Cables approved by ENEL (or other similar entities in different countries) are designed to meet the specific requirements of electricity distribution networks, be it applicability in residential, commercial, industrial environments or for public infrastructure. These cables are essential for the efficient and safe transmission and distribution of electricity. Cable types are classified according to their use, the materials they are made of, their insulation and protection capability, and the technical specifications that govern their performance. Here is a detailed description of the main types of cables used in ENEL networks:
1. Aerial Cables
Aluminum or Copper Insulated Cables: Used for overhead distribution lines, these cables can be bare or insulated. The insulation provides additional protection against environmental factors and reduces the risk of short circuits due to contact with objects or wildlife.
Bundle Cables: These cables consist of several insulated conductors bundled together, used to reduce electrical losses and improve the efficiency of long-distance power transmission.
2. Underground cables
XLPE (Crosslinked Polyethylene) insulated cables: They are used for underground distribution networks, due to their high resistance to high temperatures and mechanical stress. XLPE is preferred for its superior insulation and durability.
PVC Insulated Cables: These cables are used in applications where cost is an important consideration and where operating conditions do not require the superior properties of XLPE. They are suitable for fixed installations underground or in closed spaces where they are not exposed to extreme conditions.
Lead or Aluminum Shielded Cables: Used in applications that require additional protection against moisture intrusion or other factors that can degrade the insulation.
3. Cables for Indoor Installations
UTP/FTP (Unshielded/Shielded) cables: Although not specific to power distribution, they are used in indoor installations to transmit data and sometimes to power low-voltage devices via PoE (Power over Ethernet).
PVC Insulated Flexible Cables: Intended for use in indoor electrical installations, these cables are designed to offer flexibility and ease of installation, being suitable for lighting and household electrical equipment.
4. Special Cables
Fire Resistant Cables: These cables are designed to maintain operation under fire conditions, essential in safety, emergency lighting and evacuation systems.
Renewable Energy Cables: Specially designed for connecting renewable energy sources (eg solar panels, wind turbines) to the grid or storage systems.
Selecting the correct type of cable depends on several factors, including operating voltage, ambient conditions, need for protection against moisture
Examples of common ENEL/Electrica cables for low voltage and medium voltage, underground, above ground and overhead:
NA2XSY – Medium voltage cable with XLPE insulation, copper screen, for underground installations.
N2XSY – Cable with XLPE insulation, steel reinforcement, for underground installations.
AXPK – Aluminum cable with XLPE insulation for overhead lines.
NA2XS2Y – Medium voltage cable with XLPE insulation and PE outer sheath for UV protection, for underground installations.
NAYY – Low voltage cable with aluminum conductors and PVC insulation for underground installations or in cable ducts.
NYM – Cable with multiple conductors, PVC insulation, for indoor installations.
NYCWY – Cable with PVC insulation and steel armor for mechanical protection.
NYY – PVC insulated low voltage cable for fixed underground installations.
H07RN-F – Rubber insulated flexible cable for mobile or outdoor equipment.
H07V-U/H07V-R/H07V-K – Single conductor cables, PVC insulation, for fixed installations.
XHHW-2 – Cable with XLPE insulation, for indoor installations, resistant to moisture and heat.
USE-2/RHH/RHW-2 – Cable for solar installations, with insulation resistant to UV and high temperatures.
ACSR – Overhead cable with aluminum conductor and steel armature.
AAAC – Aluminum conductor with aluminum alloy armature, for overhead lines.
ACAR – Aluminum conductor with aluminum alloy and copper armature, for overhead lines.
AAC – Aluminum conductor for overhead lines.
MV-90/MV-105 – Medium voltage cable with XLPE insulation for indoor installations or in sewers.
URD – XLPE insulated direct buried underground distribution cable.
SER/SEU – Service cable with XLPE or PVC insulation for building connections.
XPLE – XLPE insulated medium voltage cable for power distribution.
CPE – Cable with cross-linked polyethylene insulation, used in harsh environments.
ENEL Approved Cable Codes
In general, the codes for approved cables are structured to reflect the cable type, conductor material, insulation type, voltage rating and other specific characteristics. E.g:
NA2XSY: Power cable with aluminum conductor, XLPE insulated, steel reinforced, for underground installations.
NA2XS(F)2Y: Power cable with aluminum conductor, XLPE insulated, with water barrier, for underground installations.
NAYY: Power cable with aluminum conductor, PVC insulated and PVC jacket, for underground or outdoor installations.
NYM: PVC insulated multi-conductor copper cable for indoor installations.
N2XH: Power cable with copper conductor, XLPE insulated, FRNC (Flame Retardant Non Corrosive) jacket, for installations where fire protection is required.
ARE4XE4X 2X16 and 4×16
ARE4H5EX 3X(1X185)
A2XS2Y
RE4R (330007)
TA2X(FL)2Y
ARE4CR 1X25+16C and 1×10+6C / 3×10+6C / 3X25+16C
ARE4OCR 3X25+16C and 3X50+25C
ARE4RX 3X95+50N and 3X150+95N / 3X240+150N
And so on
These examples represent only a fraction of the variety of cables used in electrical networks, and the prefixes and suffixes vary to indicate different properties or applications of the cables.
ENEL Approved switches
For ENEL type approved circuit breakers, the exact codes and specifications depend on ENEL's technical requirements and the international standards they follow.
The breakdown of the specific codes for ENEL type approved cables and switches requires access to the updated and specific technical documentation of ENEL or the national electricity regulatory authorities, which I do not have directly available. Structure and classification according to common industry practices:
ENEL approved circuit breakers are classified according to their breaking capacity, rated voltage, actuation type and other specific characteristics. E.g:
VM1: Medium voltage circuit breaker with vacuum spring actuation mechanism used in primary and secondary distribution.
DM1: Low voltage modular circuit breaker, used for the protection of electrical circuits in residential and commercial installations.
Tmax T1, T2, T3…: Series of low-voltage circuit breakers offered by specific manufacturers, classified by their breaking capacity and size.
Examples of ENEL approved circuit breakers:
DY3101/10/131031 SWITCH 4P 125A for CUTIEDY3018
DY3101/8/131061 SWITCH 4P 180A POST TRANSFORMER
DY3101/17/131060 SWITCH 4P 180A for CUTIEDY3018
DY3101/7/131071 SWITCH 4P 250A for SUBSTATION
DY3102/8/131121 SWITCH 4P 350A WITH VDS POST TRANSFORMER
DY3102/4/131091 SWITCH 4P 350A for SUBSTATION
DY3101/12/131011 SWITCH 4P 40A/C/10 10KA
DY3103/2/131083 SWITCH 4P 630A for SUBSTATION
DY3103/4/131125 SWITCH 4P 630A VDS POST TRANSFORMER
DY3101/11/131021 SWITCH 4P 80A for DY3018 BOX
For precise information and specific product codes approved by ENEL or other similar entities, it is recommended to consult the official technical documentation or the databases of the electricity supplier. These resources will provide up-to-date technical details, including full specifications, product codes and instructions for installation or use according to current standards.
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