ICEA S-75-381 Type MP-GC 15kV Mine Power Feeder Cable PVC Jacket Three-Conductor

When mining operations scale up in power demand and complexity, choosing the right mine power feeder cable becomes a safety-critical and cost-defining decision. One cable type that frequently appears in underground and surface mine distribution systems is the Feichun ICEA S-75-381 Type MP-GC Mine Power Feeder Cable, PVC Jacket, 15kV, Three-Conductor.

What Does “Type MP-GC” Mean in Mine Power Feeder Cables?

Type MP-GC is a classification defined under ICEA S-75-381 / NEMA WC 58, specifically for medium-voltage mine power feeder cables.

• MP = Mine Power

• GC = Ground Check

This means the cable is designed not only to transmit medium-voltage power but also to integrate grounding and ground-check safety systems, which are essential in mining environments where electrical faults can be fatal.

How Does the Insulation Shield Improve Safety?

The insulation shield consists of:

• Conductive layer

• Copper tape

This combination ensures:

• Uniform electrical stress

• Reliable grounding

• Easier termination and splicing

What Is the Function of the Ground Check Conductor?

• Copper ground check conductor

• Insulated with yellow polypropylene

Its role is to continuously monitor grounding integrity. If the ground circuit is interrupted, mining equipment can be automatically de-energized, preventing shock hazards.

Why Is a PVC Jacket Used for This 15kV MP-GC Cable?

The outer jacket is black Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), offering:

• Good abrasion resistance

• Moisture and chemical resistance

• Cost-effective performance in fixed or semi-fixed installations

Optional jackets such as CSP, PCP, NBR, CPE, or TPU are available for harsher mechanical or oil-exposed environments.

Where Is the Type MP-GC 15kV Mine Power Feeder Cable Typically Used?

What Are the Main Application Scenarios?

This cable is designed for connections between units of mine distribution systems, including:

• Underground substations

• Mobile and semi-fixed mining equipment

• Surface-to-underground power feeds

• Conveyor and crusher power systems

Can It Be Installed Underground and Outdoors?

Yes. The cable is suitable for:

• Duct or conduit installations

• Open-air installations

• Direct burial

• Wet and dry locations

How Is This Cable Used in South African Mining Operations?

Why Is Type MP-GC Popular in South Africa?

South African mines—especially gold, platinum, and coal operations—require:

• Medium-voltage power over long distances

• Reliable grounding and monitoring

• Compliance with international standards

Real-World Example

In a platinum mine in Limpopo, Feichun Type MP-GC 15kV cables were deployed to:

• Feed power from a surface substation to underground distribution panels

• Operate reliably in wet shafts and high ambient temperatures

• Reduce downtime caused by insulation failure compared to older rubber-insulated designs

The PVC jacket proved sufficient for fixed installations, while the integrated ground check system enhanced compliance with local safety procedures aligned with SANS and IEC practices.

What Are the Best Installation Practices for MP-GC 15kV Cables?

How Can Installation Errors Be Avoided?

• Respect minimum bending radius

• Use proper cable cleats and supports

• Avoid sharp edges and crushing points

• Ensure grounding and ground check continuity before energizing

Should Direct Burial Use Additional Protection?

For rocky or aggressive soil:

• Use sand bedding

• Add protective conduits or covers

• Clearly mark cable routes for maintenance safety

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this cable compliant with international standards?

Yes. It complies with:

• ICEA S-75-381 / NEMA WC 58

• ASTM B-8

• CAN/CSA-C22.2 No.96

Can the PVC jacket be replaced with other materials?

Yes. Feichun offers CSP, PCP, NBR, CPE, and TPU jackets upon request.

Is this cable suitable for wet mining environments?

Absolutely. The XLPE insulation and PVC jacket are designed for wet and dry locations, including direct burial.

What is the expected service life?

With proper installation and loading, service life often exceeds 20–30 years in fixed mining applications.

Why Choose Feichun for Type MP-GC Mine Power Feeder Cables?

Feichun combines:

• Strict adherence to ICEA standards

• Proven performance in African mining projects

• Flexible customization options

• Technical support for sizing and application

Looking for the Right 15kV Mine Power Feeder Cable for Your Project?

If you are planning or upgrading a mine distribution system, selecting the correct Type MP-GC cable size, jacket, and configuration is critical for safety and efficiency.

👉 Contact Feichun’s technical team today for sizing assistance, datasheets, or project-specific recommendations.