298, part 3 | Reel, roller and fixed route geometry must follow the applicable bending rules |
| Travel speed | Reeling operation up to 240 m/min | Suitable for fast-moving mobile equipment within the stated speed boundary |
| Current carrying capacity | According to DIN VDE 0298, part 4 | Ampacity must be confirmed against installation method and ambient conditions |
| Oil resistance | According to DIN EN 60811-404 | Suitable for industrial and crane environments exposed to oils and lubricants |
| Weather resistance | Outdoor and indoor use; ozone, UV, moisture and cold resistant | Suitable for exposed outdoor terminals, cold climates and industrial sites |
Mechanical warning
Engineering warning: low-temperature operation increases the importance of reel geometry. Even if the cable compound is rated for -50°C movement, an undersized reel core, sharp roller, short S-type direction change or uncontrolled torsion can reduce cable life. The cable and the reeling system must be treated as one mechanical design.
Selection framework
7. How to Select PROTOLON XPRT -50°C / PROTOLON XPRT-LWL -50°C
Selecting this family means verifying three systems together: the medium voltage electrical system, the cold mechanical reeling system and, if LWL is used, the fibre-optic communication system. Cross-section and voltage alone are not enough.
| Selection dimension | Data to confirm | Decision it drives |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage class | 3.6/6, 6/10, 8.7/15 or 12/20 kV system | Confirms rated voltage, operating voltage and AC test voltage requirement |
| Low-temperature requirement | Minimum operating temperature and whether the cable moves at that temperature | Confirms need for the -50°C fully flexible version |
| Machine type | Container crane, mobile machinery, mining equipment, outdoor dynamic equipment | Confirms whether high to extreme mechanical stress design is required |
| Travel speed | Actual reeling speed and acceleration profile | Checked against reeling operation up to 240 m/min |
| Tensile load | Reel tension, cable weight, acceleration, braking and hanging length | Checked against 20 N/mm² tensile rule |
| Bending geometry | Reel diameter, roller diameter, cable path and direction changes | Checked according to DIN VDE 0298, part 3 |
| LWL requirement | Fibre count, single-mode or multi-mode, communication architecture | Determines whether XPRT-LWL -50°C is required |
| Environment | Oil, UV, ozone, moisture, cold temperature and outdoor exposure | Confirms PCP sheath and weather-resistant performance requirements |
7.1 Power-only version vs LWL hybrid version
| Comparison item | PROTOLON XPRT -50°C | PROTOLON XPRT-LWL -50°C | Engineering reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type designation | (N)TSCGEWOEU | (N)TSKCGEWOEU | LWL version uses the hybrid designation |
| Cross-section concept | 3C+3G, also + control or BUS | 3C+2G+FO, also + control or BUS | One earth interstice is replaced by the fibre-optic element |
| Data transmission | Power cable only unless separate data cable is used | Integrated fibre optics up to 24 fibres | LWL version reduces need for separate fibre reeling system |
| Cold flexibility | Fully flexible operation down to -50°C | Fully flexible operation down to -50°C | Both versions are designed for extreme cold dynamic operation |
| Typical project use | Medium voltage power supply for cold mobile equipment | Power and data supply for automated cold-region mobile equipment | Choose LWL when communication and control data must move with the power cable |
Engineer FAQ
8. Frequently Asked Engineering Questions
Question 1 — What is PROTOLON XPRT -50°C?
Answer: It is a cold-resistant flexible medium voltage reeling cable designed for high to extreme mechanical stress, with fully flexible operation from -50°C to +80°C. It is primarily intended for mobile equipment such as fast-moving container cranes and large dynamic machinery.
Question 2 — What is the difference between XPRT -50°C and XPRT-LWL -50°C?
Answer: XPRT -50°C is the power cable version with 3C+3G construction. XPRT-LWL -50°C is the hybrid version with 3C+2G+FO construction, integrating fibre optics for combined power and data transmission.
Question 3 — Can the cable move at -50°C, or is -50°C only for storage?
Answer: The provided data states ambient temperature in fully flexible operation from -50°C to +80°C. This means the cable is designed for dynamic movement, reeling and bending at -50°C when the system geometry and operating conditions are correct.
Question 4 — What voltage classes are covered?
Answer: The electrical data lists 3.6/6 kV, 6/10 kV, 8.7/15 kV and 12/20 kV, with AC test voltages of 11 kV, 17 kV, 24 kV and 29 kV respectively.
Question 5 — What fibre types are available in the LWL version?
Answer: The LWL version can integrate up to 24 optical fibres, with single-mode E9 or multi-mode G62.5 or G50 options, depending on the communication system design.
Question 6 — What is the reeling speed limit?
Answer: The supplied data states reeling operation up to 240 m/min. For project selection, the actual acceleration, reel tension, roller path and low-temperature movement should also be checked.
Question 7 — Why is the PCP sheath important?
Answer: The inner and outer sheath are made of special PCP rubber compound better than 5GM5 for extreme cold conditions down to -50°C. This sheath system provides the low-temperature flexibility, abrasion resistance, tear resistance and weather durability needed in cold reeling duty.
Feichun Engineering View
PROTOLON XPRT -50°C and PROTOLON XPRT-LWL -50°C represent the cold-region version of high mechanical stress medium voltage reeling cable engineering. Their value lies in the combination of medium voltage operation, very finely stranded tinned class FS conductors, special EPR insulation for -50°C conditions, semiconductive field control, PCP sheath system better than 5GM5, polyester braid torsion protection, reeling speed up to 240 m/min and fully flexible operation down to -50°C. For projects involving container cranes, large mobile machinery, cold outdoor ports, mining equipment or automation systems with optical communication, selection should verify voltage class, low-temperature movement, reel geometry, tensile force, bending radius, environmental exposure and LWL fibre requirements together.
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