High- and extra-high-voltage cables (HV, EHV), once mostly laid underground or underwater, are now often installed in exposed settings in tunnels, substations, and buildings. This shift has created a need for HV and EHV cables that are better protected against fire hazards.
Updated International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards – specifically IEC 60840 for cables ranging from 30 to 150 kV, and IEC 62067 for those between 150 and 500 kV – require the use of flame-retardant jacketing materials that meet the stringent ST12 classification.
The challenge lay in developing a jacketing compound that was not only strong and durable enough to protect the cable throughout its life but also demonstrated exceptional performance under severe fire conditions.
To meet the rigorous ST12 requirements, the material had to offer good mechanical performance, effective cracking resistance, and have high flame-retardant properties. Additionally, it needed to be easy to process on standard jacketing lines to avoid extra costs and delays.
We are particularly proud of meeting the tough ST12 requirement in close collaboration with Solidal. This achievement aligns with our commitment to developing high performance compounds for the power cable industry.
Bart Verheule, Global Marketing Director Energy, Borealis
To meet the stringent demands of the ST12 specifications, Borealis created FR6012, a black halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) compound. This new material passed all critical tests, demonstrating exceptional fire performance that met the standards of IEC 60332-3-24, Category C, and CPR Class B2ca. Solidal are now using FR6012 to jacket their HV cables.
Testing data of HV cable with FR6012 jacket
© Borealis
The new FR6012 compound positions Solidal to enter new markets that require compliance with ST12 performance standards.
The advanced jacketing material is evidence of Borealis’ commitment to working closely with its customers to address complex challenges, as well as its extensive expertise in jacketing solutions for high performance cables.
Solidal has been a leader in the field of power cables over the last 50 years, working closely with its partners to develop innovative products for its customers. The development of a fire-resistant compound responds to a challenge put to us by many of our HV customers and we are delighted with the results achieved together with Borealis’ team.
Francois Moufflet, CEO, Solidal
Borealis solutions bring energy all around
Borealis has been a trusted partner to the energy industry for over 60 years, delivering innovative polyolefin solutions that help power our lives. Our portfolio includes high-performance compounds for wire and cables applications ranging from underwater power projects to transmission and distribution networks, communications, and advanced energy storage systems and capacitors.
With operations and joint ventures in the US (Baystar™ and Rockport), South Korea (DYM Solutions) and the UAE (Borouge), our reach extends well beyond Europe. This global presence widens our expertise and extends the impact of our work.
Our purpose is to reinvent essentials for sustainable living. As part of this commitment, we’re helping to accelerate electrification and the green energy transition through our proprietary technologies and advanced material solutions. These include technology platform Borlink™, sustainable engineering polymer class Stelora™, solar brand Quentys™, and Borclean™ capacitor film resins.
Meanwhile, our Borcycle™ M, Borcycle™ C and Bornewables™ portfolios are meeting demand for sustainable solutions that don’t compromise on quality. Independently certified by ISCC PLUS, these high-performance compounds are the tangible result of our EverMinds™ initiative to drive progress in the transition to a circular economy.
Borclean™, Borcycle™, Borlink™, Bornewables™, EverMinds™, Quentys™ and Stelora™ are trademarks of Borealis AG.