BS 6708 Type 506 / 512 / 518 / 524 Armoured Control Cable (320/550V) for Large Mining Machines
APPLICATION:
Used as control cable in large mining machines and connecting surrounding machine segments.
Cable Structure:
CONDUCTOR : Electrolytic, stranded, tinned copper wire IEC 60228 Class 5
INSULATION : EPR or TPE
SCREEN : Tinned copper / Nylon braided screen over 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 : 320/550 V
TEST VOLTAGE : 1,5 kV
Technical Specifications:
Cross Section | 6×1,34 | 12×1,34 | 18×1,34 | 24×0,93 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conductors | |||||
Number and cross section | mm2 | 6×1,34 | 12×1,34 | 18×1,34 | 24×0,93 |
Insulation thickness | mm | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
Cable details | |||||
Radial thickness of inner sheath | mm | 3.5 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Min. inner sheath diameter | mm | 14.8 | 14.8 | 16.5 | 17.9 |
Max. inner sheath diameter | mm | 16.8 | 16.8 | 18.5 | 19.9 |
Size of armour | mm | 7/0,45 | 7/0,45 | 7/0,45 | 7/0,45 |
Outer sheath thickness | mm | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 |
Min. overall diameter | mm | 22.1 | 22.1 | 22.8 | 24.2 |
Max. overall diameter | mm | 23.6 | 23.6 | 25.3 | 26.7 |
Min. bending radius | mm | 236 | 236 | 253 | 267 |
Appx. cable weight | kg/km | 1.02 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.6 |
Copper weight | kg/km | 150 | 300 | 450 | 450 |
Electrical details | |||||
“Continuous current | A | 16 | 13 | 11 | 8 |
Max. DC resistance at 20°C | |||||
Conductors | Ω /km | 15.4 | 15.4 | 15.4 | 22.1 |
Armour | Ω /km | 5.40 | 5.40 | 4.76 | 4.50 |
3 Ekran Paralel Bağlı | Ω /km | 37.3 | 37.3 | 37.3 | 44.7 |
DC or single phase voltage drop | mV/A/m | 34 | 34 | 34 | 50 |
3 phase voltage drop | mV/A/m | 30 | 30 | 30 | 43 |
What Is BS 6708 and Why Is It Important for Mining Control Cables?
What does the BS 6708 standard cover?
BS 6708 is a British Standard specifically developed for flexible and armoured cables used in mining and quarrying operations. It addresses the unique risks of mining environments, including:
High mechanical stress
Abrasion and impact
Oil, moisture, and chemical exposure
Electrical safety under continuous operation
For control cables, BS 6708 ensures reliable signal transmission while maintaining robust mechanical protection, making it highly relevant for large mining machinery.
Why is BS 6708 still widely used outside the UK?
Although British in origin, BS 6708 cables are widely accepted in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, especially where mining projects demand proven, conservative engineering standards. In South Africa, BS 6708 control cables are commonly specified alongside SANS-aligned practices for heavy equipment.
What Are BS 6708 Type 506 / 512 / 518 / 524 Control Cables Used For?
What is the primary application of these cable types?
BS 6708 Type 506, 512, 518, and 524 cables are designed as armoured control cables for:
Large mining machines
Interconnection between machine segments
Control circuits in crushers, excavators, and conveyors
Signal and auxiliary power transmission (320/550V)
They are not power supply cables, but critical control and command cables that ensure safe and precise machine operation.
How Do Type 506 / 512 / 518 / 524 Compare Technically?
What is the main difference between these models?
The core distinction lies in number of conductors, cable diameter, weight, and bending radius, allowing engineers to select the optimal cable for system complexity and space constraints.
Technical Comparison Table
Type | No. of Cores | Cross Section (mm²) | Max OD (mm) | Min Bending Radius (mm) | Approx. Weight (kg/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
506 | 6 × 1.34 | Control & simple interlocks | 23.6 | 236 | 1.02 |
512 | 12 × 1.34 | Medium-complex control systems | 23.6 | 236 | 1.20 |
518 | 18 × 1.34 | Advanced automation circuits | 25.3 | 253 | 1.40 |
524 | 24 × 0.93 | High-density signal wiring | 26.7 | 267 | 1.60 |
Where Are These Cables Used in Real Mining Operations?
What mining equipment typically uses these control cables?
Bucket-wheel excavators
Mobile crushers and screens
Conveyor systems
Stackers and reclaimers
Processing plant control panels
South African Case Study: Platinum Mine Control System Upgrade
In a North West Province platinum mine, BS 6708 Type 518 control cables were used to retrofit the control wiring of large conveyor drives and crushers. The reasons included:
Proven mechanical durability
Reliable signal performance under high EMI
Compatibility with existing BS-based designs
After installation, the mine reported reduced signal faults and lower maintenance downtime, especially during peak production cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are BS 6708 Type 506 / 512 / 518 / 524 cables suitable for South African mines?
Yes. They are widely used in South Africa, particularly in projects influenced by British or international mining standards.
What is the difference between control cables and trailing cables?
Control cables transmit signals and low-power commands, while trailing cables supply power to moving equipment. These BS 6708 types are control cables, not power feeders.
Can these cables handle vibration and movement?
Yes. The Class 5 flexible conductor, rubber bedding, and pliable armour make them suitable for environments with moderate movement and vibration.
Is screening mandatory for mining control cables?
While not always mandatory, screening is strongly recommended in modern mining operations due to high electromagnetic noise from VSDs and heavy motors.
Why Choose BS 6708 Armoured Control Cables for Large Mining Machines?
BS 6708 Type 506 / 512 / 518 / 524 cables combine:
Proven mining-grade mechanical protection
Stable electrical and signal performance
Flexible design options for different control system complexities
They represent a balanced solution between safety, durability, and cost-efficiency for heavy mining equipment.
How Do You Select the Right BS 6708 Control Cable?
Choosing the correct BS 6708 mining control cable depends on:
Number of control signals
Installation space
Mechanical stress level
Local regulatory expectations
If you are specifying cables for a mining project or upgrading existing equipment, consult with experienced cable manufacturers or suppliers who understand BS 6708 requirements and mining applications in Africa to ensure long-term reliability and compliance.
