Economical 36 kV cable system for the Belgian network

In order to reduce the cost of the 36 kV cable, Electrabel redefined cables in terms of performance rather than construction regulations as in the past. This allowed cable to be designed with lower XLPE insulation and sheath thickness and reduced screen cross-section, which led to a cost reduction of 20% on cables. Tests on the new lean cable with accessories were performed successfully. Several 100 km of the new cables have been installed in the network since the end of 1998. The utilities intend to ask the Belgian Electrotechnical Committee to take the necessary steps to have the new construction of 36 kV cable included in European standards