In a significant step toward sustainable electrical infrastructure, Aberdare Cables has introduced a new, environmentally friendly solution to replace the ageing and less sustainable medium-voltage (MV) paper-insulated lead cables (PILC) still widely used in South Africa’s coastal regions and wetlands.
While PILC cables have long been favoured for their durability and resistance to moisture, thanks largely to their oil-impregnated paper insulation and lead sheathing, their environmental drawbacks are becoming harder to ignore. Oil contamination from cable faults and the hazardous disposal of lead components pose serious environmental and regulatory challenges. Most countries have already phased out the production of PILC cables due to these concerns. Yet South Africa remains one of the few, if not the only, nations still manufacturing PILC cables for new installations, primarily for use in wet environments and select mining operations.
MV XLPE cables for harsh environments
Recognising the need for a cleaner, more efficient alternative, Aberdare Cables has developed a new generation of MV XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) cables designed specifically for harsh, moisture-rich environments. These cables not only match PILC cables in moisture resistance but also offer superior electrical performance and are significantly more environmentally responsible.
Aberdare’s innovation lies in enhancing the mechanical performance of MV XLPE cables through the incorporation of a radial water-blocking feature using aluminium laminate technology. This design breakthrough addresses one of the primary reasons users have hesitated to switch from PILC, concerns about water ingress and cable lifespan in high-moisture areas.
Innovations in environmentally friendly MV cables
Manufactured locally at Aberdare’s Stanford Road facility in Port Elizabeth, the new MV XLPE cables are now ready for deployment across South Africa and international markets. The product complies with the South African National Standards (SANS) 1339:2020, which governs MV cables rated from 6.6kV to 33kV. This standard specifies that both longitudinal and radial water-blocking features must be included when required by users.
Most MV cables on the local market offer only longitudinal water blocking — an approach that is simpler to implement but often inadequate in areas with persistently high groundwater levels. Radial water blocking, by contrast, provides a more comprehensive defence against moisture penetration and is commonly used in high-voltage (HV) cables rated between 44kV and 132kV, typically using corrugated seamless aluminium (CSA) sheathing.
Aberdare’s new MV XLPE cable technology brings this level of protection to the medium-voltage space, offering a robust, eco-conscious solution for utilities, municipalities, and industries operating in South Africa’s most water-prone areas.
With this innovation, Aberdare is not only aligning with global best practices but also helping to future-proof South Africa’s power infrastructure with a cable that is both high-performing and environmentally friendly.
