BS 6708 Type 16 640/1100V Heavy-Duty Power Cable for Mining Equipment – EPR Insulation, Chloroprene Sheath

Feichun BS 6708 Type 16 640/1100V Heavy-Duty Power Cable for Mining Equipment – EPR Insulation, Chloroprene Sheath

APPLICATION:

Used for supplying excavating, crushing machines and equipment.

Cable Structure:

CONDUCTOR : Electrolytic, stranded, tinned copper wire IEC 60228 Class 5
INSULATION : EPR
SEPERATOR : Colored Textile tape for core identification.
SCREEN : Tinned copper / Nylon braided screen over phase cores. Pilot core and ground core not.
LAYUP : All pahes cores are laid up in contact with each other. Two ground cores and one pilot core are laidup in beetween.
BEDDING : Rubber based bedding compound.
OUTER SHEATH : Heavy duty chloroprene outer sheath.

Cable Properties:

RELATED STANDARDS : BS 6708
RATED VOLTAGE : 640/1100 V
TEST VOLTAGE : 3 kV – 1,5kV (Pilot and earth cores)

Technical Specifications:

Cross Section

3×25+3×10

3×35+3×10

3×50+3×16

3×70+3×25

3×95+3×35

Phase Conductor

Number and cross section

mm2

3×25

3×35

3×50

3×70

3×95

Insulation thickness

mm

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.8

2.0

Total screen cross section

mm2

25.4

25.4

33

35

53

Earth Conductor

Number and cross section

mm2

2×10

2×10

2×16

2×25

2×35

Stranding

mm

80/0,40

80/0,40

126/0,40

196/0,40

276/0,40

Conductor diameter

Nom. mm

4.40

4.40

5.50

6.75

8.00

Insulation thickness

mm

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Pilot Conductor

Number and cross section

mm2

1×10

1×10

1×16

1×25

1×35

Stranding

mm

80/0,40

80/0,40

126/0,40

196/0,40

276/0,40

Conductor diameter

Nom. mm

4.40

4.40

5.50

6.75

8.00

Insulation thickness

mm

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Cable details

Min. overall diameter

mm

36.5

39.5

43.9

49.6

56.2

Max. overall diameter

mm

39.2

42.7

47.0

53.3

63.0

Min. bending radius

mm

353

385

423

480

567

Radial diameter of outer sheath

mm

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.4

6.0

Max. pulling tension

kgf

533

580

649

795

1.002

Appx. cable weight

kg/km

2.77

3.25

4.2

5.65

7.35

Copper weight

kg/km

1.298

1.666

2.321

3.276

4.374

Electrical details

“Continuous current
rating at 25°C Ambient”

A

110

135

170

205

250

Short curc›it current for 1 s

A

3.45

3.45

4.55

4.82

7.3

Max. DC resistance at 20°C

Phase conductors

Ω /km

0.795

0.565

0.393

0.277

0.21

Pilot and earth cores

Ω /km

1950

1950

1240

0.795

0.565

3 screens in parallel connection

Ω /km

1.10

1.20

1.40

0.70

0.85

When it comes to powering heavy-duty mining machines like excavators and crushers, reliability, durability, and compliance with safety standards are critical. The Feichun BS 6708 Type 16 640/1100V mining cable is designed precisely for these demanding environments, offering EPR insulation, a chloroprene outer sheath, and a construction optimized for mechanical resilience.


What Are the Technical Specifications of BS 6708 Type 16 Cable?

Feichun offers this cable in several conductor sizes to meet different load requirements. Below is a summarized table for quick reference:

Cross Section (Phase + Earth)

Insulation Thickness (mm)

Max Overall Diameter (mm)

Min Bending Radius (mm)

Max Pulling Tension (kgf)

Approx. Cable Weight (kg/km)

3×25+3×10

1.6

39.2

353

533

2.77

3×35+3×10

1.6

42.7

385

580

3.25

3×50+3×16

1.7

47.0

423

649

4.2

3×70+3×25

1.8

53.3

480

795

5.65

3×95+3×35

2.0

63.0

567

1,002

7.35

Electrical Properties

  • Rated Voltage: 640/1100 V

  • Test Voltage: 3 kV (phase), 1.5 kV (pilot & earth cores)

  • Continuous Current Rating (25°C Ambient): 110–250 A depending on conductor size

  • Short-Circuit Current (1 s): 3.45–7.3 kA

  • Max DC Resistance at 20°C (Phase Conductors): 0.21–0.795 Ω/km

These specifications make BS 6708 Type 16 ideal for high-load, short-circuit-prone mining operations.


Where Is BS 6708 Type 16 Cable Used in Mining?

The primary application is power supply for excavating and crushing machines, which are commonly found in both surface and underground mines. In South Africa, these cables are widely deployed in:

  • Platinum mines around Rustenburg for large ore processing plants.

  • Gold mines in the Witwatersrand basin for underground ore haulage.

  • Coal mines in Mpumalanga, supplying heavy draglines and crushing plants.

The robust design ensures resistance to mechanical stress, oil, water, and abrasion, which are common in these mining environments.


How Is BS 6708 Type 16 Cable Installed Safely?

Proper installation is critical to maximize the lifespan and safety of heavy-duty mining cables. Key recommendations:

  1. Route Planning: Avoid sharp bends and ensure a minimum bending radius as per the specifications.

  2. Proper Laying: Phase cores should not be twisted during installation; pilot and earth cores must remain in their layup positions.

  3. Mechanical Protection: Use cable trays or armored conduits where machinery movement may cause abrasion.

  4. Environmental Considerations: Chloroprene sheath resists oil, UV, and chemicals, but avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or chemicals beyond the sheath’s tolerance.

  5. Testing: Conduct insulation resistance and continuity checks before commissioning.

Following these steps ensures long-term performance and compliance with BS 6708 standards.


What Are the Advantages of Using BS 6708 Type 16 in Mining?

  • Mechanical Strength: Can withstand pulling, bending, and abrasion associated with heavy mining equipment.

  • Electrical Reliability: EPR insulation maintains conductivity and withstands thermal and short-circuit stresses.

  • Safety: Braided tinned copper screens reduce interference and prevent accidental shocks.

  • Durability: Chloroprene sheath provides protection against chemicals, oils, and harsh environmental conditions.

  • Flexibility: Despite being heavy-duty, the cable remains flexible enough for machine movement and installation in confined spaces.


What Are Common Questions About BS 6708 Type 16 Cable?

Can BS 6708 Type 16 Be Used Underground and on Surface?

Yes, it is suitable for both underground mines and surface mining operations, provided the installation follows the minimum bending radius and mechanical protection requirements.

How Does BS 6708 Type 16 Handle High Currents?

Depending on the cross-section, it carries continuous currents of 110–250 A and withstands short-circuit currents up to 7.3 kA for 1 second, making it safe for high-load excavating equipment.

How Does Type 16 Compare to Type 14 for Excavators?

Type 16 offers higher mechanical resistance, thicker insulation, and larger conductor sizes, making it more suitable for large excavators and crushers, whereas Type 14 is often chosen for moderate loads or hoists.

What Is the Expected Lifespan of BS 6708 Type 16 Cable?

With proper installation and maintenance, these cables last 10–15 years, depending on environmental conditions and mechanical stresses.

Can This Cable Be Repaired if Damaged?

Minor mechanical damage can be repaired using specialized splicing kits, but severe damage typically requires full section replacement to maintain safety and compliance with BS 6708.


Where to Purchase BS 6708 Type 16 Cables?

Feichun cables are available through certified distributors and local suppliers in South Africa. Always verify supplier certification and compliance with BS 6708 standards to guarantee quality and warranty.


If you are sourcing cables for heavy-duty excavators or crushers, choosing Feichun BS 6708 Type 16 640/1100V mining cable ensures safety, durability, and compliance. Contact a certified Feichun distributor today for technical consultation, cable sizing, and installation support.