18/3 Shielded Substation Control Cable – 15/10 PE/PVC

This 18 AWG, 3-conductor shielded substation control cable is a high-performance utility cable engineered for multi-circuit supervisory control, secondary metering, and protective relaying circuits. Built to strict ICEA S-73-532 standards, it features a specialized 15/10 PE/PVC insulation system and a heavy-duty copper tape shield. This construction provides exceptional dielectric strength, a compact profile, and critical protection against transient voltage surges and electromagnetic interference (EMI) typical in high-voltage substation switchyards.

Key Features of 18/3 Shielded 15/10 Substation Cable

• Compact 15/10 Composite Insulation: Each of the 3 conductors is insulated with 15 mils of Natural Polyethylene (PE) for primary electrical strength and low dielectric loss, paired with a 10 mil Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) outer skin layer for color coding and robust physical protection. This thinner insulation profile allows for reduced overall cable diameter and easier routing in dense terminal blocks.

• Superior EMI/RFI Shielding: Wrapped with a helically applied 5-mil bare copper tape shield (minimum 20% overlap). This provides a continuous, low-resistance path to ground, suppressing dangerous high-frequency transients and induced magnetic/electrostatic currents caused by breaker operations and inductive switching.

• Utility-Grade Durability: Protected by a rugged, flame-retardant, and sunlight-resistant black PVC jacket. This enables versatile installation pathsapproved for wet or dry conditions, direct burial, open air, cable trays, troughs, or embedded conduit networks.

• Corrosion-Resistant Base: Features premium Class B concentrically stranded bare copper conductors conforming to ASTM B3 and B8, balancing structural stability with industrial installation flexibility.

Common Applications

• Substation Control Networks: Transmitting digital or analog low-current signals between control houses, switchyard equipment, marshalling kiosks, and terminal cabinets.

• Protective Relaying & Telemetry: Connecting secondary arrays of current transformers (CTs), potential transformers (PTs), and circuit breaker trip circuits where false signals from ambient electrical noise must be prevented.

• Utility Metering & Monitoring: Long-run multi-point data interconnects, SCADA RTU loops, and power monitoring circuits operating near extra-high-voltage (EHV) busses.

• Industrial Heavy Duty Control: General-purpose, low-impedance control functions in power generation plants, chemical refineries, and heavy manufacturing facilities.

Conductor Identification: ICEA E-1 Color Code Sequence

• 1: Black

• 2: White

• 3: Red

Technical Specifications

• Conductor Size: 18 AWG

• Number of Conductors: 3

• Conductor Material: Bare Soft Annealed Copper (Class B Stranded)

• Insulation System: 15 mils PE / 10 mils PVC (Total 25 mils per conductor)

• Shielding: 0.005″ (5 mil) Helical Bare Copper Tape Shield

• Jacket: Flame-Retardant, Moisture- & Sunlight-Resistant Black PVC

• Voltage Rating: 600V

• Temperature Rating: 75C Wet or Dry

• Compliance Standards: ICEA S-73-532 / NEMA WC 57, ASTM B3 & B8, RoHS Compliant

Technical Note: Utility standards for high-voltage substations (especially 138 kV and above) often require copper tape shields to be grounded at multiple points (at minimum both ends) to mitigate high-frequency transient voltages produced by switchyard arcs, rather than grounding at only the source end to prevent low-frequency ground loops. When implementing the E-1 color code, ensure field technicians cross-reference terminal blocks to avoid using the #2 White conductor as an active control leg if your facility reserves that color exclusively for neutral paths.

CABLE TYPE: 18 AWG / 3-Conductor Shielded Substation Control Cable

DISCLAIMER: The technical information provided is for general reference only. Utility substation construction guidelines are rigorous and highly specific. Always consult with a licensed power utility electrical engineer and comply with ICEA, NEMA, and National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) regulations prior to system deployment.