Product Overview: RFOU 0.6/1 kV offshore power cable is the primary flame-retardant, low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH), and drilling-mud-resistant fixed distribution cable for offshore platforms, FPSOs, and marine vessels. Specified around NEK 606 and IEC 60092-353, it combines Class 5 flexible tinned-copper conductors, EPR insulation, an SHF1 inner sheath, a TCWB tinned-copper wire braid, and an SHF2 EVA outer sheath.
1. Application & RFOU vs. BFOU Selection Matrix
RFOU 0.6/1 kV handles non-fire-survival topside power, lighting, and auxiliary control feeders exposed to wet, oily, and drilling-mud offshore zones (see our RFOU offshore applications guide):
| Comparison Criterion | RFOU 0.6/1kV (This Product) | BFOU 0.6/1kV (Fire-Resistant Sister Build) |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Performance Role | Flame-retardant (IEC 60332 series) — limits fire spread along bunched cable ladders | Fire-resistant (IEC 60331 mica barrier) — maintains circuit integrity during fire |
| Conductor & Core Barrier | Class 5 flexible tinned copper directly insulated with EPR (no mica tape) | Class 2 (or optional Class 5) tinned copper wrapped with mica-glass fire barrier + EPR |
| Braid & Mud Outer Sheath | SHF1 inner bedding + TCWB braid + SHF2 EVA mud-resistant outer sheath | Halogen-free bedding + TCWB braid + SHF2 MUD outer sheath |
| Typical Topside Circuits | Normal power distribution, utility skids, lighting & non-ESD auxiliary control | ESD, fire-and-gas, emergency power & escape lighting (view BFOU 0.6/1kV) |
Fixed-Duty Engineering Boundary: Even though RFOU uses Class 5 flexible tinned copper for easier topside pulling, it is strictly a fixed-installation cable—never use it for crane reeling, continuous flexing, or submersible risers without dedicated engineering review. Read our full BFOU vs. RFOU cable comparison and oil, gas & marine cable solutions.
2. Cable Construction (7-Layer Inside-to-Outside Hierarchy)
Every layer of the documented EPR/SHF1/TCWB/SHF2 EVA architecture supports corrosion resistance, EMC screening, and drilling-fluid durability:
3. Technical Characteristics & Offshore Standards Matrix
Confirm required standard editions, mud-resistance test fluids, and third-party witness requirements before ordering (further detail in our RFOU cable specification guide):
| Standard / Parameter | Reference Value | Engineering Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Rated Voltage & Max. Temp. | 0.6 / 1 kV AC; +90°C max. conductor | Subject to offshore ambient (typically 45°C), tray grouping, and voltage-drop calculation |
| Offshore Mud Practice | NEK 606 | Defines SHF2 mud-resistant sheath classifications and offshore construction codes |
| Shipboard Power Design | IEC 60092-353 | 1 kV shipboard and offshore non-radial-field power cable design baseline |
| Flame Propagation | IEC 60332 series | Single-cable and bunched vertical flame-spread limitation |
| Smoke & Halogen Emission | IEC 61034 / IEC 60754 series | Low smoke density and zero-halogen / low acid-gas verification |
4. Project Reference Configurations & Ordering Matrix
TEBAOFLEX manufactures custom single-core and multi-core RFOU 0.6/1 kV schedules. The project examples below illustrate frequently requested configurations (exact finished OD, kg/km weight, and gland size are issued on the order datasheet):
| Part Reference | Configuration | Voltage | Architecture | Typical Topside / Marine Circuit Duty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TF-RFOU-1C70 | 1C × 70 mm² | 0.6/1 kV | EPR / SHF1 / TCWB / SHF2 EVA | Single-core main switchboard & heavy motor feeder |
TF-RFOU-1C120 | 1C × 120 mm² | 0.6/1 kV | EPR / SHF1 / TCWB / SHF2 EVA | High-current single-core topside bus / transformer feeder |
TF-RFOU-4G4 | 4G × 4 mm² | 0.6/1 kV | EPR / SHF1 / TCWB / SHF2 EVA | Three-phase + PE small pump, skid lighting & auxiliary power |
TF-RFOU-4G16 | 4G × 16 mm² | 0.6/1 kV | EPR / SHF1 / TCWB / SHF2 EVA | Multicore offshore utility & HVAC distribution feeder |
TF-RFOU-4G95 | 4G × 95 mm² | 0.6/1 kV | EPR / SHF1 / TCWB / SHF2 EVA | Heavy-duty multicore process skid power trunk |
TF-RFOU-4G185 | 4G × 185 mm² | 0.6/1 kV | EPR / SHF1 / TCWB / SHF2 EVA | Large multicore offshore main power distribution |
TF-RFOU-5G25 | 5G × 25 mm² | 0.6/1 kV | EPR / SHF1 / TCWB / SHF2 EVA | Five-core (3P+N+PE) offshore panel & machinery feeder |
TF-RFOU-5G185 | 5G × 185 mm² | 0.6/1 kV | EPR / SHF1 / TCWB / SHF2 EVA | High-capacity five-core topside distribution feeder |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
What does the offshore designation RFOU 0.6/1kV mean?
RFOU identifies an offshore/marine fixed power cable built with halogen-free EPR insulation, flame-retardant construction, a tinned-copper wire braid (TCWB), and an oil- and mud-resistant SHF2 EVA outer sheath.
Is RFOU cable fire-resistant like BFOU cable?
No. RFOU is flame-retardant (IEC 60332) and omits the mica-glass fire barrier. Specify BFOU whenever continued circuit operation during fire (IEC 60331) is required.
Why does RFOU use Class 5 flexible tinned copper if it is for fixed installation?
Class 5 tinned copper simplifies pulling through compact offshore skids and resists marine corrosion and vibration, while the braided SHF1/SHF2 sheath system remains strictly for fixed cable trays and bulkheads.
Is RFOU suitable for drilling-mud exposure?
Yes, the SHF2 EVA outer sheath is formulated for mud-resistant offshore zones. Confirm your project’s specific drilling fluid, NEK 606 edition, and test-certificate scope before ordering.
Are RFBU or RFCU designations interchangeable with RFOU?
No. Armour/screen code letters change the braid metal, EMC transfer impedance, mechanical strength, and gland selection. Always match the exact cable code in your approved MTO schedule (browse more in Oil, Gas & Marine Cables).
What information is needed for an RFOU cable quotation?
Submit system voltage, core count and cross-sections (e.g., 1C, 3C, 4G, 5G, or multi-core control), individual drum lengths, NEK 606 / IEC editions, marine class inspection requirements, and delivery port.
Request RFOU 0.6/1kV Offshore Datasheet & MTO Quotation
Share your platform or shipboard MTO list—core configurations, cross-sections, drum cutting lengths, NEK 606 mud test requirements, and classification documents—for a rapid factory technical offer.
