ARE4H5EX Cable

What is ARE4H5EX Cable?

The ARE4H5EX – Compact Cable is a three-core aluminium conductor medium-voltage power distribution cable manufactured according to HD 620 and IEC 60502-2 standards. Rated for operational voltages of 12/20 (24)kV and 18/30 (36)kV, it is engineered for primary utility grids, transformer substations, industrial plant feeders, and renewable energy installations such as wind power generation plants.

The cable features an optimized compact three-core assembly utilizing Class 2 compacted circular stranded aluminium conductors, DIX 8 grade XLPE dielectric insulation, and extruded semi-conductive screens. A semiconductive watertight tape barrier and a longitudinally applied aluminium tape metallic screen are encased beneath a halogen-free red Polyethylene (PE compound DPM 2) outer jacket. Compared to traditional three-core configurations, the compact profile significantly reduces overall cable diameter and unit weight, enabling tighter minimum bending radii and easier pulling through narrow underground pipes and conduits.

ARE4H5EX Cable Construction

• Conductor: Class 2 compacted stranded circular aluminium conductor conforming to international standards.
• Conductor Screen: Extruded semi-conductive XLPE compound for electrical stress control.
• Insulation: High-grade Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) compound (DIX 8) providing dielectric strength and continuous thermal endurance up to 90°C.
• Insulation Screen: Extruded semi-conductive XLPE compound bonded directly to the primary dielectric layer.
• Protective Layer: Semiconductive watertight tape applied over the insulation screen to prevent moisture penetration.
• Metallic Screen: Longitudinally applied aluminium tape providing electrostatic screening and radial moisture barrier protection.
• Outer Sheath: Heavy-duty Polyethylene (PE) compound (DPM 2) offering high abrasion, tear, and environmental cracking resistance.
• Outer Sheath Colour: Red.

Applications

ARE4H5EX – Compact medium-voltage cables are designed for primary electrical power distribution across high-density and demanding outdoor installations:

• Wind Power Plants: Medium-voltage power collection circuits and collector networks linking wind turbine step-up transformers to substation switchgear.
• Underground Pipe & Duct Systems: Pulled through subterranean ducts and conduits where compact outer dimensions allow optimal duct fill ratios.
• Underground Utility Channels & Tunnels: Routed through concrete cable galleries, raceways, and substation basement trenches.
• Protected Direct Underground Burial: Soil trench installation with appropriate backfilling and mechanical cover protection.
• Open Air & Industrial Cable Trays: External indoor/outdoor perimeter routes and ladder-rack distribution across industrial facilities.

Specifications & Dimensions

Huadong Cable Group manufactures ARE4H5EX – Compact cables across 12/20 (24)kV and 18/30 (36)kV ratings in three-core configurations from 50mm² up to 300mm² (including 50, 70, 95, 120, 150, 185, 240, and 300mm²). In the 12/20kV class, complete cable outer diameters range from 28mm to 42mm with unit weights between 1,730 kg/km and 4,730 kg/km, maintaining tight minimum bending radii from 550mm to 820mm. In the 18/30kV class, complete cable outer diameters span from 34mm to 45mm with weights from 2,480 kg/km to 5,240 kg/km and minimum bending radii between 680mm and 890mm. Operating at a continuous conductor operating temperature of 90°C, a minimum installation temperature of -25°C, and a short-circuit thermal withstand limit of 250°C (up to 5 seconds), the cable delivers continuous current ratings up to 581A in open air and 578A underground in trefoil formation, strictly aligned with HD 620 and IEC 60502-2 specifications.

Standards

Design & Material Standards: HD 620, IEC 60502-2
Conductor Specification: Class 2 compacted stranded aluminium
Insulation & Sheath Compounds: XLPE compound DIX 8; PE outer sheath compound DPM 2
Halogen Content: Halogen-free according to IEC 60754
Voltage Ratings: Voltage Uo/U: 12/20 (24)kV and 18/30 (36)kV
Thermal Ratings: Maximum operating temperature: 90°C; Short-circuit maximum temperature (5s): 250°C; Minimum installation temperature: -25°C
Regulatory Compliance: RoHS Directive 2015/65/EU, REACH Regulation EC 1907/2006, CE Marked

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the primary advantage of the “Compact” design in ARE4H5EX cables?
A: The Compact construction combines heavily compacted Class 2 aluminium conductors with an optimized three-core assembly to reduce outer diameter, lower cable weight, and significantly decrease the installation bending radius compared to standard medium-voltage cables.

Q: What is the dual function of the longitudinally applied aluminium tape?
A: The aluminium tape acts as an electrical metallic screen to safely conduct single-phase short-circuit fault currents while functioning as an impermeable radial moisture barrier that shields the XLPE insulation against water vapor penetration.

Q: Can ARE4H5EX – Compact cable be installed directly in the ground?
A: Yes, the cable is suitable for protected underground direct burial (such as with sand bedding and protective covers), as well as installation in underground pipes, open air, and channels.

Q: What commercial payment terms does Huadong Cable accept for international orders?
A: We accept standard international commercial payment terms, primarily Telegraphic Transfer (T/T, with 30% advance deposit and 70% against shipping documents) and 100% Irrevocable Letter of Credit (L/C) at sight.

ARE4H5EX Cable – Why Choose Huadong Cable?

Huadong Cable Group manufactures ARE4H5EX – Compact 12/20kV and 18/30kV medium-voltage cables in strict compliance with HD 620 and IEC 60502-2 standards. Utilizing electrical-grade aluminium rod, our advanced stranding equipment produces compacted circular Class 2 conductors that eliminate inner voids and maintain tight dimensional tolerances. On our catenary continuous vulcanization (CCV) lines, the semi-conductive conductor screen, high-purity XLPE (DIX 8) insulation, and semi-conductive insulation screen are applied simultaneously in a triple-head die under dry nitrogen vulcanization, ensuring void-free interfaces and minimal partial discharge levels.

Backed by more than 20 years of precision cable engineering expertise, Huadong Cable Group operates testing laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 and production systems certified to ISO 9001 and CE frameworks. Direct factory manufacturing eliminates middleman trading markups, allowing us to provide competitive factory pricing, 100% routine electrical and spark testing verified by certified Mill Test Certificates (MTC), continuous drum cuts packaged on heavy-duty ISPM 15 heat-treated export wooden reels, and dependable logistics for international electric utilities and wind farm contractors worldwide.