Introduzione
IL N2XKFGbY (CU/XLPE/PVC/LS/PVC/SFWA/PVC) 0.6/1 (1.2) kV cable is a robust low-voltage power cable designed for applications requiring high mechanical protection, moisture resistance, and long-term electrical reliability. With its multi-layer construction and armoured design, this cable is widely used in impianti industriali, power distribution networks, underground installations, and infrastructure projects.
The designation N2XKFGbY follows European and IEC-based cable naming conventions and represents a cable system that combines copper conductors, Isolamento XLPE, a lead sheath (LS), steel flat armour (SFA), and multiple PVC protective layers. The rated voltage of 0.6/1 (1.2) kV makes it suitable for low-voltage power transmission under demanding environmental and mechanical conditions.
Meaning of N2XKFGbY (CU/XLPE/PVC/LS/PVC/SFWA/PVC)
The structure of the N2XKFGbY cable can be clearly understood by breaking down its material designation:
- CU – Copper conductor
- XLPE – Cross-linked polyethylene insulation
- PVC – Polyvinyl chloride inner sheath and bedding layers
- LS – Lead Sheath
- PVC – Separator / bedding sheath over the lead sheath
- SFA – Steel Flat Armour
- PVC – PVC outer sheath
Insieme, this construction delivers a cable with excellent electrical performance, strong mechanical protection, and superior resistance to moisture and aggressive environments.
General Cable Construction
Un tipico N2XKFGbY (CU/XLPE/PVC/LS/PVC/SFWA/PVC) 0.6/1 (1.2) kV cable consists of the following layers from inside to outside:
- Copper conductor (IEC compliant)
- Isolamento XLPE
- Laid-up insulated cores with fillers
- PVC inner sheath
- Guaina di piombo (LS)
- PVC separator / bedding
- Steel flat armour (SFA)
- PVC outer sheath
Each layer is carefully engineered to serve a specific electrical or mechanical function.
Copper Conductor (CU)
The conductor is made of high-purity annealed electrolytic copper, offering excellent conductivity and mechanical stability. All conductors comply with CEI 60228, typically manufactured as:
- Class 1 solid conductors (for smaller cross-sections)
- Class 2 stranded conductors (for power applications)
Copper conductors ensure:
- Low electrical resistance
- High current-carrying capacity
- Stable performance under thermal stress
- Long operational life
XLPE Insulation
Each copper conductor is insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), a material widely recognized for its superior electrical and thermal performance.
Key properties of XLPE insulation include:
- Continuous operating temperature up to 90°C
- Short-circuit temperature up to 250°C
- High dielectric strength
- Excellent resistance to moisture, prodotti chimici, and aging
XLPE insulation ensures safe and reliable power transmission even in harsh operating environments.
PVC Inner Sheath
After core assembly, a PVC inner sheath is applied to bind the insulated conductors together and provide a smooth surface for the application of the lead sheath.
Functions of the PVC inner sheath:
- Maintains cable geometry
- Protects insulated cores
- Improves mechanical stability
- Enhances overall durability
Lead Sheath (LS)
IL Lead Sheath (LS) is one of the most critical features of the N2XKFGbY cable.
Functions of the Lead Sheath
- Acts as a complete moisture barrier
- Provides excellent resistance to oils, prodotti chimici, and corrosive substances
- Prevents water ingress in underground installations
- Enhances electromagnetic shielding
Because of these properties, lead-sheathed cables are widely used in underground power networks, industrial facilities, tunnels, and areas with high humidity or chemical exposure.
PVC Separator / Bedding Sheath
A PVC separator sheath is applied over the lead sheath to:
- Protect the lead sheath from mechanical damage
- Provide a smooth bedding for the armour layer
- Improve overall cable flexibility
This layer also contributes to the long-term stability of the cable under mechanical stress.
Steel Flat Armour (SFA)
IL Steel Flat Armour (SFA) provides strong mechanical protection against external forces.
Advantages of SFA include:
- High resistance to impact and crushing
- Excellent tensile strength
- Suitable for direct burial
- Protection against rodent damage
Steel flat armour makes the cable suitable for heavy-duty industrial and infrastructure installations.
PVC Outer Sheath
The final layer is a durable PVC outer sheath, designed to protect the cable from environmental influences.
Key features:
- Resistance to abrasion and mechanical wear
- Protection against UV radiation and weather
- Additional moisture resistance
- Easy identification and handling
Rated Voltage: 0.6/1 (1.2) kV
The rated voltage 0.6/1 (1.2) kV indicates:
- 0.6 kV between conductor and earth
- 1.0 kV between conductors
- 1.2 kV maximum system voltage
This rating makes the cable suitable for standard low-voltage power distribution systems.
IEC Conductor Configuration – 1 Core to 5 Cores (0.5 mm² a 300 mm²)
IEC Power Cable Conductor Configuration
| Nominal Cross Section (mm²) | Conductor Class | NO. of Cores |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | Class 1 | 1 core |
| 0.5 | Class 1 | 2 cores |
| 0.5 | Class 1 | 3 cores |
| 0.5 | Class 1 | 4 cores |
| 0.5 | Class 1 | 5 cores |
| 0.75 | Class 1 | 1–5 cores |
| 1.0 | Class 1 | 1–5 cores |
| 1.5 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 2.5 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 4 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 6 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 10 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 16 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 25 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 35 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 50 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 70 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 95 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 120 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 150 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 185 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 240 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
| 300 | Class 2 | 1–5 cores |
IEC Conductor Configuration – 1 Core to 36 Cores (0.5 mm² a 10 mm²)
IEC Multi-Core Cable Configuration
| Nominal Cross Section (mm²) | Conductor Class | NO. of Cores |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | Class 1 | 1–36 cores |
| 0.75 | Class 1 | 1–36 cores |
| 1.0 | Class 1 | 1–36 cores |
| 1.5 | Class 2 | 1–36 cores |
| 2.5 | Class 2 | 1–36 cores |
| 4 | Class 2 | 1–36 cores |
| 6 | Class 2 | 1–36 cores |
| 10 | Class 2 | 1–36 cores |
These configurations are commonly used for cavi di controllo, auxiliary power circuits, and industrial distribution systems.
Applicazioni tipiche
IL N2XKFGbY (CU/XLPE/PVC/LS/PVC/SFWA/PVC) 0.6/1 (1.2) kV cable is widely applied in:
- Power plants and substations
- Industrial manufacturing facilities
- Underground power distribution
- Tunnels and transportation infrastructure
- Oil, gas, and petrochemical plants
- Utilities and public infrastructure projects
Key Advantages
- Excellent electrical performance
- Strong mechanical protection
- Superior moisture and chemical resistance
- Lunga durata
- IEC-compliant conductor configurations
- Suitable for harsh and underground environments
N2XKFGbY (CU/XLPE/PVC/LS/PVC/SFWA/PVC) 0.6/1 (1.2) kV cable
IL N2XKFGbY (CU/XLPE/PVC/LS/PVC/SFWA/PVC) 0.6/1 (1.2) kV cable is a proven solution for low-voltage power transmission where resistenza meccanica, protezione dell'ambiente, and long-term reliability are essential. With its lead sheath and steel flat armour design, this cable meets the demands of modern industrial and infrastructure applications.