XWA Power & Cable has introduced a comprehensive guide aimed at reducing cable procurement risks for international engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects. Drawing on 17 years of experience in overseas cable supply, the guide identifies five critical areas where early cable specification checks can mitigate potential supply discrepancies, failed acceptance tests, and commissioning delays. The guidance targets EPC teams working with medium- and high-voltage cable quotations, as well as contractors sourcing low-voltage, control, and overhead conductor packages.
The document highlights the importance of complete cable descriptions, advising that abbreviated notations may omit vital details necessary for manufacturing. XWA recommends a detailed review of each cable component, including conductor, screens, insulation, metallic screening, inner coverings, and outer sheaths, to ensure specifications match project requirements. The company emphasizes the potential risks associated with mismatches and non-compliance with international and local standards, citing a survey by the China Wire and Cable Industry Association indicating that 65% of rejected or claimed orders over three years were due to suppliers not meeting project standards.
Material choices also play a crucial role in cable performance, with XWA warning of the electrical and mechanical consequences of selecting non-equivalent materials. For instance, differences between copper tape screen (CTS) and copper wire screen (CWS) can result in significant variations in cost and performance, with screen costs differing by more than 10% and short-circuit performance varying by 30%–50%. The company also notes the impact of armour selection on cable configuration, which can affect current-carrying capacity by up to 25%.
Environmental factors and product identity are further considerations in XWA’s guidance. The company points to the need for confirming water-blocking requirements and assessing site conditions such as cold-region mining routes and coastal corrosion. Additionally, the guide advises clarifying local product descriptions and ensuring conductor and material specifications are accurate, noting that terms like CCS (copper-clad steel) should not be confused with pure copper.
Testing and documentation are crucial to aligning cable design with project requirements. XWA coordinates these processes through qualified partners, providing timely testing and quality-control participation. Testing may include AC withstand tests, partial-discharge measurements, and lightning-impulse tests, with relevant standards including IEC 60502-2, IEC 60840, and IEC 62067.
Finally, the guide stresses the importance of addressing transport and installation factors to prevent costly failures. XWA provides installation guidance and technical clarifications, drawing on international project experience in regions such as Panama, Mongolia, and Africa. The company underscores the need for resolving technical ambiguities before production to ensure consistency in design, testing, and documentation, ultimately facilitating a smoother procurement process for international EPC purchasers and project teams.
joaquin Fan
XWA Power & Cable
+86 153 2498 1792
[email protected]
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