IEC 60092-353 Shipboard Power Cable Guide

Overview

IEC 60092-353 is the key standard for power cables with rated voltages of 1kV and 3kV used on ships and offshore units. It defines the construction, materials and test requirements for shipboard power cables that distribute electrical power from switchboards to motors, distribution panels, lighting transformers and heavy electrical equipment on board.

Together with IEC 60092-350, which covers general construction and test methods for all shipboard power, control and instrumentation cables, IEC 60092-353 is the main reference document when specifying marine power cables for new building, offshore conversion and repair projects.

Scope of IEC 60092-353

This standard applies to fixed installed power cables with rated voltages of 0.6/1kV and 1.8/3kV intended for shipboard and offshore electrical systems. Typical applications include:

• Main and emergency switchboard connections

• Power distribution from generators to distribution boards

• Motor feeder cables for pumps, fans, compressors and steering gear

• Power supply to deck machinery and auxiliary equipment

• Offshore platform and FPSO low voltage power distribution

Key Construction Requirements

Cables complying with IEC 60092-353 share the following general construction features:

• Conductor: stranded copper, normally tinned for marine corrosion resistance, class 2 for multi-stranded power conductors

• Insulation: XLPE or EPR with a rated conductor temperature of 90°C, halogen free compounds such as SHF1 or SHF2 are commonly required

• Screening: optional individual or collective copper wire braid or metallic tape screen for interference sensitive circuits

• Armour: optional galvanized steel wire braid, steel tape armour or copper wire braid for mechanical protection, not used on single core cables to avoid induced losses

• Outer sheath: SHF1 or SHF2 halogen free, flame retardant and low smoke material, oil resistant grades for machinery spaces

Testing Requirements

In addition to electrical routine tests, IEC 60092-353 cables are verified against fire and material performance standards, typically including:

• IEC 60332-1-2: single cable vertical flame test

• IEC 60332-3-22 Category A: bunched cable flame retardance

• IEC 60331-1 or IEC 60331-2: fire resistance with circuit integrity at 830°C, where fire resistant types are required

• IEC 60754-1 and IEC 60754-2: halogen acid gas content, acidity and conductivity for halogen free performance

• IEC 61034-1 and IEC 61034-2: smoke density with light transmittance above 60%

Fire resistant designs normally add a mica glass tape layer under the XLPE or EPR insulation to maintain circuit integrity during fire.

How to Select an IEC 60092-353 Cable

For a correct quotation or technical submittal, confirm the following parameters:

1. Rated voltage: 0.6/1kV or 1.8/3kV according to the system design

2. Core configuration and size: for example 1x95, 3x50, 3x70+1x35, 3x95+1x50, 3x120+1x70, 3x150+1x95, 4x25 or 4x35

3. Armour type: steel wire braid for high mechanical stress, copper wire braid where magnetic effects must be avoided, or unarmoured for tray installation

4. Fire performance: flame retardant only, or fire resistant with low smoke halogen free sheath for critical circuits

5. Installation area: dry, wet, oily or mud exposed areas, which affect the inner covering and sheath selection

Common Mistakes When Specifying IEC 60092-353 Cables

• Confusing IEC 60092-353 power cables with IEC 60092-376 control and instrumentation cables, which are rated 150/250V

• Confusing IEC 60092-353 with IEC 60092-354, which covers medium voltage shipboard power cables up to 15kV

• Specifying steel wire armour on single core AC cables, which causes induced circulating currents and overheating

• Writing “flame retardant” in the specification when the project actually requires fire resistance according to IEC 60331

• Assuming SHF1 and SHF2 are interchangeable; SHF2 offers higher temperature performance and is normally specified for most new shipboard applications

Related Products and Certificates

For shipboard power cables within this standard, see our Marine & Offshore Cables range. Type approved examples include DNV approved CJ85/NSC, CJ86/NSC, CJ95/NSC and CJ96/NSC and more classification society certificates. For an overview of the whole standard family, read our IEC 60092 Series Guide.

FAQ

Q1: What voltage classes does IEC 60092-353 cover?

IEC 60092-353 covers shipboard power cables rated 1kV and 3kV, commonly written as 0.6/1kV and 1.8/3kV.

Q2: What is the difference between IEC 60092-350 and IEC 60092-353?

IEC 60092-350 defines general construction and test methods for all shipboard power, control and instrumentation cables. IEC 60092-353 adds specific requirements for 1kV and 3kV power cables.

Q3: Can single core shipboard power cables use steel wire armour?

No. Steel wire armour is not applied on single core AC cables because of induced losses. Copper wire braid is used instead.

Q4: Is IEC 60092-353 cable fire resistant?

The standard covers fire test methods. Fire resistance is an additional requirement verified by IEC 60331 type tests and is normally achieved with a mica tape layer. Flame retardant and fire resistant are different properties.

Q5: What information is needed for a quotation?

Please provide the standard, rated voltage, type designation if available, core configuration and size, fire performance requirement, quantity or cable length and destination port.

Request TDS or Quotation

For technical data sheets, type test reports or a project quotation, please contact Anhui Tiankang with your cable specification.