Installation and maintenance of submarine cables


Submarine cable installation must be carried out by qualified and experienced personnel who are familiar with the marine environment and the specific requirements for submarine cable installation.

Cables designed to withstand the harsh marine environment

Submarine cable installations are carried out on fishing vessels, commercial vessels, cruise ships, yachts, feeder vessels, bulk carriers, oil tankers, drilling vessels, etc.

Submarine cables are specifically designed to withstand the harsh marine environment such as salt water corrosion, UV radiation, mechanical stress, and potential fire hazards. The increase in electronic devices on yachts and ships makes it necessary to install shielded electrical cables and VFDs that will reduce electromagnetic waves that may cause electrical interference.

Protecting submarine cables from damage is crucial to maintaining their functionality and integrity. Cables must be properly routed and secured to avoid mechanical stress, sharp bends, or exposure to excessive heat. They must also be protected from potential hazards such as anchors, fishing gear and other underwater obstructions.

Installation of submarine cables according to standards

Last but not least, submarine cables must be installed in accordance with applicable regulations and standards to ensure compliance with safety, legal and performance requirements. The International Electromechanical Commission (IEC) highlights IEC 60092 as the global reference for submarine cables. These are the most common international submarine cable standards:

IEC 60092-350 Electrical installations in ships – Part 350: General construction and test methods for power, control and instrumentation cables for shipboard and marine applications. IEC 60092-352 Electrical installations in ships – Part 352: Selection and installation of electrical cables. IEC 60092- 353 Electrical installations In ships – Part 353: Non-radial single- and multi-core power cables with extruded steel insulation for rated voltages 1 kV and 3 kV; Amendment 1.IEC 60092-354 Electrical installations in ships – Part 354: Single- and three-core power cables with extruded steel insulation for rated voltages 6 kV (U<(Index)m> = 7.2 kV) up to 30 kV (U<(Index)m> = 36 kV).IEC 60092-376 Electrical installations in ships – Part 376: Cables for control circuits and devices 150/250 V (300 V).

Maintenance is necessary

After submarine cables are installed, regular inspection and maintenance are also necessary to ensure the continued reliability and safety of submarine cables. These inspections must be performed by qualified personnel and must include visual inspection of damage, electrical continuity testing, and insulation resistance measurement. Any damage or deterioration of the cable must be repaired or replaced immediately to prevent further problems and ensure the safety of the vessel and crew.

When choosing the best marine cable, consider cables that comply with the IEC 60092 standard and are certified by the most relevant marine verification bodies.

At Top Cable, we have been developing and manufacturing TOP CABLE TOXFREE® submarine cables for over 30 years. We have a large inventory of submarine cables and a proven track record of certified cable solutions for commercial ships, cruise ships, feeder ships, bulkheads, tankers, drillships, floating vessels, etc. For more information about our range of submarine cables, contact us today.

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