BS 6724 1.9/3.3kV Copper Conductor Multi-Core SWA Cable – XLPE Insulated, Halogen-Free, Flame Retardant, Low Smoke, Outdoor & Underground Power Cable
Application | Suitable for direct burial in free-draining soil for fixed indoor and outdoor installations. Low smoke emission and low corrosive gases in case of fire. |
Voltage Rating Uo/U | 1.9/3.3 kV |
Test Voltage | Between conductors: 1125 kV Between each conductor and armour: 650 kV |
Temperature Rating | Maximum Operating: +90°C Maximum Short-Circuit: +250°C |
Minimum Bending Radius | 8 × overall diameter |
Conductor | Class 2 sectoral shaped stranded copper |
Insulation | XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) |
Filler | HFFR (Halogen free flame retardant) |
Armour | SWA (Galvanised round steel wire armour) |
Outer Sheath | HFFR (Halogen free flame retardant) |
Core Identification | Brown, Black, Grey |
Sheath Colour | Black |
Standards | BS 6724, EN 60228, IEC 60502-1 Flame retardant to EN 60332-1 Low Smoke Halogen Free to IEC/EN 61034-1/2, IEC/EN 60754-1/2 UV Resistant |
Dimensions
No. of Cores | Nominal Cross Sectional Area (mm²) | Nominal Thickness of Insulation (mm) | Minimum Thickness of Outer Sheath (mm) | Nominal Outer Diameter (mm) | Nominal Weight (kg/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 | 35 | 2.0 | 1.32 | 28 | 2124 |
3 | 50 | 2.0 | 1.40 | 33 | 2930 |
3 | 70 | 2.0 | 1.48 | 36 | 3739 |
3 | 95 | 2.0 | 1.56 | 40 | 4734 |
3 | 120 | 2.0 | 1.64 | 44 | 6047 |
3 | 150 | 2.0 | 1.72 | 48 | 7196 |
3 | 185 | 2.0 | 1.80 | 51 | 8565 |
3 | 240 | 2.0 | 1.88 | 57 | 10645 |
3 | 300 | 2.0 | 1.96 | 62 | 12709 |
Electrical Characteristics
Nominal Cross Section (mm²) | Current Carrying Capacity (A) | Maximum Conductor DC Resistance at 20°C (Ω/km) |
|---|---|---|
Clipped direct | Direct in ground or ducting | |
1.5 | 27 | 23 |
2.5 | 36 | 31 |
4 | 49 | 42 |
6 | 62 | 53 |
10 | 85 | 73 |
16 | 110 | 94 |
25 | 146 | 124 |
35 | 180 | 154 |
50 | 219 | 187 |
70 | 279 | 238 |
95 | 338 | 289 |
120 | 392 | 335 |
150 | 451 | 386 |
185 | 515 | 441 |
240 | 607 | 520 |
300 | 698 | 599 |
Where Can BS 6724 SWA Cables Be Used?
Can BS 6724 Cable Be Used Underground?
Yes. BS 6724 cables are specifically designed for direct burial in free-draining soil. The steel wire armour (SWA) provides protection against mechanical damage, while the halogen-free outer sheath resists moisture and chemicals typically found in underground installations.
Can It Be Installed Outdoors?
Absolutely. With UV-resistant sheathing and high flame-retardant properties, BS 6724 cables are suitable for outdoor power networks, industrial plants, and distribution systems.
What Industries Rely on BS 6724?
Power distribution in industrial plants
Infrastructure projects (roads, rail, ports)
Oil, gas, and mining sectors
Residential and commercial buildings requiring low-smoke, fire-retardant cables
Are There Real-World Examples in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, BS 6724 cables have been widely adopted in power distribution networks of industrial parks in Jakarta and Surabaya, particularly where underground and outdoor installations are required. Companies have reported enhanced safety in fire-prone areas and reduced maintenance costs due to the cable’s durable construction.
What Are the Advantages of BS 6724 Cable Compared to Other SWA Cables?
Feature | BS 6724 1.9/3.3kV SWA Cable | Traditional PVC-Sheathed SWA Cable |
|---|---|---|
Insulation Type | XLPE | PVC |
Fire Safety | Halogen-free, low smoke | PVC, releases toxic fumes |
Temperature Rating | 90°C continuous | 70°C continuous |
Short-Circuit Rating | 250°C | 160°C |
UV Resistance | Yes | Limited |
Mechanical Protection | SWA | SWA |
From this comparison, it is evident that BS 6724 offers superior fire safety, thermal performance, and durability, making it ideal for modern infrastructure and industrial applications.
How Should BS 6724 Cable Be Installed?
What Are the Recommended Installation Practices?
Bending Radius: Always maintain a minimum bending radius of 8 × overall diameter.
Trenching: For underground installations, use free-draining soil and avoid sharp rocks.
Mechanical Protection: Ensure the SWA layer is intact; use protective conduits in highly abrasive areas.
Jointing and Termination: Use compatible brass or copper lugs, and seal joints with appropriate HFFR compounds.
Temperature Considerations: Ensure continuous operation does not exceed 90°C.
Following these practices helps maximize the cable’s lifespan and ensures safety under demanding conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can BS 6724 Cable Handle High Short-Circuit Currents?
Yes. BS 6724 SWA cables can withstand short-circuit temperatures up to 250°C, which makes them suitable for high fault current conditions in industrial power networks.
Is BS 6724 Safe in Fire Situations?
Absolutely. With halogen-free flame-retardant insulation, BS 6724 minimizes smoke and corrosive gas emissions, protecting both personnel and sensitive equipment.
How Do I Choose the Right Cross-Sectional Area?
The choice depends on the load current and installation environment. For instance, a 120 mm² cable supports up to 392 A in free air at 30°C. Engineers should consider both current capacity and voltage drop for optimal performance.
Can BS 6724 Be Buried Directly in Soil?
Yes, direct burial is permitted in free-draining soil. Ensure the trench is clear of sharp objects, and provide warning tapes or conduits for additional protection.
How Does BS 6724 Compare to Other Standards Like IEC 60502-1?
BS 6724 meets international standards including IEC 60502-1, ensuring compatibility with global installations while offering enhanced fire safety and mechanical protection over traditional cables.
What Installation Tools and Accessories Are Recommended?
Cable rollers and pulleys to reduce mechanical stress
Cable grips and clamps for secure handling
Compression lugs compatible with copper conductors
HFFR jointing kits for splices
Protective conduits for high-abrasion environments
Using proper accessories ensures a smooth installation and reduces the risk of cable damage.
Why Should You Consider BS 6724 for Your Next Project?
Choosing BS 6724 SWA cable ensures:
Compliance with international safety and quality standards
Enhanced fire safety with low smoke, halogen-free insulation
Durable performance in both underground and outdoor installations
Long-term reliability, reducing maintenance and replacement costs
Whether for industrial plants, infrastructure projects, or commercial buildings, BS 6724 provides peace of mind for engineers and facility managers.
For professional guidance on selecting and sourcing BS 6724 1.9/3.3kV SWA cables for your projects in Indonesia, contact our technical team today. We provide custom sizing, installation advice, and real-world case studies to ensure your infrastructure is safe, efficient, and long-lasting.
