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EC-07 · Supply

Electrical Cable XLPE for Low and Medium Voltage

Electrical cable XLPE for low and medium voltage feeders: copper or aluminium, armoured or screened, on drums. Get a free quote from a supplier or contractor.

Cut end of a large single-core XLPE medium voltage cable showing insulation and copper screen
Cut end of a large single-core XLPE medium voltage cable showing insulation and copper screen

Electrical cable XLPE uses cross-linked polyethylene insulation instead of PVC. XLPE tolerates a higher conductor temperature, so it carries more current for the same size and is the standard for large low-voltage feeders and almost all medium voltage cable. ElectricalCable.co.za doesn't stock cable. Tell us the voltage, size, cores and length you need, and we send your request to an independent cable supplier or electrical contractor in your area. They quote you directly, and the service costs you nothing.

XLPE versus PVC

PVC-insulated cable is normally rated for a conductor temperature of 70 °C, while XLPE is rated for 90 °C in normal use. That higher rating means:

  • More current for the same conductor size, or a smaller cable for the same load
  • Better performance under short-circuit conditions
  • Lower dielectric losses, which matters at medium voltage
  • Good moisture resistance, with the right sheath, for buried runs

XLPE is stiffer than PVC, so bending radius and pulling tension need attention during installation.

Low voltage and medium voltage XLPE

Low-voltage XLPE cable (600/1000 V) looks much like PVC armoured cable and is made to the relevant SANS 1507 part. It is used for main feeders in factories, malls and office blocks. Medium voltage cable for 6.6 kV, 11 kV and 22 kV systems is made to SANS 1339 and includes conductor and insulation screens plus a copper wire or tape screen. It may be single-core or three-core, armoured or unarmoured, with copper or aluminium conductors.

Supply and price drivers

XLPE cable is usually sold on drums, often cut to the exact route length. Price depends on voltage class, conductor size and material, number of cores, armour and screen design, drum length and lead time, since larger MV sizes may be made to order. Copper and aluminium prices move the quote most. Ask suppliers to confirm the drum lengths, the drum return or deposit terms, and delivery to site. Heavy drums need a crane truck or forklift to offload, so mention site access in your request.

MV and HV cable installation

HV cable installation and MV work is specialist. Terminations and joints are made by trained cable jointers using the right kits, and work on MV networks must be done by authorised, competent people under the network owner's rules. Cables are pressure-tested before commissioning, and results are recorded for the client and the network owner. Cable routes, depths and joint positions should be mapped so future faults can be found quickly. Low-voltage XLPE work still needs a registered electrician and a COC.

Comparing XLPE cable prices

Cable prices change with the copper price, size, brand and quantity. When quotes arrive, check:

  • Exact specification: size in mm², cores, conductor, insulation, armour and voltage rating.
  • Quantity: cut length or full drum, and whether the drum deposit is refundable.
  • Standards: SABS-marked cable to the relevant SANS standard, not unmarked imports.
  • Delivery: lead time, delivery to site and offloading of heavy drums.

What to include in your request

  • Voltage class, conductor size and number of cores
  • Copper or aluminium, armoured or unarmoured
  • Route length and preferred drum lengths
  • Whether jointing, terminations and testing should be quoted
  • Site location, offloading access and required delivery date

Frequently asked questions

What does XLPE stand for?
XLPE is cross-linked polyethylene. The polyethylene is chemically or physically treated so its molecules link together, which makes the insulation tougher and able to handle higher temperatures than ordinary PVC. It does not soften and flow when hot the way PVC can.
Is XLPE cable better than PVC cable?
For large feeders and medium voltage it usually is, because it carries more current per size and handles heat well. For small domestic circuits, PVC cable is normal and perfectly adequate. Your engineer or electrician chooses based on load and installation.
Can I buy XLPE cable in short lengths?
Low-voltage XLPE armoured cable is often available in cut lengths from electrical wholesalers. Medium voltage XLPE cable is normally supplied on drums cut to the route length, and some sizes are made to order, so allow lead time.
Who can install medium voltage cable?
MV cable must be installed, jointed and terminated by trained and authorised people, typically a specialist electrical contractor with qualified cable jointers. The network owner, such as Eskom or the municipality, sets the rules for connection.

XLPE Cable by province

XLPE Cable by city

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