What is BS IEC 63026 - Submarine power cables about?
BS IEC 63026 is an international standard that discusses medium voltage submarine cable systems. BS IEC 63026 specifies test methods and requirements for power cable systems, cables with extruded insulation, and their accessories for fixed submarine installations, for rated voltages from 6 kV (Um = 7,2 kV) up to 60 kV (Um = 72,5 kV). The aim of BS IEC 63026 is to establish submarine power systems that exhibit structural and functional integrity.
The requirements apply to armoured single-core cables and three-core cables in combination with their accessories, terminations, and joints for usual conditions of installation and operation.
BS IEC 63026 is applicable to submarine cables installed in permanently submerged conditions with water depths up to 250 m.
NOTE: BS IEC 63026 does not include accessories having a mechanical function only, such as hang-offs armour clamps.
Who is BS IEC 63026 - Submarine power cables for?
BS IEC 63026 on submarine power cables with extruded insulation is relevant to:
- Power cable and accessories’ manufacturers and suppliers
- Manufacturers of submarines
- Offshore power generation and distribution companies
- Navy and shipbuilding authorities
- Government defence ministries
- Regulatory bodies
- Marine engineers
Why should you use BS IEC 63026- Submarine power cables?
As a result of the growing demand for inter-array cables for offshore windfarms, IEC TC 20 decided to develop an International Standard for medium voltage submarine cable systems.
The worldwide mandate to reduce carbon emissions has stimulated major developments of power production systems where the principal contribution comes from offshore wind farms.
Due to the location of these wind power generation systems, large amounts of submarine cables are required to inter-connect individual power generating units (inter-array cable) and to connect to the mainland (power export cable). Although the focus is on wind farms, the need for cable connections to other types of offshore generation is set to increase.
BS IEC 63026 includes the electrical tests and the physical tests on materials and components as well as the specific mechanical tests that are applicable to submarine cable systems.
To facilitate the selection of the cable, systems under BS IEC 63026 are divided into three categories- A, B, and C, with considerations on earth fault conditions. Moreover, guidance on cable construction can ensure optimal performance of the end-application with the absence of any product failure.
By adopting BS IEC 63026 and its recommended test methods and requirements, you can demonstrate integrity of the overall power cable systems in submarine applications.
