ELECTRIC CABLES

The ship wiring cables have to with stand a wide variety of environmental
conditions, like temperature, humidity and salinity of normal and extreme
conditions. Cable consist of conductors and insulators of specially improved
materials to stand to the above environmental working conditions.
Conductors : Conductors areof annealed copper. In many cables copper
conductors are TIN COATED. This coating act as a barrier between the insulation and
the copper , reducing adhesion and preventing possible chemical action of copper
with certain constituents of rubber insulation.
Aluminium requires a large crossection for the same conductance as compared to
copper. Its tensile strength is less than copper and is not used on board the ship.
Insulation : The thickness of the conductor insulation depends upon CABLE
VOLTAGE RATINGS. The normal voltage on ships is 440V and cables for use at this
voltage are designed at 600/1000V. That means 600V to earth or 1000V between
conductors.
INSULATION MATERIALS:
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)- Max.temp.-120. Class-E .PVC is flame retardant . when
burnt,formation of hydrochloric acid gas tends blanket the area, but these fumes are
toxic.
1. Butyl rubber Max.temp.80-85 resistant to oxidation,heat and moisture but
effected by solvents,oil &grease.
2. Ethylene propylene rubber (EPR).- Max.temp.90 .It is not flame retardant
and is effected by solvent and oil ,hence needs to be protected by sheathing.
3. Silicone rubber-Max.temp.150 .
4. Mineral insulation-Max.temp.150 This insulation is used for high
temperature and high fire risk areas.
Sheathing : Purpose of sheathing is to protect the insulation from external
damage. It is not classified as insulation.Sheath materials are required to be heat,
oil,and chemical resistance and flame retardant (HOFR). The sheath must also be
tough and flexible.
Armouring : Extra mechanical protection is provided by armouring with basket
woven wire braid of :1. Galvanised steel
2. Tinned phosphor bronze.
Wire braiding acts as a screen to reduce interference caused by magnetic fields in
communication and instrumentation circuits.

Owing to magnetic properties ,steel armouring is unsuitable for single core cables
carrying heavy alternating currents. Protective outer sheath of PVC or Neoprene
covers the wire braid.
Ratings of the cable : The current passing through the cable conductor results in
rise of temperature due to the resistance of the conductor.(IR).Therefore maximum
current rating is based upon maximum operating temperature of the insulation and
sheathing.
Short circuit rating : Under short circuit condition there is rapid rise in coductor
temperature,effecting the cable insulation.Also there is mechanical forces due to
magnetic effect and the longitudinal expansion of conductors due to heat also
needs to be considered.
It is therefore necessary to match the cable size with the short cicuit protection
equipment (fuse or circuit breakers) which maytake certain time (fraction of secs.to
few seconds) to trip.
Special consideration for A.C. wiring to prevent heating of steel bulkhead
due to magnetic induction.
In three phase system, with single core cables laid parallel, if each cable passes
througha separate hole in a steel bulkhead, heating of steel due to magnetic effect
will occur. Therefore:1. Where cables pass through steel bulkheads, all conductors should pass through
non-ferrous plate or gland. The clearance between the magnetic material
(steel)and cable should be 75mm so that steel does not heat due to magnetic
induction.
2. Single core cables carrying more than 250 amps. Should be atleast 50mm away
from adjacent steel deck or bulkhead.
3. For single core metal sheathed cables carrying heavy currents e.g.generator
cables:a) The cable should run in TREFOIL

formation.

b) The run from generator to the switch-board should be as straight and short as
possible.
c) Cables should be secured by non-magnetic cleats at intervals of 0.75m .
4. The armour of the cable should be non-magnetic material.
5. If installed in steel conduits , all phases should be in the same conduit.