MARINE CABLES

Marine cables are installed in fishing and merchant vessels, cruise ships, feeder’s vessels, bulk barriers, tankers, drillships, and offshore vessels in mud-free areas or without drilling use (Floatels, PLV, sismic vessels, etc).

When choosing the best marine cable, consider some of the following factors listed below:
Cable cross-section
Conductors
Cable insulation
Voltage rating
Temperature rating
Fire performance
Standard classifications
International and local regulations

XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) withstands higher temperatures than ordinary thermoplastic polyethylene. It is resistant against deformation and various chemicals, with excellent mechanical and electrical properties. The maximum conductor temperature stipulated by IEC 60092-360 marine cable standard is 90 ̊C.

Marine cables are robust and versatile cables designed to withstand harsh marine environment such as saltwater corrosion, extreme hot and cold temperatures, mechanical stress, and potential fire hazards. Their robust construction, featuring protective layers of insulation, bedding, armouring, and sheathing, shields against environmental threats, ensuring uninterrupted electrical service and safeguarding the vessel and its crew.

The increase of electronic devices on yachts and ships makes necessary to Install shielded and VFD electric cables that will minimize the electromagnetic waves that may cause electrical interference. It is also paramount to install cables designed for marine use that withstand seawater corrosion and UV radiation.

Marine cables undergo rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure the utmost reliability and safety of the installation. These cables must comply with international standards, to guarantee the shipboard safety. The International Electromechanical Commission (IEC) stands out as the world reference for marine cable manufacturing and usage.

Fire, smoke emissions and toxic fumes can threaten life and equipment in small and closed environments like merchant vessels or cruise ships. Low Smoke Halogen free (LSHF) TOXFREE® marine cables are manufactured and tested according to the most exigent fire requirements.

The increase of electronic devices on yachts and ships makes necessary to Install shielded and VFD electric cables that will minimize the electromagnetic waves that may cause electrical interference. It is also paramount to install cables designed for marine use that withstand seawater corrosion and UV radiation.

Ship owners, cable distributors, installers and contractors need to be certain that the cables they purchase are up-to-standard and fit-to-use in service. American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Bureau Veritas (BV), Det Norske Veritas & Germanischer Lloyd Maritime (DNV GL), and Lloyd’s Register Marine (LR) are third party independent verification bodies. These companies assess that the cables they certify comply with marine standards and are safe for its installation.

The cable TOXFREE® Marine XTCuZ1-K (AS) means the following unique cable construction:

X Cross-linked polyethylene insulation, type HF XLPE-90°C.
TCu Copper braid armour.
Z1 Themoplastic Polyolefin. Low smoke, halogen-free and flame retardant compound.
-K Flexible class 5 conductors.
(AS) Flame retardant IEC 60332-3-22 (Category A)
(AS+) For its fire resistant version, the cable TOXFREE® Marine XTCuZ1-K (AS+) means Fire resistant IEC 60331-21.

Continue reading more examples of marine cables designations.