What Is RFOU Cable?
The RFOU cable is a flame-retardant offshore and marine power cable rated 0.6/1kV, designed for general power distribution on offshore oil platforms, ships, and marine installations. The designation “RFOU” follows the NEK 606 standard: R indicates rubber/EPR insulation, F indicates flexible conductor, O indicates oil-resistant sheath, and U indicates LSZH (low smoke zero halogen) outer sheath. RFOU is flame-retardant per IEC 60332 but not fire-resistant — for fire-critical circuits, use BFOU cable instead.
TEBAOFLEX manufactures RFOU cable to NEK 606 with DNV, ABS, and LR certification support. View our RFOU 0.6/1kV offshore power cable product page for detailed specifications.
RFOU Cable Construction
The RFOU cable features a robust multi-layer construction engineered for offshore durability:
Conductor
- Material: Tinned copper (Class 2 or Class 5 per IEC 60228)
- Type: Flexible stranded copper for marine vibration resistance
- Tinning: Tin coating prevents oxidation in marine atmosphere
- Sizes: 1.5mm² to 400mm² per core
Insulation
- Material: EPR (ethylene propylene rubber) or XLPE
- Rating: 0.6/1kV (600/1000V)
- Temperature: 90°C continuous conductor temperature
- Dielectric strength: Excellent electrical properties for LV distribution
Inner Sheath and Bedding
- Material: LSZH (low smoke zero halogen) compound
- Function: Flame retardant bedding layer, provides cable core stability
Armour
- Material: Galvanized steel wire braid (GSWB)
- Function: Mechanical protection, electromagnetic screening, physical durability
- Alternative: Tinned copper wire braid available for enhanced conductivity
Outer Sheath
- Material: LSZH (low smoke zero halogen) compound, typically orange (ST1)
- Properties: Flame retardant (IEC 60332-3-22 Category A), low smoke (IEC 61034), zero halogen (IEC 60754)
- UV resistance: Suitable for outdoor deck installation
- Oil resistance: Resistant to hydraulic oils, fuels, and lubricants
RFOU Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard | NEK 606 / IEC 60502-1 |
| Voltage Rating | 0.6/1kV (600/1000V) |
| Conductor | Tinned copper Class 2/5 per IEC 60228 |
| Insulation | EPR or XLPE |
| Inner Sheath | LSZH compound |
| Armour | Galvanized steel wire braid (GSWB) |
| Outer Sheath | LSZH (orange ST1 or black) |
| Flame Retardancy | IEC 60332-3-22 (Category A) |
| Smoke Density | IEC 61034 (light transmittance >60%) |
| Halogen Content | IEC 60754-1 (0% halogen) |
| Fire Resistance | Not applicable (use BFOU for fire resistance) |
| Max Conductor Temp | 90°C (EPR/XLPE) |
| Min Operating Temp | -20°C (fixed), -15°C (flexing) |
| Min Bending Radius | 8× OD (fixed), 10× OD (installation) |
| Oil Resistance | IR2 per EN 50363 |
| IP Rating | IP66 with properly selected cable glands |
Available Configurations
| Cores × Cross-Section | Approx. OD (mm) | Approx. Weight (kg/km) | Conductor Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 × 1.5 mm² | 7.5 | 75 | Class 5 |
| 1 × 2.5 mm² | 8.0 | 95 | Class 5 |
| 1 × 4 mm² | 9.0 | 125 | Class 5 |
| 1 × 6 mm² | 10.0 | 160 | Class 5 |
| 1 × 10 mm² | 11.5 | 220 | Class 5 |
| 1 × 16 mm² | 13.0 | 300 | Class 5 |
| 1 × 25 mm² | 14.5 | 420 | Class 2 |
| 1 × 35 mm² | 16.0 | 540 | Class 2 |
| 1 × 50 mm² | 18.5 | 720 | Class 2 |
| 1 × 70 mm² | 21.0 | 980 | Class 2 |
| 1 × 95 mm² | 23.5 | 1280 | Class 2 |
| 1 × 120 mm² | 26.0 | 1560 | Class 2 |
| 3 × 1.5 mm² | 12.5 | 195 | Class 5 |
| 3 × 2.5 mm² | 14.0 | 250 | Class 5 |
| 3 × 4 mm² | 15.5 | 320 | Class 5 |
| 3 × 6 mm² | 17.5 | 410 | Class 5 |
| 3 × 10 mm² | 20.0 | 580 | Class 5 |
| 3 × 16 mm² | 23.0 | 810 | Class 5 |
| 3 × 25 mm² | 27.0 | 1130 | Class 2 |
| 3 × 35 mm² | 30.0 | 1450 | Class 2 |
| 3 × 50 mm² | 34.0 | 1900 | Class 2 |
| 3 × 70 mm² | 39.0 | 2550 | Class 2 |
| 3 × 95 mm² | 44.0 | 3380 | Class 2 |
| 4 × 1.5 mm² | 13.5 | 220 | Class 5 |
| 4 × 2.5 mm² | 15.0 | 290 | Class 5 |
| 4 × 4 mm² | 17.0 | 380 | Class 5 |
| 4 × 6 mm² | 19.0 | 490 | Class 5 |
| 4 × 10 mm² | 22.5 | 710 | Class 5 |
| 4 × 16 mm² | 26.0 | 980 | Class 5 |
| 4 × 25 mm² | 30.0 | 1370 | Class 2 |
| 4 × 35 mm² | 33.5 | 1740 | Class 2 |
Note: Values are approximate. Contact TEBAOFLEX for detailed datasheets.
Standards and Certifications
- NEK 606: Norwegian standard for offshore installation cables
- IEC 60502-1: LV power cable standard
- IEC 60332-3-22: Flame retardancy (Category A — most stringent)
- IEC 61034: Smoke density (>60% light transmittance)
- IEC 60754-1/2: Zero halogen content and low acidity
- IEC 60228: Conductor standards
Classification society certifications: DNV, ABS, LR, BV, CCS. View TEBAOFLEX certification documents.
RFOU Cable Selection Guide
- Determine if fire resistance is required: For fire-critical circuits (fire pumps, emergency systems), use BFOU. For general power, RFOU is sufficient
- Choose voltage: 0.6/1kV for LV distribution
- Calculate current: Full-load current with derating for ambient temperature (45°C offshore) and grouping
- Select core count: 1C for feeders, 3C/4C for 3-phase distribution, multi-core for control
- Verify classification society: DNV, ABS, LR, or BV per project specification
- Confirm LSZH: Ensure sheath meets IEC 61034 and IEC 60754 for enclosed spaces
Why Choose TEBAOFLEX for RFOU Cable?
- Full NEK 606 compliant manufacturing with IEC 60332 flame retardancy
- LSZH sheath meeting IEC 61034 and IEC 60754 for offshore safety
- DNV, ABS, LR, BV classification society certification support
- Galvanized steel wire braid armour for mechanical durability
- Wide range: 1.5mm² to 400mm², 1 to 48 cores
- Tinned copper conductors for marine corrosion resistance
- Global offshore project experience across 4 continents
- Factory-direct competitive pricing — typically 30-50% lower than European brands
Browse our oil, gas & marine cable products or request a quotation for your RFOU cable requirements.
