High Voltage Cable
Eland Cables supplies a comprehensive range of IEC 60840 standard High Voltage (HV) cable
to High Voltage Cable datasheets
We provide HV cable solutions for underground power distribution designed to be application-led and project specific. Requirements may include unusual quantities or lengths, short production lead-times, and/or technically challenging constructions.
Underground HV Cable Specifications
High voltage cables to International Standard IEC 60840 are designed for the primary distribution of power on networks with a voltage rating from 45kV to 132kV. Cables manufactured in accordance with HD632 are also available.
These cables can be laid in trenches across extended distances to connect substations or primary power generation sites. Referenced by material type or using the commonly used German nomenclature 2XS(FL)2Y / A2XS(FL)2Y have polyethylene sheathing with wire screen and longitudinal foil, and 2XS(F)K2Y / A2XS(F)K2Y are polyethylene sheathed with a lead metal sheath.
A high density polyethylene (HDPE) is used as standard and offers a compromise between abrasion resistance and flexibility, however various other options, including MDPE, PVC and LSZH materials are available on request.
Subject to the design parameters and installation environment, the metallic screen size and material types can be adapted to best suit the installation bonding arrangements. Additional constructional layers including armour (wires or corrugated tapes) can also be applied.
HV cables are suitable for installations providing mechanical protection to the cable. All variants of IEC 60840 have waterblocking tape to help prevent water ingress and ensure that should the HV cable be damaged, the repair lengths and associated works are kept to a minimum.
Advantages of buried XLPE insulated HV Cables
The benefits of an underground power distribution system at high voltage means:
- Easier installation. No working at heights.
- Minimal visual impact after installation. No need for visible pylons.
- The magnetic field is reduced compared to overhead line.
- Efficient power distribution with low electrical losses
HV Voltage Designations and their applications
| Voltage Designation (Uo/U) | Maximum System Voltage (Um) | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 26/45 kV | 52 kV | Primary medium-to-high voltage distribution networks, industrial plant feeds, and regional primary substations. |
| 36/60 kV | 72.5 kV | Sub-transmission systems, urban electrical grid interconnections, and renewable energy connections (e.g. wind farm arrays). |
| 38/66 kV | 72.5 kV | Common in UK and Commonwealth systems for primary sub-transmission and inter-grid distribution networks. |
| 64/110 kV | 123 kV | Main high-voltage transmission lines, bulk city supply, and major grid substations. |
| 76/132 kV | 145 kV | Regional HV transmission, overhead-to-underground transitions, and metropolitan bulk power delivery. |
| 87/150 kV | 170 kV | High-capacity transmission loops, inter-substation links, and heavy industrial grid supply. |
Note that even when cables are used on the same nominal system (eg: 36 kV class) the voltage designation is further driven by the earthing system and the fault over-voltage, not just the nominal voltage.
HV System Context - An example
Nominal system voltage: 36 kV Maximum system voltage (Um): 72.5 kV
The difference between cable ratings is the insulation level based on fault behaviours.
| Voltage Designation Uo/U (Um) | Earthing | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 36/50 kV | Effectively Earthed Systems | Neutral: Solid or low-impedance grounded Fault behaviour: Healthy phases rise to approx. 1.3-1.4x U0 Implication: Lower temporary overvoltage stress Result: Lower insulation requirements Typical Use: Strongly grounded networks |
| 36/60 kV | Moderately Earthed systems | Neutral: Resistance or reactance grounded Fault behaviour: Higher overvoltages than effectively earthed systems Implication: Increased insulation stress Result: Intermediate insulation requirement Typical Use: Controlled fault current networks |
| 36/66 kV | Unearthed / Resonant Earthed Systems | Neutral: Isolated or Petersen coil grounded Fault behaviour: Healthy phases rise to full line-to-line voltages Implication: Maximum and sustained overvoltage stress Result: Highest insulation requirement Typical Use: Networks requiring supply continuity during faults |
Note that even when cables are used on the same nominal system (eg: 36 kV class) the voltage designation is further driven by the earthing system and the fault over-voltage, not just the nominal voltage.
Why does this matter? Even though system voltage and Um are the same, cables are not interchangeable. Earthing and fault duration dictate insulation requirements.
What are the consequences of incorrect selection? Insulation failure, reduced cable life, partial discharge damage, catastrophic failure during faults.
What is the selection criteria for HV cables? Nominal system voltage, earthing method (critical), fault clearing time, protection scheme behaviour.
Standard High Voltage Portfolio
2XS(FL)2Y A2XS(FL)2Y (Lead cables 2XS(F)K2Y / A2XS(F)K2Y available on request)
The standard HV cable portfolio includes the following cables:
| 2XS(FL)2Y / A2XS(FL)2Y | 2XS(F)K2Y / A2XS(F)K2Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Conductor (Class 2) | Copper/ Aluminium | |
| Conductor screen | Extruded semi-conductive layer of insulation polymer (3-part process) | |
| Insulation | Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE) - 90oC | |
| Insulation screen | Extruded semi-conductive layer of insulation polymer (3-part process) | |
| Waterblocking | Water-swellable semi-conductive tape | |
| Metallic Screen / Metal Sheath | CWS or AWS with AL/Cu foil laminate | Lead alloy (sometimes with additional CWS) |
| Waterblocking | waterblocking tape | - |
| Outer Sheath | HDPE (other options available) | |
| Common Nomenclature | (A)2XS(FL)2Y (PE) (A)2XS(FL)Y (PVC) |
(A)2XS(F)K2Y (PE) (A)2XS(F)KY (PVC) |
High voltage cable technical & project support
We supply high voltage cables with various alternative constructions and voltage ratings. Please contact our technical engineers to discuss your application and your project's specific requirements. Our service also includes provision for specialist transportation of these larger drums. Please speak to the team about your precise requirements.
Jointing and termination accessories can be supplied for projects, with cables calibrated to fit seamlessly. Specialist jointing kits to connect legacy PILC to XLPE insulated HV cables are also available.
HV Conductor Sizes
Conductor configuration is compacted circular stranded (RM) or Milliken segmental stranded compacted circular formation (RMS). The 1200mm2 conductor can be specified as either RM or RMS.
| 24/45kV | 36/60kV | 64/110kV | 72/132kV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 185 / 35 RM | 185 / 35 RM | 185 / 35 RM | 185 / 35 RM |
| 240 / 35 RM | 240 / 35 RM | 240 / 35 RM | 240 / 35 RM |
| 300 / 35 RM | 300 / 35 RM | 300 / 35 RM | 300 / 35 RM |
| 400 / 35 RM | 400 / 35 RM | 400 / 35 RM | 400 / 35 RM |
| 500 / 35 RM | 500 / 35 RM | 500 / 35 RM | 500 / 35 RM |
| 630 / 35 RM | 630 / 35 RM | 630 / 35 RM | 630 / 35 RM |
| 800 / 35 RM | 800 / 35 RM | 800 / 35 RM | 800 / 35 RM |
| 1000 / 35 RM | 1000 / 35 RM | 1000 / 35 RM | 1000 / 35 RM |
| 1200 / 50 RM | 1200 / 50 RM | 1200 / 50 RM | 1200 / 50 RM |
| 1200 / 50 RMS | 1200 / 50 RMS | 1200 / 50 RMS | 1200 / 50 RMS |
| 1400 / 50 RMS | 1400 / 50 RMS | 1400 / 50 RMS | 1400 / 50 RMS |
| 1600 / 50 RMS | 1600 / 50 RMS | 1600 / 50 RMS | 1600 / 50 RMS |
| 1800 / 50 RMS | 1800 / 50 RMS | 1800 / 50 RMS | 1800 / 50 RMS |
| 2000 / 50 RMS | 2000 / 50 RMS | 2000 / 50 RMS | 2000 / 50 RMS |
| 2500 / 50 RMS | 2500 / 50 RMS | 2500 / 50 RMS | 2500 / 50 RMS |
High Voltage Cable
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