Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages above 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) up to 150 kV (Um = 170 kV)
IEC 60840, this International Standard specifies test methods and requirements for power cable systems for fixed installations, for rated voltages above 30 kV (Um=36kV) up to and including 150 kV (Um=170kV). It also separately covers cables and accessories.
1. Scope and voltage rating
IEC 60840 is specifically intended for fixed installation power cable systems, covering:
- Voltage Range: Rated voltages above 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) up to 150 kV (Um = 170 kV) , 38/66kV,48/66kV,64/110kV,127/220kV
- Objects: Includes single-core cables, three-core cables with individual shielding, and corresponding accessories such as terminations and joints.
- Exclusions: The standard does not apply to special cables, such as submarine cables (which may require modified test conditions), nor does it cover transition joints between extruded and paper-insulated cables.
2. Insulation Types
The standard applies to extruded insulation power cables. The main insulation materials are:
- XLPE (Cross-linked polyethylene) – the predominant thermosetting insulation material for this voltage range
- HEPR (Hard ethylene propylene rubber) – an alternative thermosetting insulation material
3.Sheath / Jacket Types
The standard specifies various metallic and non-metallic sheath/jacket materials to meet different environmental requirements.
1. Metallic Sheath
Used primarily for radial waterproofing and metallic screening. As defined in Clause 4.3, common types include:
- Lead alloy sheath
- Aluminium tape sheath
2. Non-metallic Outer Sheath
As defined in Clause 4.4 and the new material introduced in the 2020 edition:
- PE (Polyethylene) – e.g., HDPE, offering excellent moisture resistance and abrasion resistance
- LSHF / ST12 (Low Smoke Halogen Free) – an environmentally friendly sheathing material first introduced in the 2020 edition. It produces low smoke and is non-toxic and non-corrosive in case of fire, making it particularly suitable for enclosed spaces with high personnel safety requirements
- Other types – The standard also refers to specific formulations such as ST3 and ST7
4. Cable Types
1. Common Designations in China (Reference: GB/T 11017)
Chinese 64/110 kV high-voltage cables complying with IEC 60840 typically follow the national standard GB/T 11017. The designation clearly expresses the cable construction through letter codes.
Basic Format: Insulation + Conductor + Metallic Sheath + Outer Sheath
Common Designations and Explanations:
| Designation | Name and Construction Interpretation | Main Application |
|---|---|---|
| YJLW02 | YJ (XLPE insulation) + L (Aluminium sheath) + W (Corrugated) + 02 (PVC outer sheath) | Indoor, tunnel, cable trench or direct burial; can withstand certain mechanical stress |
| YJLW03 | YJ (XLPE insulation) + L (Aluminium sheath) + W (Corrugated) + 03 (PE outer sheath) | Same as above, but PE outer sheath provides better moisture resistance |
| YJLW02-Z | Base designation with -Z suffix, indicating longitudinal water blocking function | Humid environments or locations with high groundwater levels |
Designation Code Explanation:
- Conductor: Default (no prefix) or “T” added before “YJ” indicates copper conductor (e.g., TYJLW02); “L” added indicates aluminium conductor (e.g., LYJLW02).
- Insulation: YJ represents XLPE.
- Metallic Sheath: L represents aluminium sheath; Q represents lead sheath.
- Outer Sheath: 02 = PVC; 03 = PE.
2. International Common Designations (European Harmonized System)
In the international market, particularly Europe, cable designations often follow HD (Harmonization Document) standards, with a naming system different from the Chinese one.
| Designation Example | Name and Construction Interpretation |
|---|---|
| N2XS(FL)2Y | N (Conforms to HD standard) + 2X (XLPE insulation) + S (Metallic sheath/screen) + (FL) (Water blocking construction) + 2Y (PE outer sheath) |
| NA2XS(FL)2Y | Based on N2XS(FL)2Y, A indicates aluminium conductor (if starting with N without A, copper conductor is default) |
| (N)TMCHXOEU | Prysmian flexible cable designation: TM (Extra flexible copper conductor) + CHX (HEPR insulation) + OEU (LSZH outer sheath) |
3. Construction vs. Code Cross-Reference Table
Regardless of the designation system, the core purpose is to describe the cable construction. The following table helps you quickly identify what material each code represents:
| Component | Common Chinese Code | Common International Code |
|---|---|---|
| Conductor (Cu/Al) | (T) / L | NA (Aluminium) / default (Copper) |
| Insulation (XLPE/HEPR) | YJ | 2X (XLPE) / CHX (HEPR) |
| Metallic Sheath (Lead/Al) | Q (Lead) / L (Aluminium) | S (Screen/Sheath) / (FL) Water blocking |
| Outer Sheath (PVC/PE/LSZH) | 02 (PVC) / 03 (PE) | 2Y (PE) / O (LSZH) |
IEC 60840 Cable
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FAQ
Answers To Your Most Common Questions
Find quick answers to common questions below.
Answer:
XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene)
HEPR (Hard ethylene propylene rubber)
Answer: ICEA S-93-639 cover 38/66kV, 48/66kV, 64/110kV, 127/220kV
Answer: Lead alloy sheath and Aluminum tape sheath
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