In modern electrical engineering, the installation method of cables directly affects system safety and service life. Orange Circular Cable is widely used in commercial buildings, airports, railways, and mining projects due to its excellent durability and high performance. However, many customers are concerned: Can Orange Circular Cable be directly buried?
This article provides a detailed analysis from a technical perspective, practical application examples, and selection guidelines. It also highlights the advantages of Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.'s high-performance cables to help customers select the most suitable cable for their projects.
What is Orange Circular Cable?
Orange Circular Cable is a multi-purpose cable with a circular cross-section and an orange outer sheath. It features wear resistance, UV resistance, flame retardancy, waterproofing, and high mechanical strength. Its main applications include:
- Industrial control systems
- Motor and VSD (Variable Speed Drive) connections
- Building power distribution
- Mining and underground projects
Requirements for Direct Burial of Cables
| Requirement | Technical Details |
|---|---|
| Burial Depth | Recommended ≥ 500 mm; increase for heavy loads or vehicle traffic areas |
| Soil Backfill | Even compaction, avoid sharp stones damaging the sheath; sand layer protection recommended |
| Sheath Material | XLPE, Rubber, or SWA (Steel Wire Armored); waterproof and corrosion resistant |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67/IP68 to prevent moisture ingress into cores |
| Mechanical Strength | Tensile and compressive resistance for long-term safe operation |
| Temperature Range | Underground temperature fluctuation is small but must match rated temperature |
| Certification | Comply with SAA / AS/NZS 5000 standards |
Technical Conclusion: Direct burial is feasible but requires cable models specifically designed for underground use. Standard PVC cables are not recommended for direct burial.
Types and Specifications of Orange Circular Cable
| Cable Type | Conductor Material | Rated Voltage | Core Number | Common Sizes (mm²) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Circular Cable XLPE | Copper | 600/1000 V | 2~5 | 1.5~95 | Heat resistant, waterproof, UV resistant |
| VSD Cable | Copper | 600 V | 3~5 | 1.5~35 | High flexibility, suitable for VSD applications |
| Fire Rated Cable | Copper | 600/1000 V | 2~4 | 1.5~16 | Flame retardant, suitable for fire protection systems |
| Elastomer Cable | Copper | 600 V | 2~5 | 2.5~50 | Highly flexible, wear resistant |
| Heavy Duty Cable | Copper | 600 V | 2~5 | 10~95 | High mechanical strength for harsh environments |
Technical Tip: Select cables based on current load, installation environment, and mechanical strength requirements.
Comparison Between Orange Circular Cable and Other Cable Types
| Comparison Factor | Orange Circular Cable | Standard PVC Cable | SWA Cable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suitability for Burial | Can be directly buried (XLPE/Rubber models) | Not recommended | Can be directly buried; high mechanical strength |
| Temperature Range | -40°C ~ +90°C | -10°C ~ +70°C | -40°C ~ +90°C |
| Flexibility | High | Low | Medium |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67/IP68 | IP54 | IP67/IP68 |
| Typical Applications | Commercial, Industrial, Mining | Indoor, Low load | Industrial, Mining, Underground conduits |
| Cost | Medium | Low | High |
Marketing Insight: Orange Circular Cable balances performance and flexibility, making it the preferred choice for medium and large-scale projects.
Practical Examples of Direct Burial
| Application Scenario | Cable Type | Installation Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underground power supply for commercial buildings | Orange Circular Cable XLPE / SWA | Direct burial, ≥150 mm soil cover | High mechanical strength, SAA certified |
| Airport runway lighting | Medium Voltage Cable | Buried in conduit | Increased safety, easier maintenance |
| Mining power supply system | Elastomeric Cable / Heavy Duty Cable | Direct burial or cable trays | Wear-resistant, acid & alkali resistant |
| University laboratory | VSD Cable | Conduit or direct burial | Low-noise, high-performance power supply |
Advantages of Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.
- Wide Range of Products: Orange Circular Cable / TPS Cable / Medium Voltage Cable / VSD Cable / Fire Rated Cable / Elastomer Cable / Heavy Duty Cable / Instrumentation Cable, all SAA certified and compliant with Australian standards.
- Regional Compliance: Meets standards for Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and other Oceania regions.
- Extensive Project Experience: Long-term collaboration with local wholesalers and contractors for commercial buildings, airports, universities, railways, mines, and other large projects.
- Complete Specifications: From 1.5 mm² upwards, covering all common sizes.
- Fast Delivery: Supports small to large batch orders.
- Professional Service: Pre-sales technical consultation and post-sales support to ensure project success.
- Certification & Customization: SAA certified, full range of colors, customizable materials, sizes, lengths, performance, markings, and packaging.
Installation Tips for Buried Orange Circular Cable
- Minimum burial depth: 500 mm; increase protection if necessary
- Evenly compact backfill soil to avoid sheath damage
- For high-load or high-voltage projects, consider armored or shielded cables
- Avoid direct contact with corrosive chemicals
- Regularly inspect temperature and insulation performance to ensure long-term reliability
Successful Project Cases
| Project Type | Location | Cable Used | Installation | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Office Building | Sydney | Orange Circular Cable XLPE 35 mm² | Direct burial | Fast installation, stable operation |
| Mining Power System | Western Australia | Elastomeric Heavy Duty Cable 50 mm² | Direct burial | Wear-resistant, acid & alkali resistant, long-term trouble-free operation |
| University Lab Building | Auckland, New Zealand | VSD Cable 10 mm² | Conduit installation | Smooth motor operation, reduced noise and energy loss |
Purchase & Technical Consultation
No matter the project size, Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. provides professional technical support and attentive service, ensuring customers select the right cable model and apply it successfully in their projects.
Contact Information:
Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.
- Tel / WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 135 1078 4550 / +86 136 6257 9592
- Email: manager01@greaterwire.com