Type YHKGXSFtlyn 3.6/6 kV Screened mining cables

Mining power cable with individual shield and copper core,

Insulated with cross-linked polyethylene, PVC coating, steel tape armor

Coated with flame retardant PVC outer shell

These mining power cables are designed for underground electrical installations in mining operations (with a rated voltage up to 6 kV).

They comply with the Polish standard ZN-TF-203:2014 and are suitable for use in areas with methane or coal dust explosion risks.

Construction & Materials

The cable is built with several layers to ensure durability, safety, and excellent electrical performance:

  1. Conductor:

    • Made from compressed, multi-stranded, round copper wires (Class 2 per EN 60228).

  2. Working Conductor Shield:

    • Each conductor is individually shielded using either a conductive tape or a conductive polyethylene-based material.

  3. Insulation:

    • Uses cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE, type DIX 3) as insulation, following the PN-HD 620 S1:2002 standard.

  4. Central Core:

    • The working conductors are twisted around a central copper wire or strand, which helps maintain cable stability.

  5. Filler Layer:

    • A layer of unvulcanized rubber or tire-derived compound is applied to fill gaps.

  6. Inner Sheath:

    • A PVC layer (type DMV 31, per PN-HD 620 S1:2002) is added for additional insulation and protection.

  7. Armour:

    • A steel tape (galvanized iron, “Fe” tape) armor is wrapped around the cable to provide mechanical protection.

  8. Outer Sheath:

    • The final layer is an outer flame-retardant PVC sheath (also type DMV 31), which is typically red in color.

Key Electrical & Mechanical Characteristics

  • Color Coding:

    • Insulation: Natural color

    • Outer Sheath: Red

  • Temperature Ratings:

    • Maximum operating temperature (conductor): 90 °C

    • Minimum ambient temperature (for permanently laid cables): –30 °C

    • Minimum temperature during installation (without preheating): –50 °C

    • Maximum temperature during a short-circuit: 250 °C

  • Bending Radius:

    • The cable should not be bent to a radius less than 12 times its overall diameter.

  • Test Voltage:

    • The cable is proof-tested at 15 kV AC for 5 minutes (50 Hz).

  • Flame Spread Resistance:

    • The cable meets the requirements of IEC 60332-1-2 and IEC 60332-3-24C.

  • Tensile Strength:

    • Maximum pulling force is calculated as 50 times the sum of the cross-sectional areas (in mm²) of the working conductors.

  • Packaging Options:

    • Standard reels come in lengths of 500 or 1,000 meters, though other options may be available.

Electrical Specifications & Derating Factors

  • Available Sizes:

    • The cables come in various conductor sizes (e.g., 3×25, 3×35, 3×50, up to 3×240 mm²). Detailed tables specify the insulation and sheath thicknesses, overall cable diameter, weight per kilometer, and maximum conductor resistance at 20 °C.

  • Current Carrying Capacity:

    • A table provides the rated current (in amperes) for different conductor cross-sections along with unit inductance (mH/km) and unit inductive reactance (Ω/km).

  • Derating Factors:

    • Parallel Installation: When cables are installed one above the other on supports, the current capacity must be reduced using correction factors:

      • 1 cable: 1.00

      • 2 cables: 0.93

      • 3 cables: 0.90

      • 6 cables: 0.87

      • 9 cables: 0.86

    • Ambient Temperature: For ambient temperatures above 25 °C, further correction factors are applied (e.g., at 30 °C: 0.96; 35 °C: 0.92; 40 °C: 0.88; up to 55 °C: 0.73).

Application

These cables are intended for use in underground power networks in mining plants where the supply voltage does not exceed 6 kV. They are approved for use in both methane and non-methane zones, including areas with different classifications of explosion hazards (methane explosion classes A and B, and coal dust explosion risks).

Certifications

The cable holds certifications and approvals from relevant bodies such as EMAG and WUG.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Q: What is the rated voltage of these mining cables?


    A: The cables are designed for use in networks with a rated voltage of 3.6/6 kV.

  • Q: What are the primary applications of this cable?


    A: They are intended for underground power distribution in mining plants, suitable for both methane and non-methane areas, including hazardous zones with explosion risks.

  • Q: What type of conductor is used in these cables?


    A: The conductor is made from compressed, multi-stranded round copper wires (Class 2 as per EN 60228).

  • Q: How are the individual conductors protected electrically?


    A: Each conductor is individually shielded using a conductive tape or a conductive polyethylene-based material to ensure proper performance.

  • Q: What insulation material is used in these cables?


    A: The insulation is made of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), specifically type DIX 3 in accordance with PN-HD 620 S1:2002.

  • Q: What additional mechanical protection does the cable have?


    A: The cable includes a steel tape armor layer that provides robust mechanical protection, making it ideal for harsh mining environments.

  • Q: Is the outer sheath flame retardant?


    A: Yes, the outer sheath is made of flame-retardant PVC (type DMV 31) that complies with IEC standards for flame spread resistance.

  • Q: What are the maximum temperature ratings for the cable during normal operation?


    A: The working conductor can operate at a maximum temperature of 90 °C.

  • Q: How does the cable perform during short-circuit conditions?


    A: During a short-circuit, the conductor can reach temperatures up to 250 °C, as specified.

  • Q: What are the minimum ambient temperature requirements for permanent installations?


    A: The cable is designed to operate in ambient temperatures as low as –30 °C for permanently laid installations.

  • Q: Can these cables be installed in extremely cold conditions without preheating?


    A: Yes, they can be installed at temperatures as low as –50 °C, even without preheating.

  • Q: What is the minimum bending radius for installation?


    A: The minimum bending radius is 12 times the overall cable diameter, ensuring the cable is not damaged during installation.

  • Q: How is the cable tested for electrical integrity?


    A: The cable undergoes a proof test at 15 kV AC for 5 minutes (50 Hz) to verify its insulation quality and overall integrity.

  • Q: What certifications does this cable have?


    A: The cable is certified by bodies such as EMAG and WUG, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

  • Q: How is the cable packaged for delivery?


    A: Standard packaging is available in 500 or 1,000-meter reels, though customized lengths and packaging types can be arranged.

  • Q: What measures are in place to handle the risk of explosion in mining areas?


    A: The cable is specifically designed and approved for use in zones with potential methane or coal dust explosion risks (classes A and B).

  • Q: How does the layered construction enhance the cable’s durability?


    A: Its construction includes copper conductors, individual shielding, XLPE insulation, a robust PVC inner layer, steel tape armor, and a flame-retardant PVC outer sheath—each layer adds protection against electrical, thermal, and mechanical stresses.

  • Q: What are the correction factors for current capacity when cables are installed parallel on supports?


    A: If cables are laid one above the other, the rated current must be derated using specific factors, for example, 0.93 for 2 cables, 0.90 for 3 cables, 0.87 for 6 cables, and 0.86 for 9 cables.

  • Q: Are there additional derating factors for ambient temperatures above 25 °C?


    A: Yes, for ambient temperatures exceeding 25 °C, additional correction factors are applied (e.g., 0.96 at 30 °C, 0.92 at 35 °C, 0.88 at 40 °C, down to 0.73 at 55 °C).

  • Q: How do the electrical properties (such as resistance and inductance) affect performance?


    A: Detailed electrical characteristics, including maximum conductor resistance, unit inductance, and inductive reactance, ensure efficient power delivery and minimal losses, which are critical for mining applications.

  • Q: What benefits do copper conductors provide in this cable?


    A: Copper offers excellent electrical conductivity and durability, ensuring high performance and longevity in demanding mining environments.

  • Q: Can this cable be used for both new installations and retrofits in mining operations?


    A: Absolutely. The cable’s robust design and adherence to strict standards make it suitable for both new installations and retrofit projects in the mining industry.

  • Q: How does the individual shielding of each conductor improve cable performance?


    A: Individual shielding minimizes electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ensures balanced voltage distribution, which is especially important in complex underground mining networks.

  • Q: Why is the use of steel tape armor important for mining cables?


    A: The steel tape armor provides excellent mechanical protection against impacts, abrasion, and rodent damage, making the cable resilient in harsh mining conditions.

  • Q: What long-term reliability features make this cable ideal for mining environments?


    A: The multi-layer construction, robust materials, compliance with high temperature and flame retardancy standards, and proven electrical performance ensure that the cable will reliably withstand the challenges of mining applications over time.

a person standing next to a truck
a person standing next to a truck
a construction site with a crane
a construction site with a crane
A tunnel filled with lots of machines and machinery
A tunnel filled with lots of machines and machinery

Type YHKGXSFtlyn 3.6/6 kV Screened mining cables

Type YHKGXSFtlyn 3.6/6 kV Screened Mining Cable – a robust, high-performance cable designed for underground mining. Built to Polish standard ZN-TF-203:2014, it features multi-stranded, individually shielded copper conductors, XLPE insulation, a PVC inner sheath, steel tape armor, and a flame-retardant PVC outer jacket. This cable is engineered for extreme conditions, ensuring reliable, long-term power delivery in hazardous mining environments.

6/30/20216 min read