Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This Question of the Day, concerning the differences between BS 4553-1:1998 and BS 7870-3.20:2001 cable standards, is answered by Nexans:
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Question: What are the main differences between the following two standards in LV range?
BS 4553-1:1998 Specification for 600/1000V single-phase split concentric electric cables - Cables having PVC insulation.
BS 7870-3.20:2001 LV and MV polymeric insulated cables for use by distribution and generation utilities. Specification for distribution cables of rated voltage 0.6/1kV. PVC insulated split concentric cables with copper or aluminium conductors.
Answer: BS 4553-1 covers single phase split concentric service cables with copper conductors 4mm2 to 35mm2 and PVC insulation, which are generally used in the street lighting and general contractor market.
BS 7870-3.20 covers a wider range of split concentric service cables used by the utility distribution companies - i.e., apart from the single phase copper items, it also includes three-phase versions and cables which have a solid aluminium phase conductors.
The single-phase copper versions in this standard are essentially the same in construction as those covered in BS 4553, except for some differences in testing and sheath markings.
Cables made to both BS 4553 and to the BS 7870 series are often manufactured within a BASEC certified company / manufacturing plant. In addition, cables to both standards may gain BASEC product approval and classed as "BASEC approved", though most BS 7870 cables are produced directly for electricity companies without this approval.
Most UK electricity companies would now use XLPE insulated cables to BS 7870-3.21 rather than the PVC version BS 7870-3.20.
To see many more Q & A in Voltimum UK's Experts Area, please click on the link: www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions
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