UL 1309 Type P Marine Shipboard Power Cable
Product Overview
The Type P Power Cable, rigorously certified to UL 1309 Standard for Marine Shipboard Cable, is the premier solution for safe and reliable fixed electrical power distribution onboard commercial vessels, workboats, and luxury yachts. Engineered specifically for the demanding marine environment, this cable delivers exceptional flame retardancy, low smoke and toxicity emission, and robust resistance to oils, fuels, chemicals, moisture, and mechanical stress. Its Type P designation confirms its primary application in shipboard power circuits.
Key Features & Benefits
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UL 1309 Certified: Guaranteed compliance with the stringent safety requirements for marine shipboard cables, including flame spread, smoke density, toxicity, and oil resistance.
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Type P Designation: Specifically designed and approved for shipboard Power Distribution applications (main feeders, sub-feeders, branch circuits).
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Enhanced Fire Safety:
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Flame Retardant: Meets IEEE 1202 / IEC 60332-3-22 Category A flame test requirements (FT4 rating).
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Low Smoke: Significantly reduces smoke obscuration (per IEEE 1202 / UL 1685) for improved visibility during evacuation.
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Zero Halogen (LSZH): Generates minimal corrosive/toxic gases when exposed to fire (IEC 60754-1/-2 compliant), protecting personnel and equipment.
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Superior Environmental Resistance:
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Oil & Chemical Resistant: Passes UL 1309 Section 21 oil immersion tests (IRM 902 oil), resisting degradation from common marine fluids.
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Moisture & Weather Resistant: Excellent performance in damp, humid, and wet locations; suitable for exposure to salt spray.
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Sunlight (UV) Resistant: Outer jacket formulated for resistance to ultraviolet degradation when exposed.
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Robust Construction: Designed for long-term reliability in the challenging physical environment of ships.
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Temperature Rating: Flexible operation from -40°C to +90°C (-40°F to +194°F).
Construction & Materials
| Component | Material & Description | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Conductor | Bare Copper, Stranded per UL 1581 (Class B, C, D, K based on size) or as specified. Tinned Copper optional. | High conductivity, flexibility. Tinning enhances corrosion resistance in salty environments. |
| Insulation | Cross-Linked Polyolefin (XLPO) or Equivalent LSZH Compound. Color-coded per industry standards (e.g., Black with numbered tracers). | Excellent electrical properties, thermal stability, flexibility, moisture resistance. Meets UL 1309 electrical and physical requirements. |
| Core Assembly | Multiple insulated conductors cabled together. Optional non-hygroscopic fillers for core roundness. | Ensured concentricity and mechanical integrity. |
| Inner Sheath | (Optional) Thermoplastic or Thermoset LSZH compound. | Provides additional bedding, moisture barrier, and core protection. |
| Jacket (Sheath) | Premium Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSPE - Hypalon™ type) or Specialty LSZH Thermoset Compound. | Critical for UL 1309: Provides outstanding flame retardancy (FT4), low smoke, zero halogen, oil resistance, weathering, abrasion resistance, and mechanical protection. |
Technical Specifications (Typical - Confirm per specific order)
| Parameter | Specification | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | UL 1309 (Ed. 4 or current) | ||
| Type | P (Power Cable) | ||
| Voltage Rating | 600V, 1000V, or 2000V AC/DC (as marked on cable) | ||
| Temperature Rating | -40°C to +90°C (-40°F to +194°F) | ||
| Conductor Size Range | Typically 18 AWG (1.0 mm²) up to 750 kcmil (400 mm²) | ||
| Conductor Material | Bare Copper (Standard), Tinned Copper (Optional) | ||
| Insulation Material | XLPO or LSZH Thermoset | ||
| Jacket Material | CSPE (Hypalon™ type) or LSZH Thermoset Compound | ||
| Flame Test | IEEE 1202 / IEC 60332-3-22 Cat A (FT4) | ||
| Smoke Density | ≤ Peak Optical Density as per IEEE 1202 / UL 1685 (Typically < 0.5) | ||
| Acid Gas Halogen | ≤ 0.5% (IEC 60754-1) | pH ≥ 4.3 | Conductivity ≤ 10 μS/mm (IEC 60754-2) |
| Oil Resistance | Passes UL 1309 Sect 21 (168 hrs @ 75°C in IRM 902 Oil) | ||
| Cold Bend | Passes UL 1309 Sect 23 (-40°C) | ||
| Dielectric Test | Per UL 1309 | ||
| Insulation Thickness | Per UL 1309 Table 5.1 | ||
| Jacket Thickness | Per UL 1309 Table 6.1 | ||
| Colors Available | Outer Jacket: Typically Black. Insulation: Black with white numbering or standard phase colors. Custom colors possible. |
Application Scenarios
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Main Power Distribution: Feeders from main switchboards to distribution panels.
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Sub-Feeders & Branch Circuits: Power distribution within engine rooms, machinery spaces, accommodation areas, galleys, and deckhouses.
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High-Power Equipment: Supplies for pumps, compressors, winches, thrusters, HVAC systems, and lighting panels.
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Critical Systems: Power circuits for navigation, communication, and safety equipment.
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Fixed Installations: Throughout commercial ships, naval vessels, offshore platforms, workboats, and large yachts where UL 1309 compliance is mandated or preferred for safety.
Engineering Selection Guidance
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Voltage Rating: Select 600V, 1000V, or 2000V based on the circuit voltage.
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Conductor Size: Calculate based on ampacity requirements (considering ambient temperature, bundling) per relevant standards (e.g., IEEE 45, ABS, DNV, IEC 60092) and voltage drop limitations.
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Conductor Type: Specify Bare Copper (standard) or Tinned Copper (enhanced corrosion resistance for severe environments).
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Shielding: Required for sensitive circuits? (Type P typically unshielded for power; consider Type S or specific shielded variants if needed).
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Jacket Material: Specify CSPE (proven performance, excellent oil resistance) or LSZH Thermoset (maximized safety in confined spaces). Confirm availability.
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Environmental Conditions: Ensure suitability for specific locations (e.g., engine room heat, deck exposure, bilge areas).
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Certification: Mandatory UL 1309 Marking on cable. Verify required vessel class approvals (ABS, DNV, LR, etc.) if applicable; these are often additional to UL 1309.
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Reference Standards: IEEE 45, IEC 60092-350/352/353, NEC Article 336 (for US shore connections), specific vessel classification society rules.