BS 6708 Type 201 640/1100V Armoured Mining Power Cable for Excavating & Crushing Equipment with EPR Insulation and 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
SCREEN : Tinned copper / Nylon braided screen over phase cores.
LAYUP : All cores are laid up in contact with each other.
BEDDING : Rubber based bedding compound.
ARMOUR : Galvanized steel pliable armour.
OUTER SHEATH : Heavy duty chloroprene outer sheath

Cable Properties:

RELATED STANDARDS : BS 6708
RATED VOLTAGE : 640/1100 V
TEST VOLTAGE : 3 kV

Technical Specifications:

Cross Section		3×10	3×16	3×25	3×35	3×50	3×70	3×95	3×120
Conductors
Number and cross section	mm2	3×10	3×16	3×25	3×35	3×50	3×70	3×95	3×120
Insulation thickness	mm	1.5	1.5	1.6	1.6	1.6	1.8	2.0	2.2
Cable details
Radial thickness of inner sheath	mm	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.5	3.8	3.8
Min. inner sheath diameter	mm	25.5	28.7	32.2	35.2	39.5	44.5	52.5	56.6
Max. inner sheath diameter	mm	27.5	30.7	34.2	37.2	41.5	47.0	55.5	59.6
Size of armour	mm	7/0,71	7/0,71	7/0,71	7/0,71	7/0,71	7/0,90	7/1,25	7/1,25
outer sheath thickness	mm	3.8	3.8	4.1	4.4	4.9	5.4	5.9	6.3
Min. overall diameter	mm	37.3	40.6	44.6	48.3	53.6	60.7	71.8	76.7
Max. overall diameter	mm	39.8	43.4	47.4	51.1	57.4	64.5	75.8	81.0
Min. bending radius	mm	398	434	474	511	574	645	758	810
Appx. cable weight	kg/km	2.52	3.22	3.85	4.6	5.71	7.45	10.25	11.8
Copper weight	kg/km	488	741	1.01	1.368	1.86	2.556	3.356	4.086
Electrical details
“Continuous current rating at 25°C Ambient”	A	63	85	110	135	170	205	250	295
Max. DC resistance at 20°C
Phase conductors	Ω /km	1.95	1.24	0.795	0.565	0.393	0.277	0.210	0.164
Armour	Ω /km	2.0	1.9	1.3	1.2	1.1	0.94	0.80	0.74
3 screens in parallel connection	Ω /km	1.33	1.61	1.10	1.20	1.40	0.70	0.85	0.50

In the mining industry, powering heavy-duty machinery such as excavators, crushers, and coalface lighting requires robust and reliable electrical cables. One such solution is the BS 6708 Type 201 640/1100V armoured mining power cable, specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions of underground and surface mining operations. But what makes this cable so suitable for demanding mining applications, and how does it compare to other mining cables? Let’s explore its structure, technical specifications, electrical performance, real-world applications, and installation tips.

Where Is BS 6708 Type 201 Mining Cable Commonly Used?

BS 6708 Type 201 cables are versatile and can be applied in multiple mining contexts:

Excavators: Heavy-duty mining excavators require continuous, high-current power supply, which this cable can provide.
Crushers: Crushing machines in surface and underground mines are often subject to vibration, abrasion, and dust. The cable’s steel armour and chloroprene sheath offer the needed protection.
Coalface Lighting: Flexible and durable, Type 201 cables provide safe power distribution for lighting systems in coal mining tunnels.
Other Mining Equipment: Conveyors, loaders, and ventilation fans in mines can also benefit from the robust design.

How Does BS 6708 Type 201 Compare to Other Mining Cables?

When selecting a mining cable, engineers often consider Type 201 versus Type 70 or Type 20/21 cables:

Feature	BS 6708 Type 201	BS 6708 Type 70	BS 6708 Type 20/21
Voltage Rating	640/1100 V	320/550 V	640/1100 V
Armour Type	Galvanized steel	Steel wire	Galvanized steel
Outer Sheath	Chloroprene	Chloroprene	Chloroprene
Application	Excavating & Crushing	Coalface Lighting	Excavating & Crushing
Flexibility	High	Moderate	Moderate
Mechanical Protection	High	Medium	High

From this comparison, Type 201 excels in mechanical robustness and high-current capacity, making it ideal for heavy-duty surface and underground machinery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can BS 6708 Type 201 Cables Be Used in Underground Mines?

Yes. Their steel armour and robust sheath protect against rocks, equipment, and abrasion, making them suitable for both underground and open-cast mining.

What Is the Maximum Current Type 201 Can Carry?

Depending on conductor size, the continuous current rating at 25°C ranges from 63 A (3×10 mm²) to 295 A (3×120 mm²).

How Does EPR Insulation Benefit Mining Operations?

EPR insulation provides high flexibility, heat resistance, and electrical stability, essential in environments where cables undergo frequent bending and heavy mechanical load.

Can This Cable Replace Older Unarmoured Cables?

Yes. Type 201 offers superior mechanical protection, abrasion resistance, and current-carrying capacity, reducing maintenance and downtime compared to older unarmoured or lightly armoured cables.

How Should I Maintain BS 6708 Type 201 Cables?

Inspect periodically for mechanical wear.
Avoid dragging over sharp edges.
Keep away from chemical spills and excessive UV exposure.
Replace damaged sections promptly to avoid electrical hazards.

Why Choose BS 6708 Type 201 for Mining Projects in South Africa?

South African mines demand cables that can withstand high mechanical stress, variable temperatures, and harsh environmental conditions. BS 6708 Type 201 meets these criteria:

Compliance with BS 6708 standards: Ensures quality, safety, and reliability.
Flexible yet robust: Handles heavy-duty mining equipment.
Proven performance: Case studies in Mpumalanga and Limpopo show reduced downtime and lower cable failure rates.
Wide range of sizes: Suitable for low to high-current applications, from small crushers to large excavators.

Looking for reliable BS 6708 Type 201 mining cables for your operations? Contact our team today to select the right size, ensure proper installation, and maximize your equipment’s performance in South African mines.