12/20kV Cables
Our mains power distribution cables with a voltage rating of 12/20kV are commonly used in European installations, laid direct in the ground, outdoors and indoors.
Designed in accordance with IEC 60502, these MV cables are often referenced by their construction, with N identifying copper conductors and NA designating aluminium conductors. Aluminium conductors are often selected when there is no restriction on space in the installation environment, offering a lighter but larger cable compared to the copper equivalent.
20kV Cable Construction
Eland Cables' range of 20kV cables generally have a single conductor and employ copper wires as an electromagnetic screen to prevent interference with other cables sited nearby. Where required, the cables are available with water swellable powders or tapes and bonded foil tapes for a longitudinal watertight layer to protect against the damaging effects of water in the insulation system, which has the potential to bring on the premature onset of partial discharge and reduce the life of the cable.
There are three-core configurations available, albeit less commonly specified. Should you require a 3-core 20kV cable and the details are not contained within the technical datasheets linked below, please contact the team who will be able to assist.
Example 20kV Cables
| N2XSY / NA2XSY | single copper or aluminium core XLPE-insulated with PVC oversheath - also available with longitudinal and/or radial waterblocking (F) and (FL). Three core variants available under the reference N2XSEY |
| N2XS2Y / NA2XS2Y | single copper or aluminium core XLPE-insulated with PE oversheath - referenced as N2XS(F)2Y and N2XS(FL)2Y for waterblocked variants |
| N2XSH / NA2XSH | single core copper or aluminium conductor cable with XLPE-insulated with LSZH oversheath - similarly available with waterblocking as N2XS(F)H and N2XS(FL)H |
| XHIOE / LXHIOE | Portuguese reference for PE sheathed MV cable available in voltages including 12/20kV. Copper or Aluminium conductors |
| XHIOV / LXHIOV | Portuguese reference for PVC sheathed cable available in voltages including 12/20kV. Copper or Aluminium conductors. |
| FR-N20XA8E-R / FR-N20XA8E-AR | French reference MV cable with Copper or Aluminium cores and MDPE sheathing, available in 12/20kV under NF C33-226 standard |
With European standard power distribution cables generally available in 10kV , 20kV and 30kV voltages as standard, there are similarities in construction across the portfolio, with variations to support the specific environmental and installation parameters. Whilst both red and black sheathing can be UV resistant and therefore suitable for external installation, the black sheathed cables offer increased UV-resistance owing to a higher carbon black content in the sheathing compound. Please refer to the PDF specification sheets for further information.
It should be noted that whilst British standard medium voltage cables (BS6622, BS7835 and BS7870-4.10) are all offered with a rated voltage of 12.7/22kV, they share the same maximum system voltage (Um)
Geo-specific MV standard cables for Spain, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, and the Netherlands, are all also available on our website, with further technical datasheets available on request.
Technical Support for 20kV Cable Projects
As Medium Voltage cable specialists, our experts in The Cable Lab are well-placed to assist you in questions regarding 12/20kV cable specification along with appropriate accessories and installation environments. Please contact them for advice specific to your application and installation.
20kV Cable
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