AS/NZS 1660 Cable Testing - Australian Mining Cables

Australian Mining Cables

Australian Mining Cables

Mining Cable

Mining Cable

9 Min Read

The primary purpose of semi-conductive screens in medium voltage cables is to establish and maintain a uniformly divergent electric field throughout the cable's insulation system. In cables operating above 1.1kV, the conductor surface typically consists of multiple strands wound together, creating an inherently irregular geometry with numerous peaks, valleys, and air pockets between individual strands. Without a semi-conductive conductor screen, these geometric irregularities would create localised regions of extremely high electric field stress at the strand tips and edges.

Electrical Systems Department

on2026-01-21

Why Do Australian Standards Mandate Specific Semi-Conductive Elastomer Screens for Cables Rated Above 1.1kV?

The primary purpose of semi-conductive screens in medium voltage cables is to establish and maintain a uniformly divergent electric field…