3×5 AWG Solid Copper ESP Cable with Lead Sheath & Steel Armor – API-Compliant Submersible Pump Power Cable

3×5 AWG Solid Copper ESP Cable with Lead Sheath & Steel Armor – API-Compliant Submersible Pump Power Cable

Product Overview

Electric Submersible Pump Cable (3×5 AWG)
As a direct supplier for Fortune 500 energy companies, we deliver API-compliant ESP cables engineered for extreme oil well environments. This 3×5 AWG (16.8mm²) solid copper conductor cable features lead sheath and interlocked galvanized steel armor. Rated for 5kV operation in wells up to 180°C ambient temperature (conductor: 204°C max).


Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification Standard
Conductor 3×5 AWG solid copper (16.8 mm²) ASTM B3
Structure 1/4.62 mm (solid) -
Insulation Oil-resistant EPDM, 2.3 mm ASTM D412
Sheath Lead, 1.0 mm API RP 11S6
Barrier Rubber-infused woven fabric IEEE 1018
Armor Interlock galvanized steel ASTM A459
Voltage Rating 5 kV IEEE 1018
Dimensions 13×38 mm -
Weight 2,410 kg/km -

API-Compliant Construction

  1. Conductor:

    • Solid bare copper (ASTM B3), 1/4.62 mm diameter

  2. Insulation:

    • EPDM rubber (2.3 mm), oil/swell resistant (ASTM D412)

  3. Sheath:

    • Continuous lead barrier (1.0 mm) for H₂S/CO₂ resistance

  4. Barrier:

    • Rubber-infused woven fabric bedding

  5. Armor:

    • Interlock-profile galvanized steel (ASTM A459)


Certified Datasheet (5kV)

AWG Cross-section (mm²) Conductor (No./mm) Insul. (mm) Sheath (mm) Dimensions (mm) Weight (kg/km)
1 3×42.4 1/7.35 2.3 1.0 16×47 3,850
2 3×33.6 1/6.54 2.3 1.0 15×45 3,320
4 3×21.1 1/5.19 2.3 1.0 14×40 2,730
5 3×16.8 1/4.62 2.3 1.0 13×38 2,410
6 3×13.3 1/4.12 2.3 1.0 12×36 2,100

Material Options

Layer Standard Custom Alternatives
Conductor Solid copper Stranded copper
Insulation EPDM XLPE, PP, EPR, Fluoroplastics
Sheath Lead NBR, Neoprene-PVC, Fluoroplastics
Armor Galvanized steel Stainless steel (high H₂S)
Monel (extreme H₂S/CO₂)

Key Advantages

  • Gas Impermeability: Lead sheath blocks corrosive H₂S/CO₂ penetration

  • Mechanical Protection: Interlock armor withstands 25 kN/cm² crush pressure

  • Thermal Resilience: EPDM maintains integrity at 204°C conductor temperature

  • Corrosion Resistance: Galvanized steel armor meets ASTM A459 requirements

  • Fortune 500 Proven: Direct supplier for global energy leaders


Application Scenarios

  • Sour Gas Wells: High H₂S/CO₂ concentrations (lead barrier protection)

  • High-Temperature Wells: ≤180°C ambient environments

  • Sand Abrasion Zones: Optional double armor available

  • Land/Offshore Wells: Universal ESP power transmission


Standards Compliance

Standard Scope
API RP 11S6 ESP cable design for sour service wells
IEEE 1018 5kV electrical safety & endurance
ASTM B3 Solid copper conductor specifications
ASTM D412 EPDM oil/swell resistance
ASTM A459 Interlock armor mechanical integrity

Engineering Selection Guide

  1. Standard Configuration:

    • 3×5 AWG solid copper, EPDM, lead sheath, galvanized armor

  2. Harsh Environment Upgrades:

    • Armor: Monel (API Class IV for extreme H₂S)

    • Insulation: XLPE (enhanced thermal stability)

  3. Enhanced Protection:

    • Double armor for sand-prone formations