AS/NZS 5000.1 XLPE/SWA/PVC Armoured Power Cable 0.6/1kV for Industrial, Underground & Building Installations 3 & 4 Core + Earth

Cable Name

AS/NZS 5000.1 XLPE/SWA/PVC + Earth Armoured Cable 0.6/1kV

Application

Armoured power cables with reduced earth for mains, sub-mains, and sub-circuits. Suitable for conduit, direct burial, or underground ducts in buildings and industrial plants where mechanical damage is minimal.

Voltage Rating (Uo/U)

0.6/1 kV

Maximum Operating Temperature

+90°C

Minimum Bending Radius

8 × overall diameter

Standards

AS/NZS 5000.1, AS/NZS 3008, AS/NZS 1125

Sheath Colour

Orange

Construction

Conductor

Plain annealed copper

Insulation

XLPE X-90 (Cross-linked polyethylene)

Bedding

PVC 5V-90 (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Armour

SWA (Galvanised Steel Wire Armour)

Outer Sheath

PVC 5V-90 (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Core Identification

3C+E: Red, White, Blue, Green/Yellow4C+E: Red, White, Blue, Black, Green/Yellow

Electrical Characteristics

Nominal Cross-Section (mm²)

Current Ratings (A) In Air

Buried Direct

Buried In Ducts

Maximum DC Resistance @20°C (Ω/km)

Maximum AC Resistance @90°C (Ω/km)

Reactance (Ω/km)

3-Phase Voltage Drop @90°C (mV/A)

16

83

110

83

1.15

1.47

0.0805

2.55

25

110

145

110

0.727

0.927

0.0808

1.61

35

135

170

135

0.524

0.669

0.0786

1.17

50

170

205

160

0.387

0.494

0.0751

0.868

70

215

250

200

0.268

0.343

0.0741

0.609

95

265

300

240

0.193

0.248

0.0725

0.450

120

305

345

275

0.153

0.197

0.0713

0.366

150

350

385

310

0.124

0.160

0.0718

0.307

185

405

435

355

0.0991

0.129

0.0720

0.259

240

480

500

420

0.0754

0.0998

0.0709

0.216

DIMENSIONS

When it comes to powering industrial plants, commercial buildings, and underground installations, selecting the right armoured cable is crucial. One of the most trusted solutions in Indonesia and across Southeast Asia is the AS/NZS 5000.1 XLPE/SWA/PVC armoured cable 0.6/1kV. But what makes this cable stand out? How does it perform in demanding environments? And why should engineers, contractors, and facility managers consider it over other power cables?

What is the AS/NZS 5000.1 Armoured Cable?

The AS/NZS 5000.1 standard defines low-voltage power cables for Australia and New Zealand. These cables are widely adopted in Indonesia due to their robust construction, high electrical performance, and compliance with international safety standards. Specifically, the XLPE/SWA/PVC + Earth armoured cable is designed for:

  • Industrial plants

  • Building installations

  • Underground conduits and ducting

  • Direct burial where mechanical protection is needed

The cable is suitable for 0.6/1kV applications, making it ideal for mains, sub-mains, and sub-circuits where reliability and safety are critical.

How Does the AS/NZS 5000.1 Cable Compare to Other Industrial Armoured Cables?

Engineers often compare this cable with other low-voltage solutions such as N2XBY, N2XBH, or standard PVC/SWA cables. Here is a simplified comparison:

Feature

AS/NZS 5000.1 XLPE/SWA/PVC

Standard PVC/SWA Cable

N2XBY Cable

Max Operating Temp

+90°C

+70°C

+90°C

Conductor Material

Copper

Copper

Copper

Insulation

XLPE

PVC

PVC

Armour

SWA

SWA

SWA

Suitable for Underground

Yes

Yes

Yes

Suitable for Industrial & Building

Yes

Limited

Yes

Voltage Rating

0.6/1kV

0.6/1kV

0.6/1kV

Insight: XLPE insulation in AS/NZS 5000.1 offers better thermal and dielectric performance compared to standard PVC cables, making it more reliable for high-demand industrial applications.


Where Can AS/NZS 5000.1 Armoured Cables Be Installed?

The versatility of AS/NZS 5000.1 cables allows them to be used in multiple environments:

  1. Industrial Plants: Factories, processing plants, and heavy machinery installations where thermal and mechanical stresses are high.

  2. Commercial Buildings: Mains and sub-mains in office complexes, hotels, hospitals, and data centers.

  3. Underground Installations: Buried directly or within ducting systems in tunnels, subways, and utility conduits.

  4. Building Wiring: Power distribution for high-rise and low-rise buildings, where mechanical protection is required but not extreme.

Case Study – Indonesia: In Jakarta’s industrial zone, a 120mm² AS/NZS 5000.1 3-core + earth cable was used to supply power to a large manufacturing facility. The cable’s SWA armour protected it from accidental excavation damage while its XLPE insulation allowed safe operation in high-temperature zones near machinery. Over two years of continuous operation, the facility reported zero cable faults, demonstrating durability and reliability.


What Are the Common Questions About AS/NZS 5000.1 Armoured Cables?

Can I Use AS/NZS 5000.1 Cables in Wet or Underground Conditions?

Yes. These cables are suitable for direct burial in the ground and installation in underground ducts. However, proper bedding and backfilling are recommended to prevent mechanical damage.

How Do I Choose Between 3-Core + Earth and 4-Core + Earth?

  • 3-Core + Earth: Typically used for three-phase systems without neutral-heavy loads.

  • 4-Core + Earth: Recommended when neutral load balancing is critical or when single-phase supply is needed alongside a three-phase system.

What is the Minimum Bending Radius for Installation?

The minimum bending radius is 8× overall diameter, which ensures that the cable’s insulation and armour are not compromised during installation.

How Does AS/NZS 5000.1 Cable Handle Short-Circuit Conditions?

The cable is designed to withstand short-circuit temperatures up to 250°C for short durations, depending on cross-sectional area, which protects both the cable and connected equipment.

Can These Cables Be Used Indoors and Outdoors?

Yes. The PVC 5V-90 outer sheath provides environmental protection against moisture, UV, and chemical exposure, allowing indoor and outdoor installations.

How Do I Compare Current Ratings for Different Cable Sizes?

Refer to the electrical characteristics table. For instance, a 50mm² cable buried directly can handle up to 205A, while a 150mm² cable can handle 385A, ensuring adequate sizing for industrial loads.


Why Choose AS/NZS 5000.1 Armoured Cables Over Other Solutions?

  • High Reliability: XLPE insulation maintains integrity in high-temperature and heavy-duty conditions.

  • Mechanical Protection: SWA armour protects against accidental damage.

  • Versatile Applications: Suitable for industrial plants, commercial buildings, and underground installations.

  • Compliance with Standards: Adheres to AS/NZS 5000.1, 3008, and 1125, ensuring international quality assurance.

  • Proven Track Record: Widely used in Southeast Asia, including real installations in Indonesia with excellent durability.


For engineers, contractors, and facility managers seeking robust, reliable, and compliant power distribution solutions, the AS/NZS 5000.1 XLPE/SWA/PVC 0.6/1kV armoured cable is a proven choice. Contact a certified distributor in Indonesia today to get technical support, quotations, and installation guidance for your next project. Ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity in your power network with the right armoured cable.