Electrical Cable Types, Sizes, and Installation

The different electrical cable types have the purpose of transporting electrical energy from one point to another. Depending on their final application, cables can have different configurations, always basing their design on national and international regulations.

CABLES: Voltage

An electric cable is measured in volts and, depending on these, they are categorized into one group or another:

• Low Voltage cables (up to 1,000 V): (also called (0,6/1 kV) The cables in this section are used for industrial power installations in various fields (general industry, public installations, infrastructures, etc.). They are designed according to international standards (UNE, IEC, BS, UL).
• Medium Voltage cables: from 1 kV to 36 kV. They are used to distribute electricity from electrical substations to transformer stations.
• High Voltage cables: from 36 kV. They are used to transport electricity from the generating plants to the electrical substations.

Low voltage cables

Single Core Electric Cables

• Also know as Conduit wiring. Conduit wiring cable is used for many applications and can be run through plastic or flexible conduit. Our vast range of conduit wiring cable is ideal for connecting appliances, power circuits, heating and lighting controls, and many other applications

 

Flexible Power cables

• The application range of flex cables is very wide, covering almost every industry and field, and is preferred for power tools, control systems, data communication, and more. Flexible cable, is designed to provide flexibility and durability in drag chain systems or applications requiring frequent bending, twisting, or movement.

 

Armoured cables

• Cables with aluminium or steel reinforcement for installations with risk of mechanical aggression. It is also common to find armoured cables in places where rodents are present, as well as in installations on premises with a risk of fire and explosion (ATEX).

 

Aluminium Overhead Conductors

Aluminium overhead conductors mainly come in 3 variations:

All Aluminium Conductor (AAC) – Despite having a good conductivity, because of its relatively poor strength, AAC has limited use in transmission and rural distribution lines. However, AAC can be seen in urban areas for distribution where spans are usually short but higher conductivity is required.

Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) – ACSR with higher steel content is selected where higher mechanical strength is required, such as river crossing. ASCR conductors are very widely used for all transmission and distribution purposes.

All Aluminium Alloy Conductor (AAAC) – Because of AAAC’s lighter weight as compared to ACSR of equal strength and current capacity, AAAC may be used for distribution purposes. However, it is not usually preferred for transmission. Also, AAAC conductors can be employed in coastal areas because of their excellent corrosion resistance.

 

Fire resistant cables

• These cables are specially designed to transmit electrical energy in the extreme conditions that occur during a prolonged fire, guaranteeing supply to emergency equipment such as signaling, smoke extractors, acoustic alarms, water pumps, etc. Their use is recommended in emergency circuits in places with public concurrence.

 

Instrumentation & Control cables

• Control cables are mainly designed for the interconnection of machine parts used for manufacturing, for signaling and control systems, for the connection of motors or frequency converters, for signal transmission.

Instrumentation cables

• These are flexible and shielded cables for the transmission of signals between equipment in industrial installations. Especially suitable for optimum data transmission in environments with a high level of electromagnetic interference.

 

Solar cables

• These cables are particularly suitable for connecting photovoltaic panels, and from the panels to the DC to AC inverter. Thanks to the design of their materials and their cover, which is especially resistant to solar radiation and extreme temperatures, they can be installed outdoors with full guarantees.

 

Submersible cables

• Submersible pump cables are specialized electrical cables designed to power submersible pumps, which are installed underwater. These cables are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the pump, as they must withstand harsh environmental conditions, including moisture, pressure, and potentially corrosive substances.

Types of insulation for electric cables

The insulation consists of placing an insulating coating on the conductor to prevent current leakage. They are classified into two large groups: thermoplastic and thermoset.

1. Thermoplastic insulation

They are most common in the manufacture of electrical cables are:

• PVC:Polyvinyl chloride
• PE: Linear polyethylene
• PU: Polyurethane
• Thermosetting insulation
• The most common are:

• EPR: Ethylene Propylene

• XLPE: Crosslinked Polyethylene

• EVA: Ethyl Vinyl Acetate

• SI: Silicone

• PCP: Neoprene

• SBR: Natural Rubber

Types of metal protections for electrical cables

In some cases, the cables may have metal shields.

• Screens: these are electrical metal protections applied to isolate the signals that pass through the interior of the cable from possible external interference.
• Armours: these are mechanical protections that protect the cable from possible external aggressions: animals, blows, etc.

3-Phase Cable Colour Codes (BS Standard)

• It is important to note that three-phase colours differ from the wiring colours used for standard wiring systems. 3-phase wiring colours were also harmonised in March 2006, meaning that United Kingdom standards are now more in line with three-phase wire practices across mainland Europe.
• The old and new 3-phase colours can be seen in the table below:

	Old BS 3-Phase Colours	New BS 3-Phase Colours
Phase 1	Red	Brown
Phase 2	Yellow	Black
Phase 3	Blue	Grey
Neutral	Black	Blue