Shipboard VFD Cable - FiRst

Halogen-Free Low Smoke Fire-Resistant Flexible VFD Cable for Marine and Offshore (0.6/1kV, 1.8/3kV 90℃)

Engineered for the most demanding offshore environments, our halogen-free, low-smoke, fire-resistant flexible VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) cable delivers unparalleled electrical stability and mechanical endurance. In maritime operations, motor failure or signal interference is simply not an option. This specialized cable is meticulously designed to connect AC variable frequency drives to motors, providing a critical low-impedance signal path that neutralizes high-frequency voltage spikes and electromagnetic interference (EMI). When handling the heavy, tightly braided exterior, maintenance crews immediately notice the structural density and robust tactile feel, indicating superior shielding and physical protection. Whether powering propulsion systems, thrusters, or heavy-duty winches on drilling rigs, this cable ensures continuous, safe operation while significantly reducing long-term maintenance overhead. It serves as the ultimate safeguard for your critical marine infrastructure.

Example: CJ85/NSC-VFD, CJ86/NSC-VFD, CJPJ85/NSC-VFD, CJPF86/NSC-VFD

Cable Construction & Shielding Integrity

The internal architecture of this marine VFD cable is meticulously engineered to combat both electrical stress and physical wear. At its core, the stranded copper wire provides exceptional flexibility, which is essential for navigating the complex, confined routing spaces of vessel hulls. Surrounding the conductor, a specialized mica/glass fire-resistant tape ensures circuit integrity even under direct flame exposure. The cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation features an advanced semi-conductive layer design that effectively disperses high-voltage spikes, preventing insulation breakdown over time. Furthermore, the collective screen—comprising a copper-plastic tape and a high-coverage tinned copper wire braid—acts as an impenetrable barrier against EMI and RFI noise. This dual-shielding mechanism is vital for suppressing the harmonic distortions generated by modern variable frequency drives, protecting sensitive adjacent navigational equipment from stray voltage damage.

Applied Standards & Marine Compliance

Compliance with international maritime safety regulations is non-negotiable for offshore installations. This VFD cable is rigorously tested and manufactured to meet the stringent requirements of leading global classification societies, including ABS, DNV GL, and CCS. By adhering to IEC 60092-350 and 353 for construction, and IEC 60332-3-22 Category A for flame retardancy, it provides absolute assurance of safety in highly combustible environments. The low smoke and halogen-free (LSZH) properties guarantee that in the event of a fire, the cable will not emit toxic, corrosive gases or dense smoke. This critical feature preserves visibility for emergency evacuations and protects expensive electronic control panels from corrosive soot damage, thereby minimizing secondary disaster costs.

• Construction：IEC 60092-350, 353

• Conductor：IEC 60228 Class 2, Class 5

• Insulation & Sheath：IEC 60092-360

• Flame Retardant：IEC 60332-1

• Flame Retardant：IEC 60332-3-22 Cat.A

• 1 Smoke Density：IEC 61034

• 1 Halogen Index：IEC 60754

• 1 Fluorine Content：IEC 60684-2

• *UV Resistance：UL1581-2011

• *Cold Resistance：IEC 60811-1-4

Cores Identification

Accurate and rapid phase identification is a critical factor during the installation and maintenance of complex marine electrical systems. In the dimly lit, cramped compartments of a ship's engine room, engineers rely on clear, unmistakable visual cues to prevent catastrophic wiring errors. Our VFD cables utilize a highly visible, standardized color-coding system. This intuitive identification method not only accelerates the initial termination process but also streamlines future troubleshooting and system upgrades. The permanent, fade-resistant pigmentation integrated into the insulation ensures that the colors remain vibrant and easily distinguishable even after years of exposure to heat, vibration, and mechanical stress.

3 cores: Black, Brown, Grey

Earth core: Yellow/Green

Outer Sheath Color

The outer sheath serves as the first line of defense against the unforgiving marine environment. Formulated from premium thermoset polyolefin (SHF2) or thermoplastic polyolefin (SH1), the deep black exterior offers a smooth yet highly resilient tactile surface that resists abrasion during difficult pulls through cable trays. Beyond its physical toughness, the sheath is chemically engineered to repel drilling mud, lubricating oils, and salt spray, preventing the premature degradation that plagues standard industrial cables. Its exceptional UV resistance ensures that sections exposed to direct sunlight on open decks will not crack or become brittle over time.

Black

Main Characteristics & Environmental Reliability

Operational reliability in extreme climates is a defining hallmark of this marine-grade VFD cable. Designed to perform flawlessly across a wide temperature spectrum, it maintains optimal flexibility and electrical performance from a freezing -15℃ up to a scorching +90℃. The rigorous test voltages demonstrate the exceptional dielectric strength of the insulation, ensuring it can easily withstand the severe voltage overshoots characteristic of pulse-width modulated (PWM) drive systems. Additionally, the completed cable's smoke density rating underscores its life-saving potential, dramatically reducing the risk of smoke inhalation and panic during onboard fire emergencies.

Operating temperature：-15℃(*-60℃)～+90℃

Test voltage：3.5kV/5min(0.6/1kV), 6.5kV(1.8/3kV)/5min

Smoke density of completed cable：≥60%

Application Scenarios

This flexible fire-resistant cable is explicitly engineered for power transmission and distribution across a wide array of maritime assets, including commercial cargo vessels, passenger ferries, and offshore oil and gas platforms. Its primary application lies in variable frequency control transmission systems, where it acts as the vital link between the VFD controller and the motor. In these scenarios, the cable's superior shielding performance is paramount, preventing electromagnetic emissions from interfering with critical shipboard communication, radar, and navigation systems. Whether installed in continuous flexing applications or fixed direct-burial routes, it delivers unwavering power stability. By mitigating bearing currents and common-mode noise, it directly extends the operational lifespan of connected rotating equipment, ensuring your maritime operations remain efficient, safe, and productive.

The product is suitable for power lines and power transmission & distribution lines in various river and sea ships and offshore oil platforms which have strict requirements on shielding performance, especially for power supply or as link cables in variable frequency control transmission systems.

* Standards or performance provided upon request.

Installation Guidelines & Customization Options

To maximize the performance and longevity of your variable frequency drive systems, proper installation and grounding are imperative. We strongly recommend pairing this VFD cable with appropriate EMC filters and utilizing 360-degree grounding glands at both the motor and drive ends. This precise grounding technique prevents the formation of destructive ground loops and ensures that high-frequency noise is safely directed away from sensitive equipment. Furthermore, our engineering team provides comprehensive selection guidance tailored to your specific environmental constraints. Whether your project requires the enhanced chemical resistance of an SHF2 thermoset sheath for mud-heavy drilling zones, or a highly flexible SHF1 variant for tight bending radii, we offer flexible customization services. From specific outer diameters to custom lengths, we ensure the final product perfectly aligns with your marine engineering specifications.