IEC 60092-354 Medium Voltage Shipboard Power Cable Guide | 3.6/6kV to 18/30kV

Overview

IEC 60092-354 is the standard for medium voltage power cables used on ships and offshore units, covering rated voltages from 3.6/6kV up to 18/30kV. While IEC 60092-353 handles low voltage power cables up to 0.6/1kV and 1.8/3kV, IEC 60092-354 applies to the high voltage side of shipboard distribution: main switchboard feeders, transformer connections, propulsion support circuits and large motor feeds above 1kV.

On modern vessels, medium voltage distribution reduces current and cable size for high power loads, which is why cruise ships, large tankers, offshore platforms and electric propulsion vessels rely on IEC 60092-354 cable designs.

Voltage Classes

IEC 60092-354 covers the following common rated voltages, written as Uo/U(Um):

• 3.6/6(7.2)kV

• 6/10(12)kV

• 8.7/15(17.5)kV

• 12/20(24)kV

• 18/30(36)kV

The most common shipboard ratings are 3.6/6kV, 6/10kV and 8.7/15kV. Higher ratings such as 12/20kV and 18/30kV appear in offshore power distribution and large vessel applications.

Key Construction Differences from IEC 60092-353

Medium voltage cables are electrically screened constructions, which is the main difference from low voltage shipboard power cables:

• Conductor: tinned stranded copper, class 2

• Conductor screen: extruded semi-conducting layer over the conductor, required for uniform electric field

• Insulation: XLPE or EPR, 90°C rated

• Insulation screen: extruded semi-conducting layer over the insulation, plus a metallic screen of copper tape or copper wire for fault current carrying and grounding

• Armour: copper wire braid or galvanized steel wire braid, not used on single core AC cables

• Outer sheath: SHF1 or SHF2 halogen free, flame retardant and low smoke compound

Testing Requirements

In addition to construction and material requirements, medium voltage shipboard cables are verified through electrical type tests that do not apply to low voltage cables:

• Partial discharge test at rated voltage

• AC voltage withstand test, typically at 3.5 times rated voltage for 5 minutes or per specified test profile

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

• IEC 60754-1/2 and IEC 61034: halogen free and low smoke performance for SHF sheathed types

How to Select an IEC 60092-354 Cable

1. Rated voltage: select according to the system voltage, for example 6/10kV for a 6.6kV distribution system

2. Core configuration: single core for high current feeders, three core up to approximately 185mm2 or 240mm2 depending on design

3. Metallic screen: copper wire screen preferred where higher earth fault capacity is required

4. Armour type: steel wire braid for mechanical protection on three core types, copper wire braid for single core to avoid induced losses

5. Installation method: medium voltage cables require larger bending radius than low voltage types, confirm tray, conduit or direct burial routing

Common Mistakes When Specifying Medium Voltage Shipboard Cable

• Specifying IEC 60092-353 when the system voltage is above 1.8/3kV

• Omitting the metallic screen requirement, which is mandatory for medium voltage construction

• Applying steel wire armour on single core AC cables, causing induced circulating currents

• Using too small a bending radius during installation, damaging the semi-conducting screens

• Assuming medium voltage cable can be treated like low voltage cable for termination and splicing, MV terminations require stress control components

Related Products and Certificates

For low voltage shipboard power cables up to 1kV, see our IEC 60092-353 guide. For an overview of the whole standard family, read our IEC 60092 Series Guide. Anhui Tiankang holds ABS Type Approval for CJPF Series medium voltage shipboard power cables rated 3.6/6kV, 6/10kV and 8.7/15kV. For the related cable range, see Marine & Offshore Cables.

FAQ

Q1: What voltage range does IEC 60092-354 cover?

IEC 60092-354 covers medium voltage shipboard power cables from 3.6/6kV up to 18/30kV, while IEC 60092-353 covers low voltage cables up to 1.8/3kV.

Q2: Why does medium voltage cable need a metallic screen?

The metallic screen over the insulation screen provides a defined earth path, carries capacitive and fault currents, and ensures uniform electric stress. It is a mandatory part of medium voltage construction.

Q3: Can single core medium voltage cable use steel wire armour?

No. Steel wire armour on single core AC cables causes induced circulating currents and overheating. Copper wire braid is used instead.

Q4: Is fire resistant medium voltage cable available?

Fire resistant designs with mica based insulation systems can be engineered for specific projects. Please confirm the requirement with your specification, as standard medium voltage constructions follow the flame retardant, halogen free and low smoke route.

Q5: What information is needed for a quotation?

Please provide the rated voltage, core configuration and size, metallic screen type, armour requirement, quantity or cable length, and destination port.

Request TDS or Quotation

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