What is an N2XS cable(F)2Y 26/45kV(52kV)?
He cable N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV is a medium voltage power cable designed for the safe transmission and distribution of electrical energy in underground networks., substations, wind farms, solar plants, industrial complexes and critical infrastructures.
Thanks to its isolation from XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene), copper metal screen, longitudinal water blocking system and polyethylene outer cover (PE), This cable offers excellent operational reliability, long service life and high current carrying capacity.
electrical operators, EPC contractors, Mining companies and renewable energy developers widely use the cable N2XS(F)2Y 26/45 kV due to its ability to operate in demanding environmental conditions and withstand high electrical stresses for decades.
Meaning of the N2XS designation(F)2Y
The N2XS nomenclature(F)2And follows German VDE standards for power cables.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| N | VDE compliant power cable |
| 2X | XLPE insulation |
| S | copper conductor |
| (F) | Longitudinal water lock |
| 2Y | Polyethylene outer cover (PE) |
The nominal voltage is:
Uo/U (One) = 26/45 (52) kV
Where:
- Uo = 26 kV between phase and ground
- U = 45 kV between phases
- One = 52 kV maximum system voltage
This voltage class is commonly used in electrical systems. 33 kV, 35 kV and advanced distribution networks.
N2XS Cable Construction(F)2Y 26/45kV
The cable structure is made up of several layers designed to guarantee maximum electrical safety.
copper conductor
The conductor is usually made of compact copper class 2.
Advantages:
- Excellent electrical conductivity
- High current capacity
- Lower energy loss
- Great mechanical resistance
Driver semiconductor screen
It is applied directly to the driver.
Features:
- Uniformize the electric field
- Reduce partial downloads
- Avoid voltage concentrations
- Improve insulation life
XLPE insulation
Cross-linked polyethylene insulation is the main element of the dielectric system.
Benefits:
- High dielectric strength
- Low electrical losses
- Excellent thermal resistance
- Aging resistance
- Greater load capacity
Typical temperatures:
| Condition | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Continuous operation | 90°C |
| emergency overload | 130°C |
| Short circuit | 250°C |
Semiconductor Insulation Screen
This layer is extruded onto the XLPE insulation.
Allows:
- Control the electrical gradient
- Ensure uniform field distribution
- Minimize risks of partial discharges
Water blocking system
The letter “(F)” indicates the presence of water blocking materials.
These may include:
- inflatable ribbons
- inflatable threads
- Absorbent powders
Its functions are:
- Prevent longitudinal spread of moisture
- Protect insulation
- Increase cable reliability
Metal screen
The metal screen is usually made up of:
- copper wires
- copper tape
Features:
- Fault current conduction
- grounding
- Electromagnetic shielding
- System protection
PE outer sheath
The polyethylene cover offers:
- Moisture resistance
- Chemical resistance
- UV protection
- High mechanical resistance
- Excellent performance in buried installations
Standard sections available
Manufacturers offer N2XS cable(F)2Y 26/45 kV in a wide range of sections to meet different load requirements.
Standard conductor sizes
| Section |
|---|
| 50 mm² |
| 70 mm² |
| 95 mm² |
| 120 mm² |
| 150 mm² |
| 185 mm² |
| 240 mm² |
| 300 mm² |
| 400 mm² |
| 500 mm² |
| 630 mm² |
| 800 mm² |
| 1000 mm² |
| 1200 mm² |
| 1400 mm² |
| 1600 mm² |
Most requested models
Among the most popular models are:
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×50 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×70 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×95 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×120 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×150 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×185 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×240 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×300 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×400 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×500 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×630 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×800 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×1000 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×1200 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×1400 mm²
- N2XS(F)2Y 26/45kV 1×1600 mm²
Main advantages of the N2XS cable(F)2Y 26/45 kV
Excellent electrical performance
XLPE insulation provides:
- High dielectric resistance
- Low capacitance
- Minimum energy losses
- Greater system efficiency
Long lifespan
With proper installation, These cables can work for:
- 30 years
- 40 years
- More than 50 years in many electrical systems
High current capacity
Thanks to XLPE, transport capacity is greater than that of older technologies based on impregnated paper insulation.
Moisture resistance
The longitudinal locking system effectively protects against:
- water infiltrations
- Condensation
- Soil humidity
Excellent mechanical resistance
The PE cover supports:
- Impacts
- Abrasion
- Ground pressure
- Chemical products present in industrial lands
N2XS Cable Applications(F)2Y 26/45kV
Electrical distribution networks
Electrical companies use this cable to:
- Main feeders
- Underground urban networks
- Substation interconnection
- Reinforcement of existing networks
Electrical substations
It is common in connections between:
- power transformers
- GIS
- Medium voltage cells
- Maneuver equipment
Wind farms
Typical applications:
- Collecting networks
- Connection of wind turbines
- Powering of lifting substations
Solar plants
Used for:
- Investor connection
- Step-up transformers
- Internal distribution networks
Mining
Ideal for:
- copper mines
- gold mines
- iron mines
- Underground facilities
Heavy industry
frequent in:
- Steelworks
- Refineries
- Petrochemical plants
- cement factories
- Data centers
Current capacity
The allowable intensity depends on:
- Driver section
- Room temperature
- Installation method
- Soil thermal resistivity
- Distance between cables
Guideline values:
| Section | Approximate Current |
|---|---|
| 50 mm² | 180–220 A |
| 95 mm² | 260–320 A |
| 185 mm² | 380–450 A |
| 240 mm² | 450–520 A |
| 300 mm² | 520–600 A |
| 400 mm² | 650–750 A |
| 500 mm² | 760–850 A |
| 630 mm² | 900–1050 A |
| 800 mm² | 1050–1200 A |
| 1000 mm² | 1200–1350 A |
| 1200 mm² | 1350–1500 A |
| 1400 mm² | 1500–1650 A |
| 1600 mm² | 1650–1800 A |
Final values must be calculated according to IEC 60287.
Applicable standards
N2XS cables(F)2And they are usually manufactured according to:
IEC 60840
International standard for high and medium voltage power cables.
IEC 60228
Defines the characteristics of the drivers.
IEC 60287
Current capacity calculation method.
HD 620
European harmonized specifications.
VDE standards
Frequently required in Germany and other European markets.
Installation methods
direct burial
The most used option.
Advantages:
- Lower cost
- Better thermal dissipation
- Less visual impact
Installation in ducts
Suitable for:
- Urban areas
- road crossings
- Critical infrastructures
Cable tunnels
Used in:
- Big cities
- Industrial centers
- Important substations
Cable trays
Common in industrial facilities.
N2XS cable tests(F)2Y
Before delivery, Each cable undergoes rigorous testing.
Routine tests
- Driver resistance
- AC voltage test
- Partial discharge measurement
- Dimensional verification
Sample tests
- Material verification
- Thickness control
- Mechanical tests
type tests
- Atmospheric impulse test
- Thermal cycles
- Aging test
- Water penetration test
Compatible accessories
A complete cable system 26/45 kV requires certified accessories.
Exterior finishes
For connection to:
- airlines
- Transformers
- yard equipment
Interior finishes
Used in:
- Buildings
- Substations
- Industrial facilities
GIS Terminations
Designed for connection with GIS systems.
Straight splices
Allows you to join different cable lengths.
Sectionable splices
Facilitate maintenance and troubleshooting.
Factors influencing the price of N2XS cable(F)2Y 26/45kV
The main factors are:
- International copper price
- Driver section
- Cable length
- Metal screen area
- Certification requirements
- Requested quantity
- Logistical conditions
- Accessories included
The sections of 630 mm², 800 mm², 1000 mm², 1200 mm² y 1600 mm² They usually represent an important part of substation projects, wind farms and high-capacity solar plants.
How to select the right cable
Before requesting a quote, it is advisable to define:
- Required nominal voltage
- Driver section
- Installation method
- charging current
- short circuit current
- Circuit length
- Type of terminations
- Type of splices
- Applicable standard
- Environmental requirements
A complete specification allows for design optimization, reduce costs and ensure system reliability throughout the life of the installation.
He cable N2XS(F)2Y 26/45 kV continues to be one of the most used solutions for modern electrical distribution networks thanks to its excellent electrical performance, its resistance to humidity, its long useful life and the wide availability of sections from 50 mm² up to 1600 mm², making it an ideal option for utilities, industry, wind farms, solar plants and energy infrastructure projects around the world.