BS 6708 Type 44 125/72V Armoured Mining Cable for Hand-Held Drilling Machines with EPR Insulation and Screened Phase Cores
APPLICATION:
Used for supplying hand-held driling machines.
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 are not screened.
LAYUP : All cores are laid up in contact with each other.
BEDDING : Rubber based bedding compound.
OUTER SHEATH : Heavy duty chloroprene outer sheath.
Cable Properties: RELATED STANDARDS : BS 6708
RATED VOLTAGE : 125/72 V
TEST VOLTAGE : 1,5 kV
Technical Specifications:
Cross Section | 5×6 | |
|---|---|---|
Phase Conductor | ||
Number and cross section | mm2 | 3×6 |
Insulation thickness | mm | 1.00 |
Total screen cross section | mm2 | 11 |
Earth Conductor | ||
Number and cross section | mm2 | 1×6 |
Stranding | mm | 84/0,30 |
Conductor diameter | Nom. mm | 3.30 |
Insulation thickness | mm | 1.00 |
Pilot Conductor | ||
Number and cross section | mm2 | 1×6 |
Stranding | mm | 84/0,30 |
Conductor diameter | Nom. mm | 3.30 |
Insulation thickness | mm | 1.00 |
Cable details | ||
Min. overall diameter | mm | 24.7 |
Max. overall diameter | mm | 26.7 |
Min. bending radius | mm | 241 |
Radial diameter of outer sheath | mm | 3.0 |
Max. pulling tension | kgf | 218 |
Appx. cable weight | kg/km | 1.15 |
Copper weight | kg/km | 400 |
Electrical details | ||
“Continuous current rating at 25°C Ambient” | A | 46 |
Short curc›it current for 1 s | A | 908 |
Max. DC resistance at 20°C | ||
Phase and earth conductors | Ω /km | 11 |
Pilot Conductor | Ω /km | 11 |
3 screens in parallel connection | Ω /km | 3.48 |
Mining operations demand equipment and materials that combine reliability, safety, and efficiency. Among these, power delivery is critical, and the choice of mining cable can make a significant difference in productivity and operational safety. One widely used cable for hand-held drilling machines is the BS 6708 Type 44 125/72V Armoured Mining Cable. But what exactly makes this cable suitable for such high-demand applications?
What is the BS 6708 Type 44 Mining Cable?
The BS 6708 Type 44 is a low-voltage armoured mining cable designed specifically for hand-held drilling machines. It operates at a rated voltage of 125/72V, with a test voltage of 1.5 kV, making it suitable for intensive underground operations where safety and mechanical resilience are paramount.
Key characteristics include:
Electrolytic, stranded, tinned copper conductors (IEC 60228 Class 5)
EPR insulation for high elasticity and resistance to thermal and chemical stress
Tinned copper/nylon braided screen over phase cores
Heavy-duty chloroprene outer sheath
Rubber-based bedding compound for core protection
This design ensures that the cable can withstand harsh underground conditions, including mechanical wear, chemical exposure, and high humidity.
Where is BS 6708 Type 44 Used?
The BS 6708 Type 44 is primarily used to power hand-held drilling machines in mining environments. Its low-voltage rating and armoured design make it suitable for:
Underground drilling in gold, platinum, and coal mines
Drilling operations in South African mines such as the Witwatersrand Basin and Bushveld Complex
Environments with high mechanical stress, where cables are frequently handled and bent
Applications requiring electromagnetic interference protection for sensitive equipment
How Does BS 6708 Type 44 Compare to Other Mining Cables?
Feature | BS 6708 Type 44 | Type 61A Mining Cable | Type 41 Flexible Cable |
|---|---|---|---|
Rated Voltage | 125/72 V | 0.64/1.1 kV | 0.64/1.1 kV |
Application | Hand-held drilling machines | Excavators, loaders | Reeling applications |
Insulation | EPR | EPR | PVC or EPR |
Armour | None (flexible) | Pliable steel | Flexible/Armoured variants |
Sheath | Heavy-duty chloroprene | Chloroprene | PVC/Chloroprene |
Flexibility | High | Medium | High |
Screening | Phase cores only | Phase cores | Phase cores optional |
The BS 6708 Type 44 stands out for low-voltage, hand-held applications, offering high flexibility without compromising on protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can BS 6708 Type 44 Be Used in Wet Conditions?
Yes. The chloroprene outer sheath provides water resistance, making it suitable for wet underground conditions. However, prolonged submersion should be avoided.
How Flexible is BS 6708 Type 44?
The cable’s EPR insulation and stranded conductor design allow for high flexibility, making it ideal for hand-held drilling machines that require constant movement.
How Long Can This Cable Last in a Mining Environment?
With proper installation and handling, BS 6708 Type 44 can last 5–7 years in typical underground mining conditions, significantly reducing maintenance costs.
Can the Cable Handle Short-Circuit Currents?
Yes. The cable can withstand short-circuit currents up to 908 A for 1 second, ensuring safety in accidental overloads.
How Does This Cable Reduce Maintenance Costs?
Its combination of braided screening, EPR insulation, and heavy-duty sheath reduces mechanical wear and electrical failures, leading to fewer replacements and lower downtime.
Why Choose BS 6708 Type 44 for Hand-Held Drilling?
The cable is specifically engineered to meet BS 6708 standards for underground mining operations. Its high flexibility, mechanical resistance, and electrical reliability make it the preferred choice for operators using hand-held drilling machines. South African mines have seen tangible benefits, including:
Improved safety standards
Reduced downtime and maintenance
Enhanced operational efficiency
Compatibility with existing hand-held machinery
Installation Tip:
When laying BS 6708 Type 44 in tight underground tunnels, always use cable rollers and guiding sheaves to minimize strain on the conductor and sheath.
How to Select the Right Mining Cable?
When choosing a mining cable, consider:
Application Type: Hand-held vs. machine-supplied power
Voltage Rating: Ensure compliance with local electrical standards
Mechanical Stress: Evaluate abrasion, bending, and impact resistance
Environmental Conditions: Wetness, chemical exposure, and temperature
Regulatory Compliance: BS 6708 and local mining safety standards
BS 6708 Type 44 meets these criteria for hand-held drilling applications in demanding underground environments.
Get the Right Cable for Your Mine
Choosing the right cable ensures operational efficiency and worker safety. For mining operators in South Africa and beyond, the BS 6708 Type 44 125/72V armoured mining cable offers a reliable, durable, and flexible solution for hand-held drilling machines. Contact your trusted supplier today to ensure your operations are powered safely and efficiently.
