Medium-voltage (MV) power cables (6kV–35kV) are the core power transmission carrier in industrial infrastructure, petrochemical plants, power stations, wind-solar projects, and urban distribution networks. XLPE insulated cables have become the preferred solution for global MV systems due to their excellent electrical performance, thermal stability, and long service life. This guide focuses on professional, practical, and engineering-oriented explanations to support accurate selection and safe application.
XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) is a thermoset insulation material formed by cross-linking polyethylene. For MV cables (6kV–35kV), XLPE provides:
- Higher operating temperature (90°C continuous, 250°C short-circuit)
- Stronger dielectric strength and breakdown voltage
- Excellent resistance to moisture, aging, and creep
- Longer service life (up to 40+ years)
It fully complies with IEC 60502, GB/T 12706, ICEA S-66-524 and is widely used in all industrial MV scenarios.
Low dielectric loss, stable insulation, and strong partial discharge suppression, effectively reducing system failure.
Withstands short-circuit current impact and high-temperature environments, suitable for heavy-load industrial equipment.
Effectively resists water treeing, ideal for direct burial, cable trench, and outdoor laying.
Easy to install in narrow spaces, vertical shafts, and high-vibration areas.
Suitable for solidly grounded, resonant grounding, and high-impedance grounding systems.
| Model | Voltage | Structure | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| YJV / YJY | 8.7/10kV,26/35kV | Cu/Al conductor,XLPE insulation,PVC/PE sheath | Indoor, cable tray,clean duct |
| YJV22 / YJY23 | 8.7/10kV.26/35kV | Steel tape armor | Direct burial,anti-rodent,anti-pressure |
| YJV32 / YJY33 | 8.7/10kV,26/35kV | Steel wire armor | Vertical shaft, high tension,bridge |
| WDZ-YJY23 | 8.7/10kV,26/35kV | LSZH sheath | Data center,hospital,fire-safety zone |
- Rated Voltage: 8.7/10kV, 12/20kV, 26/35kV
- Conductor: Copper (Cu) / Aluminum (Al), Class 2 stranded
- Min Cross-Section: 25mm² (10kV system per GB 50217)
- Continuous Temp: 90°C
- Short-Circuit Temp: 250°C (max 5s)
- Voltage Drop: ≤ 3%–5%
- Bending Radius: ≥ 15×–20× cable outer diameter
Common MV Cable Faults & Engineering Solutions
Cause: Long term moisture intrusion, overload, poor sealing.
Solution: Use water blocking structure; select XLPE insulation; strengthen joint sealing; avoid long term overload.
Cause: Excessive bending, sharp extrusion, construction injury.
Solution: Control bending radius ≥15× OD; use armored cables for burial; protect cable ends and joints.
Cause: Overload, high ambient temp, dense cable bundles, poor heat dissipation.
Solution: Calculate ampacity accurately; use derating factors; improve ventilation; avoid dense bundling.
Cause: Poor production, damage, air gaps in joints.Solution: Use shielded MV cables; ensure professional joint installation; accept partial discharge test.
Cause: Chemical, soil, or salt spray corrosion.
Solution: Use PE/LSZH/corrosion resistant sheaths; select armored structure in harsh environments.
Cause: Improper installation, poor crimping, moisture ingress.
Solution: Use professional accessories; strictly follow installation procedures; seal reliably.
Client: CNOOC & Shell Huizhou Phase III
Cable Type: FS-WDZ-YJY23 26/35kV, NH-YJV22 26/35kV
Application: High-reliability power supply for petrochemical production area
Highlights: Flame-retardant, corrosion-resistant, long-term stable operation
Client: China Resources Power Wind Project
Cable Type: ZC-YJY23 26/35kV, ZC-YJLY23 26/35kV
Application: 95.2MW wind farm MV distribution
Highlights: UV-resistant, moisture-proof, suitable for outdoor long-distance laying
Client: Xinjiang Zhongneng Power 2×1000MW Coal Power Project
Cable Type: ZC-YJV22 8.7/15kV 3×120mm²
Application: Main plant power distribution, high load & high temperature environment
Highlights: Strong short-circuit withstand, low voltage drop
- General industrial & buried: Choose YJV22 / YJY23 steel tape armored.
- Vertical shaft / high tension: Choose YJV32 steel wire armored.
- Fire-critical zone (data center / hospital): Choose WDZ-YJY LSZH flame-retardant.
- Corrosive / chemical plant: Choose corrosion-resistant PE/LSZH sheath.
- Wind-solar base: Choose outdoor UV-resistant & water-blocking structure.
XLPE insulated MV cables are the most reliable and cost-effective choice for modern industrial power systems. For engineers and EPC contractors, correct selection based on voltage level, laying environment, load characteristics, and fire safety requirements can significantly improve system stability and reduce full-life cost.
Jinhong Cable provides full-series 6kV–35kV XLPE MV cables compliant with IEC, GB, and EU standards, supporting customized solutions for global industrial infrastructure projects.
