Flame Retardant Cable – 26/35kV 3×300mm² Aluminum Conductor
Product Overview
This 26/35kV medium voltage power cable is designed with a compact round aluminum conductor (Class 2, IEC 60228) and XLPE insulation. The outer sheath offers flame retardant performance suitable for projects where fire safety is a purchasing requirement.
The cable is rated for 26/35kV with a 3×300mm² configuration. It is commonly selected for utility grids, renewable energy collection systems, and industrial power distribution where aluminum conductor helps control material cost and weight.
For buyers evaluating material options, a comparison between aluminum and copper is provided below.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Rated Voltage |
26/35 kV (Um = 40.5 kV) |
| Conductor |
Aluminum, Class 2 compact round |
| Cross Section |
3 × 300 mm² |
| Insulation |
XLPE (IEC 60840) |
| Flame Retardant Standard |
IEC 60332-3 (Category A/B) |
| Outer Sheath Option |
LSZH or PVC ST8 |
| Max Conductor Temperature |
90°C (normal), 250°C (short-circuit) |
| Approx. Weight |
6.2 kg/m |
| Current Rating (in air, 40°C) |
490–515 A |
Aluminum vs Copper – Need to Know
Many procurement decisions come down to aluminum versus copper for 26/35kV cables. Below is a side-by-side comparison based on actual project experience.
| Comparison Factor |
Aluminum (3×300mm²) |
Copper (3×185mm² equivalent ampacity) |
| Conductor Cross Section |
300 mm² |
185 mm² |
| Approx. Cable Weight |
6.2 kg/m |
10.5 kg/m |
| Conductor Material Cost |
Lower (approx. 30–40% less) |
Higher |
| DC Resistance @20°C |
≤ 0.100 Ω/km |
≤ 0.099 Ω/km (similar performance) |
| Current Carrying Capacity |
490–515 A |
510–535 A (marginally higher) |
| Flexibility |
Less flexible, larger bending radius |
More flexible, smaller bending radius |
| Termination |
Requires aluminum-specific connectors and anti-oxidant paste |
Standard copper connectors work |
| Corrosion Resistance |
Good, but avoid direct contact with copper |
Excellent |
| Installation |
Lighter, easier in trenches or trays |
Heavier, more labor for handling |
| Short-circuit withstand (1s) |
25.5 kA |
42 kA (better for high fault current systems) |
Choose aluminum if weight and material cost are primary concerns, or if the project involves long cable runs (e.g., wind farm collection lines). Choose copper if space is tight, fault current levels are very high, or termination labor must be kept simple.
For most 26/35kV utility and renewable projects, aluminum offers the better total installed cost.
Certifications
This cable complies with the following standards:
-
IEC 60840 – Extruded insulation power cables above 30kV
-
IEC 60332-3 – Flame retardant for bunched cables
-
IEC 60754 – Low corrosive gases
-
IEC 61034 – Low smoke emission
-
RoHS & REACH – Environmental compliance
Factory test reports and third-party inspection (SGS, BV, etc.) can be arranged upon order confirmation.
Applications
- 35kV primary distribution substations
- Wind and solar farm internal collection lines
- Industrial plants with fire risk areas (refineries, chemical sites, tunnels)
- Underground cable systems where flame propagation must be limited
Industry Solutions
We supply this cable as part of a complete medium voltage system package, not as a standalone component. Below are four standard solutions we offer to buyers.
Solution 1 – Grid Connection Package
Includes cable + cold-shrink terminations + outdoor connectors.
Partial discharge test performed before shipping. Technical datasheets provided for each component.
Solution 2 – Renewable Energy Farm Package
Designed for long AC collection lines.
Cable sizing and ampacity calculation included. Lightning protection and earthing coordination reviewed per project layout.
Solution 3 – Fire-Sensitive Industrial Package
LSZH sheath + Category A flame retardant.
Cable glands and cleats supplied from same test batch. Fire hazard assessment support available.
Solution 4 – Basic Supply with Inspection
Cable only, delivered on wooden reels. Buyer arranges own terminations and installation. Third-party inspection allowed at factory prior to loading.
Related Products (Recommended)
Buyers who view this 26/35kV flame retardant cable often also request the following products for complete project execution.
| Product |
Description |
Typical Use |
| 26/35kV Cold Shrink Termination Kit |
Outdoor and indoor types, suitable for aluminum conductor 300mm². Includes stress control tube and anti-oxidant paste. |
Cable termination at substation or pole |
| 26/35kV Cold Shrink Straight Joint Kit |
For splicing two cable sections. Suitable for aluminum or bi-metallic connections. |
Long cable runs, repair, or section joins |
| Aluminum Cable Lugs (300mm²) |
Tin-plated aluminum, with anti-oxidant compound pre-filled. Compatible with copper busbars. |
Connecting cable to switchgear or transformer |
| Cable Cleats (Flame Retardant Grade) |
Short-circuit rated cleats for 3-core cable tray installation. LSZH material available. |
Cable fixing and short-circuit protection |
| 12/20kV Flame Retardant Aluminum Cable |
Lower voltage version for distribution networks. 3×240mm² or 3×300mm² available. |
Secondary distribution or feeder lines |
| Instrumentation Cable (Flame Retardant) |
Screened and unscreened options, 0.5–2.5mm², LSZH sheath. |
Control and monitoring systems alongside power cable |
Note: All above products can be shipped together with the main cable order to save freight cost. Contact us for bundle pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is this cable truly flame retardant or just fire resistant?
Flame retardant means the cable will not propagate flame along its length when installed in bunches. This cable meets IEC 60332-3 Category A or B. Fire resistance (e.g. IEC 60331) is different – that keeps the cable working during a fire. If you need both, please let us know.
Q2: Is this cable suitable for direct burial?
Yes, with LSZH or PVC ST8 sheath. For rocky soil, additional bedding or protective cover is recommended. We can provide installation guidelines.
Q3: If I choose aluminum, what connectors do you recommend?
We recommend bi-metallic connectors or aluminum lugs with anti-oxidant compound and torque-controlled tools. We can supply these with the cable order.
Q4: Can you provide a copper version of the same cable?
Yes. The same construction with copper conductor is available upon request. Lead time and pricing will differ – please ask for a separate quote.
Ordering Information
To receive a quotation, please confirm:
-
Conductor type (aluminum or copper)
-
Required length (km)
-
Sheath type (LSZH or PVC ST8)
-
Flame retardant category (A or B)
-
Destination port
-
Any required third-party inspection
Quotation turnaround: within 24 hours.
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