UL 1309 Type P 500 kcmil Single Conductor Marine Power Cable | 2000V | LSZH/CSPE | Shipboard Feeder Cable

UL Certified Marine Shipboard Power Cables13
Description

UL 1309 Type P 1C x 500 kcmil Marine Shipboard Power Cable

Product Overview

This UL 1309 Type P certified single-conductor power cable, featuring a massive 500 kcmil (253.35 mm²) copper conductor, is engineered for high-current power distribution within demanding marine environments. Designed specifically for fixed installations on commercial vessels, offshore platforms, and naval ships, it delivers robust power transmission capabilities while meeting the stringent fire safety (FT4 rating), low smoke, zero halogen, and oil resistance requirements of the UL 1309 standard. Its single-conductor (1C) design is optimal for primary feeders and high-power branch circuits.

Key Features & Benefits

  • UL 1309 Certified (Type P): Full compliance for marine shipboard power applications, ensuring safety and regulatory acceptance.

  • High Current Capacity: 500 kcmil (253.35 mm²) conductor designed for heavy feeder and high-power equipment loads.

  • Single Conductor (1C): Simplified installation in conduit or trays for dedicated high-current paths.

  • Enhanced Fire Safety:

    • Flame Retardant (FT4): Exceeds IEEE 1202 / IEC 60332-3-22 Category A requirements.

    • Low Smoke: Minimizes smoke obscuration (IEEE 1202 / UL 1685) for evacuation safety.

    • Zero Halogen (LSZH) or CSPE Jacket: Generates minimal corrosive/toxic gases (IEC 60754-1/-2 compliant).

  • Superior Environmental Resistance:

    • Oil Resistant: Passes UL 1309 Sect 21 immersion test (IRM 902 oil @ 75°C).

    • Moisture & Weather Resistant: Performs reliably in damp, wet, and salt-spray conditions.

    • UV Resistant (if exposed): Jacket formulated for sunlight resistance.

  • High Voltage Rating: Suitable for 2000V AC/DC systems (standard rating for this gauge).

  • Robust Construction: Built to withstand mechanical stresses in engine rooms and machinery spaces.

  • Temperature Rating: -40°C to +90°C (-40°F to +194°F) operation.

Construction & Materials (Specific to 1C x 500 kcmil)

Component Material & Description Key Properties
Conductor Bare Copper, 500 kcmil (253.35 mm²). Stranded per UL 1581, Class K (Extremely Flexible) or Class C as specified. Tinned Copper optional. High conductivity. Class K stranding maximizes flexibility for large gauge cable. Tinning enhances corrosion resistance.
Insulation Cross-Linked Polyolefin (XLPO) or LSZH Thermoset Compound. Typically Black. Meets UL 1309 thickness requirements for 2000V rating. Excellent dielectric strength, thermal stability, flexibility, moisture resistance.
Separator (Optional) Non-hygroscopic tape or extruded layer. Prevents adhesion between conductor strands and insulation, aids stripping.
Jacket (Sheath) Premium Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSPE - Hypalon™ type) or Specialty LSZH Thermoset Compound. Thickness per UL 1309 Table 6.1. Critical: Provides FT4 flame retardancy, low smoke, zero halogen (LSZH) or low toxicity (CSPE), exceptional oil resistance, weathering, abrasion resistance, and mechanical protection. Outer Jacket Color: Typically Black.

Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification for 1C x 500 kcmil Type P Cable
Standard UL 1309 (Current Edition)
Type P (Power Cable)
Conductor 1 x 500 kcmil (253.35 mm²) Bare Copper (Standard), Tinned Copper (Optional)
Conductor Stranding Class K (Highly Flexible - ~1680 strands) or Class C (~133 strands) per UL 1581
Voltage Rating 2000V AC/DC (Standard rating for 500 kcmil under UL 1309)
Temperature Rating -40°C to +90°C (-40°F to +194°F)
Insulation Material XLPO or LSZH Thermoset
Insulation Thickness Per UL 1309 Table 5.1 for 2000V Rating (Min Nominal ~1.57mm / 62 mils)
Jacket Material CSPE (Hypalon™ type) or LSZH Thermoset Compound
Jacket Thickness Per UL 1309 Table 6.1 for Single Conductor Cable (Min Nominal ~1.78mm / 70 mils)
Flame Test IEEE 1202 / IEC 60332-3-22 Cat A (FT4)
Smoke Density ≤ Max. Avg. & Peak Optical Density per IEEE 1202 / UL 1685
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)
Approx. Finished Diam. ~28-32 mm (Varies by specific materials and construction)
Approx. Weight ~1500-1800 kg/km (Varies by specific materials and construction)
Color Outer Jacket: Black (Standard). Insulation: Black.

Application Scenarios

  • Main Power Feeders: Critical connections from ship's main generators to primary switchboards.

  • High-Current Sub-Feeders: Distribution from main switchboards to large power centers or heavy machinery panels.

  • High-Power Equipment Supplies: Direct feeds to large thrusters, propulsion drives (where applicable), heavy winches, large HVAC systems, and high-capacity pumps.

  • Switchgear Bus Connections: Interconnections within major switchgear assemblies.

  • Fixed Installations: Engine rooms, machinery spaces, and dedicated cable trays/routes requiring high-current capacity and UL 1309 compliance on commercial ships, tankers, containerships, offshore support vessels, and naval vessels.

Engineering Selection Guidance (Specific to 500 kcmil)

  1. Ampacity: Calculate ampacity based on 500 kcmil conductor, ambient temperature, bundling conditions (critical for single conductors), and derating factors per IEEE 45, IEC 60092-352, or specific Classification Society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV). *Typical free-air ampacity @ 90°C: ~430-480A (consult standards for exact values under installation conditions).*

  2. Voltage Rating: Confirmed 2000V rating suitable for most marine HV systems.

  3. Conductor Type: Standard is Bare Copper. Specify Tinned Copper for enhanced corrosion resistance in severe environments (e.g., bilges, high salt spray areas).

  4. Stranding Class: Class K (Highly Flexible) is strongly recommended for 500 kcmil to ease handling and installation in tight spaces. Class C is stiffer.

  5. Jacket Material: Choose CSPE for maximum proven oil resistance or LSZH for maximum safety in confined human-occupied spaces. Confirm project specification.

  6. Grounding: Single-conductor cables require a dedicated equipment grounding conductor (EGC) or proper metallic conduit/raceway bonding per NEC/IEEE 45/IEC 60092 rules to complete the circuit and ensure safety. Consider parallel runs.

  7. Bending Radius: Observe minimum bending radius (typically 12-15x Overall Diameter). Ensure pathways accommodate this large cable.

  8. Terminations: Ensure availability of suitable lugs, connectors, and gland plates rated for 500 kcmil and cable O.D.

  9. Certification: Mandatory UL 1309 Marking on cable. Verify required vessel class approvals (ABS, DNV, LR, etc.) if applicable.

  10. Reference Standards: IEEE 45, IEC 60092-350/352/353, NEC Article 336 (shore connections), Classification Society Rules.

Disclaimer: Specifications are typical for a UL 1309 Type P 1C x 500 kcmil cable and subject to change based on specific manufacturer formulations and UL file details. Always consult the manufacturer's specific datasheet, UL certification report (E Number), and cut sheet for the exact product prior to design, specification, and installation. Installation must comply with applicable vessel classification society rules and electrical codes.