SANS 1507-3 Steel Wired Armoured PVC-PVC 0.6/1kV Power Cable – Direct Burial Indoor & Outdoor, Flame Retardant, Copper Conductor, 2-4 Core

SANS 1507-3 Steel Wired Armoured PVC-PVC 0.6/1kV Cable

Application

Direct burial in free-draining soil conditions for fixed indoor and outdoor installations

Voltage Rating (Uo/U)

0.6/1 kV

Temperature Rating

Operating Temperature: -20 to +70 °C

Minimum Bending Radius

1.5mm² to 16mm²: Fixed = 6 × overall diameter
25mm² and above: Fixed = 8 × overall diameter

Construction

Conductor: Copper
Insulation: PVC
Bedding: PVC
Armour: SWA (Galvanized Steel Wire)
Sheath: PVC
Core Identification: 2 core = Red/Yellow, 3 core = Red/Yellow/Blue, 4 core = Red/Yellow/Blue/Black
Sheath Colour: Black with Blue Stripe

Standards

SANS 1507-3
Flame Retardant according to IEC 60332-1-2

Dimensions

No. of Cores

Nominal Cross Section (mm²)

Insulation Thickness (mm)

Diameter Under Armour (mm)

Overall Diameter (mm)

Weight (kg/km)

2

1.5

0.8

9.75

12.6

313

2

2.5

0.8

10.59

13.6

370

2

4

1

12.41

15.4

478

2

6

1

13.55

16.6

564

2

10

1

15.56

18.8

794

2

16

1

17.46

20.7

1001

2

25

1.2

22.03

25.4

1546

2

35

1.2

24.03

27.4

1852

2

50

1.4

24.92

28.3

1863

2

70

1.4

27.67

31.3

2377

2

95

1.6

31.60

35.6

3080

2

120

1.6

35.04

39.0

3869

2

150

1.8

37.88

42.3

4610

2

185

2

41.32

46.1

5506

2

240

2.2

48.12

52.9

7289

3

1.5

0.8

10.26

13.3

351

3

2.5

0.8

11.17

14.2

411

3

4

1

13.13

16.1

539

3

6

1

15.05

18.3

743

3

10

1

16.48

19.7

919

3

16

1

18.53

21.7

1181

3

25

1.2

23.35

26.8

1820

3

35

1.2

25.51

29.1

2229

3

50

1.4

27.10

30.7

2485

3

70

1.4

30.40

34.4

3226

3

95

1.6

35.48

39.9

4477

3

120

1.6

38.58

43.0

5314

3

150

1.8

42.68

47.5

6444

3

185

2

47.56

52.4

8051

3

240

2.2

52.76

58.0

10114

4

1.5

0.8

11.09

14.1

395

4

2.5

0.8

12.11

15.1

468

4

4

1

15.00

18.0

709

4

6

1

16.38

19.6

857

4

10

1

17.98

21.2

1075

4

16

1

21.74

25.1

1599

4

25

1.2

25.50

29.1

2172

4

35

1.2

27.92

31.5

2666

4

50

1.4

30.60

34.6

3167

4

70

1.4

35.58

40.0

4388

4

95

1.6

40.08

44.9

5711

4

120

1.6

45.06

49.9

7217

4

150

1.8

49.36

54.2

8595

4

185

2

53.86

59.1

10337

4

240

2.2

59.96

65.6

12999

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

If you are planning electrical installations in Indonesia or anywhere with challenging environmental conditions, understanding the right type of cable is crucial. The SANS 1507-3 Steel Wired Armoured (SWA) PVC-PVC 0.6/1kV cable is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor fixed installations. But what exactly makes it suitable for harsh environments, and how does it compare to other armoured cables?

What is the Structure of SANS 1507-3 Armoured Cable?

The SANS 1507-3 cable features a robust and carefully engineered structure designed to withstand mechanical stress, outdoor conditions, and direct burial. Here’s a breakdown of its components:

Component

Material

Description

Conductor

Copper

High conductivity copper ensures low resistance and reliable power transmission.

Insulation

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Provides electrical insulation and thermal resistance up to 70°C.

Bedding

PVC

Protects the inner conductor from the armouring layer, adds flexibility.

Armour

SWA (Galvanized Steel Wire)

Offers mechanical protection against impacts, crushing, and rodents.

Sheath

PVC

Flame-retardant outer layer, resistant to moisture, UV, and chemicals.

Core Identification

Color-coded (2-core: Red Yellow, 3-core: Red Yellow Blue, 4-core: Red Yellow Blue Black)

Ensures safe and easy connection.

This multi-layered construction makes SANS 1507-3 cables particularly suited for environments where durability and safety are critical.

What Are the Key Technical Specifications of SANS 1507-3 Cables?

SANS 1507-3 cables comply with the South African National Standard SANS 1507-3 and are flame-retardant according to IEC 60332-1-2. Key technical specifications include:

  • Voltage Rating (Uo/U): 0.6/1kV

  • Operating Temperature: -20°C to +70°C

  • Minimum Bending Radius:

    • 1.5mm² to 16mm²: 6 × overall diameter (fixed)

    • 25mm² and above: 8 × overall diameter (fixed)

  • Sheath Color: Black with blue stripe

These specifications ensure the cable performs reliably under mechanical, thermal, and environmental stress.

What Are the Typical Applications of SANS 1507-3 Cables?

SANS 1507-3 SWA cables are extremely versatile. Their design makes them ideal for:

  • Direct burial in free-draining soils for outdoor power distribution.

  • Indoor installations in factories, commercial buildings, and switchgear rooms.

  • Industrial plants where high mechanical protection is required.

  • Underground and outdoor installations exposed to moisture, UV radiation, and occasional mechanical impact.

Case Study – Indonesia: In a coal power plant in East Kalimantan, SANS 1507-3 3-core 35mm² SWA cables were buried directly for substation connections. Their robustness reduced downtime caused by rodent damage and mechanical stress, demonstrating reliability under harsh tropical conditions.


FAQ: What Do You Need to Know About SANS 1507-3 Cables?

Can SANS 1507-3 Cables Be Buried Directly?

Yes. These cables are specifically designed for direct burial in free-draining soil. Ensure proper bedding to avoid sharp stones and uneven surfaces.

What Is the Maximum Current Capacity for a 4-Core 50mm² Cable?

For a 4-core 50mm² SANS 1507-3 cable, the current carrying capacity is 163 A (buried in ground) and slightly higher in free air. Always check derating factors for installation conditions.

How Flexible Are These Cables During Installation?

Minimum bending radius ranges from 6× to 8× the overall diameter, depending on conductor size. Larger cores are less flexible but can be installed with proper bending equipment.

Are These Cables Flame Retardant?

Yes, the outer PVC sheath meets IEC 60332-1-2 standards, ensuring safety in case of fire.

Can They Be Used Indoors and Outdoors?

Absolutely. The SWA armour provides mechanical protection, while the PVC sheath resists moisture and UV. Suitable for indoor switchgear rooms and outdoor direct burial installations.

How Do They Compare to LSZH Armoured Cables in Safety?

While LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) cables reduce smoke and toxic gas in case of fire, SANS 1507-3 PVC-PVC cables still meet flame-retardant requirements. LSZH may be preferred in enclosed spaces where smoke toxicity is a concern.

How Long Can These Cables Last in Harsh Environments?

With proper installation, SANS 1507-3 cables can last 20–30 years, even under tropical or industrial conditions.


What Are the Best Installation Practices for SANS 1507-3 Cables?

  1. Check the soil conditions: Ensure it is free-draining to prevent water accumulation.

  2. Avoid sharp bends: Respect the minimum bending radius.

  3. Use protective conduits: In areas with potential mechanical impact.

  4. Apply proper bedding: Sand or soft soil under and above the cable prevents damage.

  5. Check current capacity: Adjust for installation method and ambient temperature.

  6. Perform testing: Verify insulation resistance before commissioning.


Why Choose SANS 1507-3 SWA Cables for Your Project?

If you are designing electrical infrastructure in Indonesia or similar climates, SANS 1507-3 SWA PVC-PVC cables offer:

  • Proven mechanical and thermal durability

  • Direct burial capability for outdoor installations

  • Flame-retardant safety

  • Compatibility with industrial, commercial, and residential applications

  • Cost-effective performance compared to alternative armoured cables