BS 6622 CU XLPE AWA/SWA PVC 3.8/6.6kV Armoured Power Cable – Single & Multi-Core, Direct Burial, Outdoor & Underground Applications
Application | Armoured power distribution cables for external and direct burial applications in power networks |
Voltage Rating (Uo/U / Um) | 3.8/6.6 (7.2) kV |
Temperature Rating | Max conductor: 90°C; Initial S.C.C metallic screen: 80°C; Max conductor during S.C.: 250°C |
Minimum Bending Radius | Single core: 15 × overall diameter; Multi core: 13 × overall diameter |
Conductor | Class 2 Stranded Circular Compacted Copper |
Conductor Screen | Extruded Inner Semi Conductor (Bonded Type) |
Insulation | XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) |
Outer Semi Conductor | Extruded Outer Semi Conductor (Strippable Type) |
Metallic Screen | Copper tape with 10% overlap |
Inner Sheath | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) |
Armour | Single core: AWA (Aluminium Wire Armoured); Multi-core: SWA (Steel Wire Armoured) |
Outer Sheath | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) |
Sheath Colour | Red / Black |
Standards | BS 6622, IEC/EN 60228 |
Dimensions
No. of Cores | Nominal Cross Section (mm²) | Nominal Insulation Thickness (mm) | Nominal Outer Sheath Thickness (mm) | Nominal Overall Diameter (mm) | Nominal Weight (kg/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 95 | 2.5 | 1.9 | 30.4 | 1721 |
1 | 120 | 2.5 | 1.9 | 31.8 | 1996 |
1 | 150 | 2.5 | 2 | 33.6 | 2333 |
1 | 185 | 2.5 | 2.1 | 35.6 | 2752 |
1 | 240 | 2.6 | 2.1 | 38.2 | 3388 |
1 | 300 | 2.8 | 2.2 | 41.2 | 4060 |
1 | 400 | 3 | 2.3 | 44.4 | 4989 |
1 | 500 | 3.2 | 2.5 | 49.4 | 6269 |
1 | 630 | 3.2 | 2.6 | 54.3 | 7822 |
1 | 800 | 3.2 | 2.7 | 58.6 | 9729 |
3 | 95 | 2.5 | 2.7 | 57.6 | 6765 |
3 | 120 | 2.5 | 2.9 | 61 | 7784 |
3 | 150 | 2.5 | 3 | 64.9 | 8989 |
3 | 185 | 2.5 | 3.1 | 68.3 | 10285 |
3 | 240 | 2.6 | 3.3 | 74.5 | 12617 |
3 | 300 | 2.8 | 3.5 | 82.8 | 15947 |
3 | 400 | 3 | 3.8 | 90.3 | 19403 |
Electrical Characteristics – Single Core
Nominal Cross Section (mm²) | Max DC Resistance @20°C (Ω/km) | Max AC Resistance @ Operating Temp & 50Hz (Ω/km) | Capacitance (μF/km) | Charging Current (A/km) | Dielectric Losses (W/km) | Reactance @50Hz (Ω/km) | Conductor S.C.C 1s (kA) | Current Rating Laid in Ground (A) | Current Rating Laid in Free Air (A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
95 | 0.193 | 0.2466 | 0.364 | 0.435 | 6.61 | 0.123 | 13.59 | 330 | 360 |
120 | 0.153 | 0.1958 | 0.398 | 0.476 | 7.23 | 0.118 | 17.17 | 373 | 411 |
150 | 0.124 | 0.159 | 0.437 | 0.522 | 7.93 | 0.114 | 21.46 | 415 | 463 |
185 | 0.0991 | 0.1276 | 0.473 | 0.565 | 8.59 | 0.111 | 26.47 | 462 | 523 |
240 | 0.0754 | 0.0978 | 0.515 | 0.616 | 9.36 | 0.107 | 34.34 | 511 | 604 |
300 | 0.0601 | 0.0788 | 0.54 | 0.645 | 9.79 | 0.104 | 42.93 | 562 | 679 |
400 | 0.047 | 0.0628 | 0.565 | 0.675 | 10.26 | 0.100 | 57.23 | 616 | 762 |
500 | 0.0366 | 0.0503 | 0.635 | 0.758 | 11.52 | 0.099 | 71.54 | 647 | 830 |
630 | 0.0283 | 0.0407 | 0.727 | 0.868 | 13.20 | 0.096 | 90.14 | 696 | 911 |
800 | 0.0221 | 0.034 | 0.811 | 0.969 | 14.72 | 0.093 | 114.47 | 738 | 991 |
Electrical Characteristics – Multi Core
Nominal Cross Section (mm²) | Max DC Resistance @20°C (Ω/km) | Max AC Resistance @ Operating Temp & 50Hz (Ω/km) | Capacitance (μF/km) | Charging Current (A/km) | Dielectric Losses (W/km) | Reactance @50Hz (Ω/km) | Conductor S.C.C 1s (kA) | Current Rating Laid in Ground (A) | Current Rating Laid in Free Air (A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
95 | 0.193 | 0.2469 | 0.437 | 0.435 | 6.61 | 0.101 | 13.59 | 313 | 324 |
120 | 0.153 | 0.1961 | 0.478 | 0.476 | 7.23 | 0.097 | 17.17 | 355 | 370 |
150 | 0.124 | 0.1595 | 0.524 | 0.522 | 7.93 | 0.093 | 21.46 | 397 | 419 |
185 | 0.0991 | 0.1281 | 0.568 | 0.565 | 8.59 | 0.091 | 26.47 | 448 | 478 |
240 | 0.0754 | 0.0986 | 0.618 | 0.616 | 9.36 | 0.088 | 34.34 | 513 | 561 |
300 | 0.0601 | 0.0798 | 0.647 | 0.645 | 9.79 | 0.086 | 42.93 | 572 | 635 |
400 | 0.047 | 0.064 | 0.678 | 0.675 | 10.26 | 0.084 | 57.23 | 636 | 717 |
BS 6622 CU XLPE AWA/SWA PVC 3.8/6.6kV armoured power cables are widely used in power distribution networks across industrial, commercial, and utility sectors. But what makes them the preferred choice for direct burial, outdoor, and underground applications?
What Are the Key Applications of BS 6622 Armoured Cables?
BS 6622 cables are highly versatile and used in various sectors:
1. Power Distribution Networks:
Direct burial and outdoor installations benefit from the cable's robust construction and resistance to mechanical damage.
2. Industrial Plants:
Ideal for outdoor plants, factories, and processing units where high mechanical stress, abrasion, or occasional exposure to chemicals occurs.
3. Underground Installations:
SWA and AWA armouring provide additional protection for underground installations, preventing cable damage from digging or soil movement.
4. Real-World Use Case – Indonesia:
In Indonesia, several power plants and mining operations have adopted BS 6622 cables for both underground and outdoor power distribution. One notable example is a geothermal power project in West Java, where multi-core 300 mm² SWA PVC cables were installed to supply power to high-capacity turbines. These installations demonstrate the cable’s ability to withstand humid tropical conditions and mechanical stress over long service periods.
How Do Single-Core and Multi-Core BS 6622 Cables Differ?
Understanding the differences helps select the right cable for the project.
Feature | Single-Core (AWA) | Multi-Core (SWA) |
|---|---|---|
Armour Material | Aluminium Wire Armour (AWA) | Steel Wire Armour (SWA) |
Application | Direct burial, high-voltage lines | Underground, high mechanical stress |
Bending Radius | 15 × overall diameter | 13 × overall diameter |
Mechanical Strength | Moderate | High |
Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
Single-core cables are often preferred for high-voltage transmission with isolated circuits, while multi-core cables are used for power distribution in industrial plants and substations where mechanical protection is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can BS 6622 cables be used for direct burial without additional protection?
Yes, both AWA (single-core) and SWA (multi-core) variants are designed for direct burial. However, a sand bed and protective warning tape above the cable are recommended for long-term durability.
What is the maximum operating temperature of BS 6622 XLPE cables?
The maximum conductor operating temperature is 90°C. For short-circuit conditions, temperatures can reach up to 250°C for 1 second.
How do I choose between single-core and multi-core BS 6622 cables?
Use single-core for high-voltage, isolated circuits where flexibility is less critical.
Use multi-core for industrial distribution or situations with high mechanical stress or multiple circuits.
What is the difference between AWA and SWA armours?
AWA (Aluminium Wire Armour): Lighter, used for single-core applications with moderate mechanical protection.
SWA (Steel Wire Armour): Heavier and stronger, ideal for multi-core cables requiring high mechanical resistance and direct burial.
Can BS 6622 cables be used in tropical or humid conditions like Indonesia?
Yes. The PVC sheath protects against moisture, UV, and chemical exposure, making it suitable for tropical climates. Many Indonesian power plants and industrial sites use BS 6622 cables successfully.
How do the electrical characteristics differ for single-core and multi-core cables?
Multi-core cables typically have slightly lower current ratings due to mutual heating effects but provide better overall protection against mechanical stresses.
Why Choose BS 6622 Armoured Cables for Your Project?
BS 6622 cables offer several advantages:
Reliability: High-quality copper conductors and XLPE insulation ensure long-term electrical performance.
Durability: AWA/SWA armours and PVC sheaths withstand mechanical, environmental, and thermal stresses.
Versatility: Suitable for direct burial, outdoor, and underground applications in various industries.
Compliance: Fully compliant with BS 6622 and IEC/EN 60228 standards.
Proven in Practice: Successfully used in Indonesia’s industrial and energy sectors, demonstrating durability in tropical conditions.
For engineers and project managers seeking reliable medium-voltage solutions, BS 6622 CU XLPE AWA/SWA PVC 3.8/6.6kV armoured cables provide proven performance and flexibility for both single-core and multi-core applications. Contact our technical sales team today to request a quotation, receive a detailed datasheet, or discuss customized installation solutions tailored to your project needs.
