SANS 1507-4 XLPE-PVC 0.6/1kV SWA Armoured Copper Cable – Direct Burial Indoor & Outdoor Electrical Power Cable for Indonesia

Cable Name

SANS 1507-4 Steel Wired Armoured XLPE-PVC 0.6/1kV Cable

Application

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

Voltage Rating Uo/U

0.6/1kV

Operating Temperature

-20°C to +90°C

Minimum Bending Radius

1.5mm² to 16mm² – Fixed: 6 × overall diameter25mm² and above – Fixed: 8 × overall diameter

Construction

Conductor: Copper conductor

Insulation: XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene)

Bedding: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Armour: SWA (Galvanized Steel Wire Armour)

Sheath: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Core Identification:

2 core – Red/Yellow;

3 core – Red/Yellow/Blue;

4 core – Red/Yellow/Blue/Black

Sheath Colour: Black with Red Stripe

Standards

SANS 1507-4Flame Retardant according to IEC 60332-1-2

Dimensions

No. of Cores

Cross-Section (mm²)

Insulation Thickness (mm)

Under Armour Dia (mm)

Overall Dia (mm)

Weight (kg/km)

2

1.5

0.7

9.35

12.2

289

2

2.5

0.7

10.19

13.2

343

2

4

0.7

11.21

14.2

408

2

6

0.7

12.35

15.4

489

2

10

0.7

13.67

16.7

612

2

16

0.7

16.26

19.5

903

2

25

0.9

20.83

24.2

1420

2

35

0.9

22.83

26.2

1716

2

50

1

23.72

27.1

1753

2

70

1.1

26.81

30.4

2267

2

95

1.1

29.65

33.3

2842

2

120

1.2

33.84

37.8

3700

2

150

1.4

36.68

41.1

4410

2

185

1.6

40.12

44.9

5267

2

240

1.7

46.57

51.4

6973

3

1.5

0.7

9.83

12.6

315

3

2.5

0.7

10.74

13.7

379

3

4

0.7

11.84

14.8

458

3

6

0.7

13.07

16.1

557

3

10

0.7

15.18

18.4

814

3

16

0.7

17.24

20.4

1064

3

25

0.9

22.05

25.5

1670

3

35

0.9

24.21

27.6

2052

3

50

1

26.30

29.9

2315

3

70

1.1

29.80

33.4

3013

3

95

1.1

34.48

38.5

4167

3

120

1.2

37.78

42.2

5036

3

150

1.4

41.48

46.3

6065

3

185

1.6

46.76

51.6

7681

3

240

1.7

51.76

57.0

9598

4

1.5

0.7

10.61

13.6

359

4

2.5

0.7

11.62

14.6

428

4

4

0.7

12.86

15.9

525

4

6

0.7

14.93

17.9

733

4

10

0.7

16.52

19.7

950

4

16

0.7

18.82

22.0

1261

4

25

0.9

24.04

27.4

1977

4

35

0.9

26.46

30.1

2468

4

50

1

29.60

33.2

2890

4

70

1.1

34.88

38.9

4101

4

95

1.1

38.88

43.3

5284

4

120

1.2

44.06

48.9

6832

4

150

1.4

48.36

53.2

8136

4

185

1.6

52.86

58.1

9795

4

240

1.7

58.66

64.3

12308

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Electrical power distribution in Indonesia, particularly for industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects, demands cables that are robust, safe, and reliable. One cable type that has gained prominence in recent years is the SANS 1507-4 Steel Wired Armoured (SWA) XLPE-PVC 0.6/1kV Copper Cable. But what exactly makes this armoured cable suitable for indoor, outdoor, and direct burial installations?

Where Can SANS 1507-4 Armoured Cables Be Used in Indonesia?

The applications of SANS 1507-4 cables are extensive due to their robust construction:

  • Direct Burial in Free-Draining Soil – Ideal for underground power lines in residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

  • Indoor Installations – Suitable for factories, data centers, and high-rise buildings requiring mechanical protection.

  • Outdoor Installations – Perfect for open-air substations, industrial plants, and ports exposed to tropical conditions.

  • Infrastructure Projects – Power distribution for railways, airports, and government utilities.

Industrial Park Installation in Jakarta

A leading industrial park in Jakarta required reliable underground power distribution for heavy machinery. By using 3-core SANS 1507-4 25 mm² SWA armoured cables, engineers ensured:

  • Mechanical protection against accidental digging and heavy equipment.

  • High thermal performance for tropical temperatures.

  • Ease of maintenance due to standardised core identification and robust construction.

The result was uninterrupted power supply and reduced downtime, highlighting the cable’s suitability for Indonesia’s industrial environment.


How Does SANS 1507-4 Compare with Other Armoured Cables?

Comparing SANS 1507-4 with similar armoured cables such as BS 5467 or IEC XLPE-SWA cables helps in selecting the right solution:

Feature

SANS 1507-4

BS 5467

IEC XLPE-SWA

Conductor

Copper

Copper

Copper/Aluminium

Insulation

XLPE

XLPE

XLPE

Armour

SWA (Galvanized)

SWA

SWA

Voltage

0.6/1 kV

0.6/1 kV

0.6/1 kV

Flame Retardant

IEC 60332-1-2

IEC 60332

IEC 60332

Suitable for Direct Burial

Tropical Climate Performance

High

Moderate

Moderate

This comparison demonstrates that SANS 1507-4 offers superior flame retardancy, tropical climate performance, and mechanical protection, making it highly suitable for Indonesian applications.


What Are the Installation Guidelines for SANS 1507-4 Cable?

Correct installation ensures long-term reliability:

  1. Trench Depth: Minimum 600 mm for direct burial; use sand bedding for sharp stones.

  2. Bending Radius: Maintain 6–8× overall diameter depending on cross-section.

  3. Jointing: Use manufacturer-approved connectors and terminate with appropriate lugs.

  4. Separation: Keep at least 100 mm from gas or water pipelines to prevent corrosion.

  5. Mechanical Protection: Cover with protective tiles or conduits in high-traffic areas.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can SANS 1507-4 Cables Be Used in Wet or Flood-Prone Areas?

Yes, SANS 1507-4 cables are designed for direct burial in free-draining soil, and their XLPE insulation with PVC sheath offers excellent moisture resistance. However, prolonged waterlogging may require additional waterproofing measures.

How Many Cores and Sizes Should I Choose?

  • For small loads: 2–3 cores, 1.5–10 mm²

  • For medium loads: 3–4 cores, 16–50 mm²

  • For high-power applications: 3–4 cores, 70–240 mm²

Choosing the correct size ensures efficient power distribution and minimal voltage drop.

What Is the Expected Lifespan of SANS 1507-4 Cables?

When installed correctly, SANS 1507-4 cables typically last 25–30 years, depending on environmental conditions, load cycles, and maintenance.

How Does SANS 1507-4 Ensure Safety Against Fire?

The cable is flame retardant (IEC 60332-1-2), which prevents fire propagation along the cable. Combined with proper installation in fire-prone areas, this ensures personnel and equipment safety.

Can These Cables Be Buried Directly in Harsh Soil?

Yes, SWA armouring provides mechanical protection against rocks, digging, and pests. However, in extremely rocky soil, a protective conduit is recommended to extend cable life.


How to Maintain and Optimize SANS 1507-4 Cable Performance?

  1. Regular Inspections: Check for sheath cuts, moisture ingress, or armouring corrosion.

  2. Thermal Monitoring: Ensure cables are not overloaded beyond rated current.

  3. Proper Terminations: Prevent overheating by using certified lugs and connectors.

  4. Environmental Considerations: Avoid chemical exposure or prolonged direct sunlight for unburied cables.


Why Should You Choose SANS 1507-4 Armoured Cables for Your Project in Indonesia?

  • Reliable Performance in Tropical Conditions – Withstands high temperature, humidity, and mechanical stress.

  • Versatile Applications – Suitable for industrial parks, commercial buildings, power stations, and direct burial.

  • Compliance with Standards – SANS 1507-4 and IEC flame retardant standards ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

  • Long Lifespan – Up to 30 years with proper installation and maintenance.

  • Ease of Installation – Standardized cores, flexible copper conductors, and robust armouring simplify deployment.