YJV22 8.7/15kV 3×185 Heavy-Capacity 15kV Direct Burial Substation Feeder &

The YJV22 8.7/15kV 3×185 is a three-core, high-current, medium-voltage power cable with steel-tape armor, specifically designed for 15kV three-phase distribution networks. This cable features three 185mm² Class 2 compacted copper conductors and incorporates a dual-layer semi-conductive shielding structure, thickened partial-discharge-resistant XLPE insulation, a copper tape metallic screen, an inner bedding layer, double-layer overlapping galvanized steel-tape armor, and a weather-resistant PVC outer sheath.

Compared to 3×95 medium-voltage cables, the 3×185 specification offers higher continuous current-carrying capacity, making it suitable for 15kV medium-to-heavy load feeder circuits, interconnecting lines for high-capacity new energy box-type substations, and medium-voltage backbone lines in large industrial parks. Its robust dual-shielding design has passed rigorous factory partial discharge testing, meeting the stringent grid-connection requirements for 15kV power systems. The integrated double-layer steel-tape armor design eliminates the need for costly large-diameter protective conduits in direct-burial installations, thereby achieving an optimal balance between long-term insulation stability, mechanical damage resistance, and total project cost control. This product has become a standard, preferred specification widely adopted by power design institutes, utility companies, and global EPC contractors for the design and procurement of medium-to-large-scale medium-voltage infrastructure.

Breakdown of model and fixed specifications to facilitate rapid identification by field engineers

• YJ: Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation

  designed for the 8.7/15kV medium-voltage class; features high dielectric strength and exhibits excellent resistance to electrical treeing, water tree aging, and partial discharge under sustained high electric field stress

• V: PVC inner bedding layer

  prevents mechanical abrasion and electrochemical corrosion between the steel tape armor and the internal insulated core assembly

• 22: Double-layer overlapping galvanized steel tape armor with an outer PVC protective sheath

  designed for direct-burial environments, forming a robust mechanical barrier against soil pressure, excavation impacts, rock puncture, and rodent damage

• 8.7/15kV: Rated insulation voltage U₀/U = 8.7/15kV

  maximum system operating voltage Um = 17.5kV; suitable for operation in 15kV three-phase medium-voltage distribution networks

• 3×185: Three Class 2 compacted stranded copper conductors, each with a cross-sectional area of ​​185mm²

  arranged in a symmetrical three-core configuration to ensure balanced, high-current three-phase power transmission

• GB/T 12706.1–4:2020 – National standard for extruded insulation power cables with rated voltages from 0.6/1 kV to 26/35 kV
• IEC 60502-2 – International standard for medium-voltage extruded insulation power cables (maximum system voltage Um up to 36 kV)
• IEC 60228 – Standard for the construction of Class 2 compacted stranded copper conductors
• GB/T 19666 – Specification for flame-retardant grades; products can be customized with ZA, ZB, or ZC flame-retardant modifications
• Mandatory medium-voltage testing requirements: Partial discharge ≤10 pC at a test voltage of 1.73U₀, complying with grid access inspection rules
• Comprehensive certification system: ISO9001 Quality Management System certification, CCC mandatory certification, CE certification, CB certification, full-item type test reports, partial discharge test records, raw material inspection documentation, and third-party independent test certificates—fully meeting requirements for international tendering, technical reviews, and project completion acceptance audits

• Class 2 Compacted Stranded High-Purity Electrolytic Copper Conductor

  The three 185mm² phase conductors utilize a compacted stranding process to enhance conductor roundness and density, thereby effectively reducing DC resistance, heat generation, and active power losses during long-distance, heavy-load medium-voltage power transmission. The copper conductor exhibits minimal creep deformation under long-term terminal crimping stress, ensuring stable contact resistance at connections throughout a 30-year service life and avoiding the chronic overheating issues common in medium-voltage aluminum cables. The conductor surface is smooth and uniform, ensuring precise compatibility and consistent crimping performance with specialized 15kV cable lugs and termination accessories.

• Conductor Semi-Conductive Shielding Layer (Design Specific to Medium Voltage)

  The extruded semi-conductive layer adheres tightly to the conductor surface, homogenizing the electric field distribution around the conductor; this eliminates points of localized electric field concentration and suppresses the onset of partial discharge—a critical structural component for ensuring the cable meets all performance specifications for 8.7/15kV medium-voltage applications.

• Thickened XLPE Primary Insulation and In-line Eccentricity Monitoring

  The insulation thickness is precision-engineered to withstand 8.7/15 kV electric field stress. The extrusion line is equipped with a real-time wall thickness and eccentricity monitoring system, and the finished product undergoes 100% offline partial discharge testing to eliminate internal voids, impurities, and insulation defects. The medium-voltage grade XLPE material effectively inhibits electrical tree propagation, water tree aging, and insulation breakdown caused by long-term burial in moist, acidic, or alkaline soil, while maintaining stable dielectric properties under cyclic load fluctuations and transient lightning surges.

• Insulation Semi-conductive Shielding and Copper Tape Metallic Shielding

  The outer semi-conductive layer and the inner shielding layer work in tandem to ensure uniform electric field distribution. The helically applied copper tape metallic shield conducts induced currents and fault currents, meeting medium-voltage shielding and grounding design requirements; it suppresses outward electromagnetic interference radiation and fully complies with power grid grounding specifications.

• Non-hygroscopic PP filler + integrated binding tape

  Fills the interstices between cable cores to maintain a uniform circular profile for large-diameter cables; alleviates internal compression and friction during pulling, bending, and installation; prevents surface abrasion of the insulation layer; and retards moisture ingress in semi-enclosed cable trenches or direct-burial environments.

• Extruded PVC inner separation sheath

  Forms a continuous physical barrier between the steel tape armor and the insulated core assembly; protects the sheath from abrasion during routing and bending; and inhibits electrochemical corrosion between the galvanized steel tape and internal metal or polymeric components when installed in chemically active soil.

• Double-layer overlapping galvanized steel tape armor (primary mechanical protection layer)

  Utilizes a double-layer, counter-helically wound overlapping steel tape structure capable of withstanding high lateral soil pressure during the direct burial of large-cross-section medium-voltage backbone cables; provides resistance against lateral soil compression, accidental excavation impacts, sharp rock punctures, and rodent damage. This structural design allows the high-current 8.7/15kV 3×185 feeder cable to be directly buried without the need for additional large-diameter protective conduit.

• Weather-resistant PVC Outer Sheath

  The outer sheath provides comprehensive external protection against soil chemical corrosion, UV degradation, ozone aging, and moisture ingress; suitable for overhead, cable trench, and tunnel installations, as well as various underground operating conditions, ensuring the cable maintains structural integrity throughout its designed service life.

• 15kV feeder cables connecting distribution substation switchgear to outdoor box-type transformers, pole-mounted transformers, and downstream high-capacity 15kV distribution nodes
• Direct-buried medium-voltage (MV) backbone cables for the renovation of existing urban 15kV grids, overhead-to-underground line conversions, and regional grid capacity expansion and upgrades
• Direct-buried interconnecting cables between high-capacity box-type transformers and central MV switchrooms within the collection systems of large-scale ground-mounted PV plants and onshore wind farms
• MV distribution backbone lines within the high-voltage power supply layouts of heavy manufacturing plants, mining enterprises, chemical industrial parks, and large industrial complexes
• MV power lines installed along urban arterial road tunnels, underground utility tunnels, and bridge corridors (requiring resilience against mechanical impact, crushing, and excavation damage)
• Grid interconnection cables for centralized power supply in industrial parks, auxiliary MV distribution systems for large data centers, and emergency backup MV grid layouts for hospitals
• Medium-distance, direct-buried 15kV distribution lines for suburban electrification upgrades and rural grid extension and renovation projects

• Comprehensive electrical verification is required prior to final model selection

  Before selecting the YJV22 8.7/15kV 3×185 model, calculations and verifications regarding total load ampacity, long-distance voltage drop, short-circuit thermal stability, and partial discharge design reviews must be completed, taking into account actual transmission distances and system fault level parameters. Our technical team offers complimentary, customized selection reports and technical comparison data to help avoid risks associated with insufficient ampacity or wasted investment due to over-specification.

• Specialized 15kV medium-voltage terminal accessories must be used for termination

  Installation requires the use of compatible 8.7/15kV-rated cold-shrink or heat-shrink terminal accessories. Standardized operating procedures must be strictly followed during processes such as semi-conductive layer stripping, insulation layer trimming, stress control tube positioning, and shielding layer restoration to eliminate electric field distortion and potential sites for partial discharge at the cable termination. The use of low-voltage terminals as substitutes is strictly prohibited.

• Strict Control of Bending Radius During Cable Pulling and Laying

  Throughout the laying process, the requirement that the bending radius must be no less than 15 times the cable's outer diameter must be strictly observed. Forced sharp bends or violent bending operations are strictly prohibited to prevent internal insulation wrinkling, the formation of air gaps, and potential partial discharge defects, all of which could compromise the long-term operational reliability of the medium-voltage cable. Anti-abrasion liners and chamfered protective devices must be installed at conduit openings to prevent damage to the cable's outer sheath during the pulling operation.

• Mandatory Requirement for Reliable Grounding of Steel-Tape Armor and Metal Shielding Layers

  Both the starting and ending points of the steel-tape armor and the copper-tape metal shielding layer must be reliably grounded independently in accordance with local electrical codes. This measure is essential to suppress induced circulating currents and accumulated induced voltages within the metal layers, thereby eliminating potential electrical safety hazards associated with the long-term underground operation of medium-voltage cables.

• Specifications for Installation Scope and Environmental Constraints

  This YJV22 8.7/15kV 3×185 cable is suitable for fixed installation via direct burial, or within cable trenches and tunnels. It is not suitable for long-distance overhead suspension installations or for vertical installations involving significant elevation differences that would subject the cable to immense axial tensile stress. For applications requiring long-term submersion in water, the YJV32 steel-wire armored cable should be selected as an alternative.

• Specialized Storage and Transport Management for Large-Format Medium-Voltage Cable Drums

  Cable drums must be stored on level ground within a dry, well-ventilated warehouse, avoiding prolonged exposure to rain or direct sunlight. During loading, unloading, and long-distance transport, precautions must be taken to prevent severe impacts, crushing, or tipping of the drums; such incidents could cause cracking of the outer sheath or defects in the internal insulation structure, thereby compromising the cable's medium-voltage insulation performance.

• We provide a comprehensive package of certification documents tailored specifically to this medium-voltage specification and compliant with tender requirements.

  All products are manufactured in strict accordance with GB/T 12706 and relevant IEC international standards. We supply—free of charge—a complete set of factory qualification certificates, full type test reports, partial discharge test records, third-party inspection reports, and editable technical data sheets. This ensures full compliance with all requirements regarding document review, bid submission, and grid project acceptance for global tenders involving this 8.7/15kV 3×185 specification.

• Rigorous Raw Material Selection and Comprehensive Quality Control for Medium-Voltage Cables

  For the production of medium-voltage cables, we utilize certified 99.97% high-purity electrolytic copper rods and medium-voltage grade, partial-discharge-resistant XLPE materials. Key processes—such as conductor stranding, extrusion of the inner semiconducting layer and main insulation, copper tape shielding, armoring, and outer sheathing—are equipped with real-time, in-line monitoring systems for dimensions and concentricity. These measures ensure stable conductor DC resistance, uniform insulation thickness, and consistent partial discharge performance across batches, thereby minimizing the risk of rejection during incoming inspections for large-scale tender orders.

• Flexible Customization Services to Meet Specific Project Requirements

  For YJV22 8.7/15kV 3×185 cables, we offer customization based on client technical drawings and specific project needs. Services include flame-retardant modification (ZA/ZB/ZC grades), upgrades to low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) outer sheaths, fixed-length cutting, and specialized packaging options such as large wooden or steel reels and export-grade packaging.

• Factory-Direct Model: Stable pricing and flexible order requirements

  With our own manufacturing facilities, we eliminate intermediary markups. We support small-batch sample orders to meet early-stage project qualification needs and prioritize production for large-volume orders. Ample stock of mainstream specifications (such as YJV22 8.7/15kV 3×185) ensures rapid delivery, meeting the tight scheduling demands of medium-voltage engineering projects.

• Comprehensive Technical Support for Medium-Voltage Projects

  A team of professional cable design engineers provides full-spectrum technical services, including load calculations, ampacity verification, lifecycle cost comparisons (copper vs. aluminum), installation route optimization, remote and on-site technical guidance, and systematic post-sales quality tracking. Backed by a formal, long-term product warranty, we eliminate technical and quality-related concerns for procurement and engineering teams.

• We possess extensive experience in cross-border export supply for overseas medium-voltage infrastructure projects. We offer mature export packaging solutions, comprehensive customs documentation capabilities, and efficient, coordinated global logistics channels. We have a proven track record of reliable supply for projects—including substation feeders, municipal grid upgrades, and new energy power infrastructure—across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Furthermore, we are well-versed in the local inspection, acceptance, and compliance filing requirements of various overseas markets regarding mainstream high-current medium-voltage feeder specifications.

• Q1: How does the structure of the 8.7/15kV YJV22 3×185 cable differ from that of the lower-rated 6/10kV YJV22 cable?
  A1: The 8.7/15kV rated cable features thicker XLPE insulation and a composite shielding structure comprising inner and outer semi-conductive layers and a copper tape metallic shield. It must pass mandatory partial discharge testing on the finished product to withstand the high electric field stress associated with 15kV systems, thereby preventing electrical treeing and insulation breakdown. In contrast, 6/10kV medium-voltage cables have thinner insulation and a simplified shielding structure; they offer lower resistance to partial discharge and do not meet the technical requirements for long-term operation in 15kV power grids.
• Q2: Can the YJV22 8.7/15kV 3×185 cable be installed via direct burial without protective conduit?
  A2: Direct burial is entirely permissible; for this type of high-current medium-voltage feeder cable, it is the most cost-effective installation method. Its double-layer overlapping steel tape armor provides reliable protection against soil pressure, excavation impacts, rock punctures, and rodent damage. This eliminates the costs associated with purchasing large-diameter conduit and the labor for trenching and installation, making it a widely adopted choice for municipal grid upgrades and renewable energy grid-connection projects worldwide.
• Q3: What are the key differences between the 8.7/15kV 3×185 YJV22 copper-core cable and the YJLV22 aluminum-core armored cable of the same specifications?
  A3: YJV22 cables utilize high-conductivity copper conductors, offering low transmission losses and excellent long-term terminal stability; they are suitable for critical 15kV grid feeder projects requiring a design service life of over 30 years. YJLV22 cables use aluminum conductors, offering the advantage of lower initial procurement costs, though they entail slightly higher line losses and a tendency for terminals to undergo gradual deformation under long-term pressure; they are typically used for non-critical medium-voltage secondary branch lines where budgets are constrained. Customers may select the appropriate model based on the line's criticality, the project's design service life, and the overall budget.
• Q4: What certification documents can you provide for this specification of medium-voltage cable to meet international tender submission requirements?
  A4: We can provide manufacturing qualification certificates, ISO9001 quality system certification, CCC, CE, and CB certifications, complete type test documentation (including partial discharge test reports), raw material incoming inspection records, third-party authoritative test certificates, and a dedicated technical parameter datasheet for the YJV22 8.7/15kV 3×185 cable, prepared specifically according to customer requirements.
• Q5: What is the typical production and delivery lead time for bulk orders of YJV22 8.7/15kV 3×185 cables?
  A5: For standard, non-flame-retardant stock specifications, shipment can be arranged within 3–7 working days; for customized flame-retardant products (grades ZA, ZB, or ZC), the production cycle is approximately 10–20 working days. For EPC medium-voltage project orders with tight schedules, we can negotiate priority production to ensure construction deadlines are met.
• Q6: Why is standardized cable termination installation crucial for the long-term safe operation of 8.7/15kV 3×185 medium-voltage cables?
  A6: Improper stripping of the semi-conductive layer, incorrect insulation trimming, or faulty installation of stress control tubes can lead to localized electric field concentration at the cable termination. This triggers continuous partial discharge, accelerates insulation aging, and ultimately results in cable breakdown. Using compatible, specialized 15kV termination accessories and strictly adhering to standardized installation procedures effectively eliminates these risks, ensuring the medium-voltage cable maintains stable insulation performance over the long term.