(N)3GHSSHCH steel wire armoured mining cable 3.6/6kV by TEBAOFLEX for underground mining
Cross section of (N)3GHSSHCH showing 3 power cores, 3 earth cores and steel wire armouring layer
Close-up of steel wire armouring layer on (N)3GHSSHCH mining cable by TEBAOFLEX
  1. (N)3GHSSHCH steel wire armoured mining cable 3.6/6kV by TEBAOFLEX for underground mining
  2. Cross section of (N)3GHSSHCH showing 3 power cores, 3 earth cores and steel wire armouring layer
  3. Close-up of steel wire armouring layer on (N)3GHSSHCH mining cable by TEBAOFLEX

(N)3GHSSHCH Mining Cable 3.6/6kV | Steel Wire Armoured | VDE

(N)3GHSSHCH is a VDE 0250-605 certified medium voltage flexible power cable purpose-built for tunnelling and underground mining. Unlike standard rubber cables, it features triple LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) sheathing, individual copper wire screened earth conductors per phase, a monitoring conductor for earth continuity verification, and steel wire braid armour — ensuring zero toxic fume emission in fire, superior mechanical protection against rock impact, and full regulatory compliance for confined underground operations.

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Product Overview & Applications

The (N)3GHSSHCH cable is the preferred choice for flexible power supply to medium voltage (MV) equipment in the most demanding environments. Its LSZH outer sheathing significantly reduces toxic fume emission in the event of a fire, making it an indispensable safety feature for tunnels and underground operations. Key applications include:

  • Underground/Open-Pit Mines: Powering mobile equipment such as longwall shearers, continuous miners, roadheaders, and conveyor systems in hazardous, dusty, and wet conditions.

  • Tunnelling Projects: Providing a reliable power connection for tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and other large-scale excavation equipment.

  • Stationary Installation: Serving as a power feeder for high-voltage transformers and other fixed equipment in mining and tunnelling infrastructure.

Model Code Breakdown

Based on the VDE standard designation, the (N)3GHSSHCH model code provides key information about the cable’s construction and features:

Code Meaning
(N) Denotes compliance with the German VDE standard (optional prefix).
3G Three phase conductors (3-phase).
H Rubber insulated cores, typically EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber).
SS Steel wire braid Screen, indicating a robust steel wire braid armour layer for mechanical protection.
H Thermoplastic inner sheath material.
CH Copper wire screen + H = thermoplastic outer sheath material.

Core Structure & Technical Parameters

Designed in accordance with VDE 0250-605 and IEC 60502-2, the (N)3GHSSHCH cable features a complex and robust structure to meet the demands of mobile mining equipment:

Structural Component Material/Specification Characteristics
Phase Conductor Class 5 flexible stranded bare/tinned copper (IEC 60228) High flexibility, corrosion resistance, suitable for frequent bending.
Insulation EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber), Type 3GI3 (DIN VDE 0207 Part 20) Excellent electrical properties and thermal stability for long-term reliability.
Field Control Layers Semi-conductive tape over conductor + inner/outer extruded semi-conductive rubber layers Uniform electrical field distribution, prevents partial discharges, essential for medium voltage safety.
Protective Earth Conductor Individual copper wire screen concentrically over each phase core Provides a dedicated earth path and acts as a shielding layer.
Control Cores 3 x Class 5 flexible tinned copper conductors with EPR insulation For pilot/signal transmission or control functions.
Inner Sheath LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) compound First layer of bedding, provides initial structural integrity and protection.
Monitoring Conductor Copper wire screen over the first inner sheath (ÜL) Enables continuous electrical integrity monitoring for enhanced safety.
Second Inner Sheath LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) compound Provides additional bedding and protection for the inner layers beneath the armour.
Armour Galvanized steel wire braid (SWB) Robust mechanical protection against crushing, impact, and tensile stress encountered in mobile mining.
Outer Sheath LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) compound, Black or Red High abrasion, oil, and weather resistance. Red colour enhances visibility in dark underground environments.

Key Performance Advantages

  • Superior Safety (LSZH): The low smoke zero halogen outer sheath ensures minimal toxic fume and smoke emission during a fire, a critical life-safety feature for tunnels and underground mines.

  • High Mechanical Strength: The steel wire braid (SWB) armour provides exceptional resistance to mechanical stresses such as dragging, crushing, pulling, and impact, ensuring cable integrity in demanding mobile applications.

  • Excellent Flexibility: The Class 5 flexible conductors and rubber insulation provide outstanding bending performance (minimum bending radius approximately 10x cable diameter), making the cable easy to handle and install in confined spaces.

  • Broad Environmental Adaptability:

    • Temperature range for mobile use: +5°C to +80°C

    • Temperature range for fixed installation: -40°C to +90°C

  • High Reliability: Compliant with the stringent German VDE standards, ensuring electrical and mechanical performance meets international requirements for continuous, safe operation in critical applications.

Applicable Standards

  • VDE 0250-605 – Overall cable design standard

  • IEC 60502-2 – Power cables with extruded insulation for rated voltages above 1 kV

  • IEC 60332-1-2 – Single vertical flame propagation test

  • IEC 60754-1/2 – Corrosivity and acidity of combustion gases

Voltage Ratings & Cross-Section Examples

The (N)3GHSSHCH cable is available in a range of voltage ratings to suit different MV applications. Representative cross-sections are listed below; for a complete range, please refer to the manufacturer’s technical data sheet:

Voltage Rating (Uo/U) Voltage Rating (Uo/U) Representative Conductor Sizes (mm²)
3.6/6kV 3.6/6kV 25, 35, 50, 70, 95, 120, 150, 185
6/10kV 6/10kV 25, 35, 50, 70, 95, 120, 150, 185
8.7/15kV 8.7/15kV 25, 35, 50, 70, 95
12/20kV 12/20kV 25, 35, 50, 70, 95, 120, 150, 185

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