AS/NZS 1802 Type 245SF 1.1-3.3 kV UNDERGROUND MINE CABLES

Cable description:

Super-flexible cable for general use to AS/NZS 1802.

Application:

These cables have been designed to operate within the tight bending radii experienced with cable chains used on longwall shearers, and provide additional pilot conductors for modern machine monitoring. For general purpose and especially for trailing applications in cable chains on Longwall Shearer equipment, and in environments calling for maximum flexibility.

Approvals:

AS/NZS 1802

Behaviour in flame and fire:

Fire retardant

Temperature range:

Maximum operating temperature: +90°C

Minimum operating temperature: -25 °C

Flexibility:

Very flexible

Resistance to:

Chemical exposure: Very good/Frequent

Mechanical impact: Heavy

Water exposure: Immersion/Temporary coverage

Solar radiation and

weather exposure: Suitable for direct exposure

Cable design:

Semiconductive screened power cores, with three earth cores and three extensible pilots.

Core: Metal: tinned copper, three core three earths plus three central pilots.

Conductor separator tape: 1.1/1.1 kV – polyester where necessary. 3.3 kV and above – semiconductive screen.

Insulation: EPR (R-EP-90) core with durably printed core numbers at intervals less than 300 mm, on black semiconductive insulation screen for phase identification.

Screen: Semiconductive elastomer screen.

Pilot: Three pilots, in the centre of the cable. Maximum DC resistance; 3 Ω/100 m for all cables.

Earth: Three semiconductive elastomer covered flexible earths, located in the interstices.

Sheath: Open weave reinforcement, under heavy duty HD-85-PCP. Installation conditions In free air In duct Mobile equipment Machines

Installation conditions:

In free air

In duct Mobile equipment

Machines

As underground mining operations become more automated, mobile, and data-driven, the choice of mining cable is no longer just about power delivery. Operators now demand extreme flexibility, mechanical strength, reliable earthing, and integrated pilot conductors for monitoring and protection systems.

This is where the Feichun AS/NZS 1802 Type 245SF 1.1–3.3 kV mining cable stands out.

Designed specifically for longwall shearers, cable chains, and mobile underground equipment, Type 245SF is a super-flexible trailing cable engineered to survive tight bending radii, heavy mechanical stress, and harsh underground conditions—while remaining fully compliant with AS/NZS 1802 requirements.

What Is AS/NZS 1802 Type 245SF Mining Cable?

AS/NZS 1802 Type 245SF is a super-flexible underground mining cable rated for 1.1 kV to 3.3 kV, intended primarily for trailing and reeling applications in underground coal and hard-rock mines.

It is characterised by:

  • Three power conductors

  • Three earth conductors

  • Three extensible pilot conductors

  • EPR insulation with semiconductive screening

  • Heavy-duty PCP outer sheath

  • Very high flexibility for cable chain use

The “SF” designation explicitly refers to Super Flexible, making this cable suitable for applications where standard mining cables would fail prematurely due to bending fatigue.


Where Is Type 245SF Mining Cable Typically Used?

Why Is Type 245SF Ideal for Longwall Shearer Applications?

Longwall shearers impose some of the most demanding mechanical conditions on any mining cable:

  • Continuous movement

  • Tight bending radii

  • Repetitive torsion

  • High mechanical impact

Type 245SF is specifically engineered to handle these conditions, making it ideal for:

  • Longwall shearers

  • Cable chains

  • Mobile underground machines

  • Trailing cable systems

The open-weave reinforcement and finely stranded tinned copper conductors ensure long service life even under continuous dynamic stress.

How Does Type 245SF Compare with Other Mining Cables?

Type 245SF vs Type 241SF: Which Should You Choose?

Feature

Type 245SF

Type 241SF

Voltage range

1.1–3.3 kV

1.1–6.6 kV

Flexibility

Very high (super-flex)

High

Pilot cores

3

1–3

Typical use

Longwall shearers, cable chains

Mobile feeders, reeling

Bending radius

Extremely tight

Moderate

Type 245SF is preferred where continuous movement and tight bending dominate.


How Is Type 245SF Used in South African Mines?

Case Study: Longwall Coal Mine in Mpumalanga

In a deep underground coal operation in Mpumalanga, a longwall shearer experienced repeated cable failures due to bending fatigue and pilot core damage.

After upgrading to AS/NZS 1802 Type 245SF 3.3 kV, the mine reported:

  • Over 40% reduction in cable-related downtime

  • Improved pilot signal reliability for machine monitoring

  • Extended service life in cable chains

This aligns with South Africa’s increasing emphasis on equipment availability, safety compliance, and automation readiness.


What Are the Best Installation Practices for Type 245SF?

How Should Type 245SF Be Installed in Cable Chains?

  • Maintain manufacturer-recommended minimum bending radius

  • Ensure even load distribution in the cable chain

  • Avoid torsional stress during installation

  • Secure pilot terminations carefully to avoid signal loss

Can Type 245SF Be Installed in Ducts or Free Air?

Yes. Approved installation conditions include:

  • Free air

  • Ducts

  • Mobile machines

  • Fixed and semi-mobile equipment


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Type 245SF Suitable for Continuous Flexing Applications?

Yes. It is specifically designed for continuous dynamic movement, including longwall shearer cable chains.


Why Does Type 245SF Use Three Pilot Conductors?

Three pilots allow:

  • Redundant monitoring

  • Advanced machine control

  • Improved safety interlocks

  • Compatibility with modern mining automation systems


Is Type 245SF Fire Retardant?

Yes. The cable is fire retardant and suitable for underground mining environments where flame propagation must be limited.


Can Type 245SF Be Used Outside South Africa?

Absolutely. While widely used in South Africa, it is fully compliant with AS/NZS 1802, making it suitable for Australia, Asia-Pacific, and export mining projects.


Why Choose Feichun Type 245SF Mining Cable?

  • Proven AS/NZS 1802 compliance

  • Designed for maximum flexibility

  • Robust mechanical and chemical resistance

  • Optimised for modern underground mining equipment

  • Backed by real-world mining performance


Need a Reliable Super-Flexible Mining Cable?

If you are:

  • Upgrading longwall shearer systems

  • Experiencing frequent trailing cable failures

  • Designing a new underground mining project

👉 Contact Feichun today to discuss AS/NZS 1802 Type 245SF mining cable options, sizing guidance, and project-specific recommendations.

Email: Li.wang@feichuncables.com