High-Voltage Cable Voltage Ranges

Table of Contents

High-voltage (HV) cables are designed to carry power at voltages above typical low-voltage systems. Ratings start at around 1 kV for distribution applications, extend from 35 kV to 230 kV for transmission, move into extra-high voltage at 230 kV–800 kV, and exceed 800 kV for ultra-high-voltage systems.

1. Voltage Classification Overview

1.1 General Categories

Low Voltage (LV): up to 1 kV
Medium Voltage (MV): 1 kV–45 kV
High Voltage (HV): 45 kV–230 kV
Extra-High Voltage (EHV): 230 kV–800 kV
Ultra-High Voltage (UHV): above 800 kV

1.2 Key Standards

Common standards such as IEC 60038 and national electrical codes define these categories to guide cable design, insulation, and safe installation practices.

2. Distribution-Level HV Cables (1 kV–35 kV)

2.1 Typical Voltage Ratings

Standard distribution cable voltages include 1 kV, 6 kV, 10 kV, 15 kV, 25 kV, and 35 kV, used in industrial plants, commercial buildings, and urban underground networks.

2.2 Insulation Technologies

EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber): common from 4 kV to 34 kV
XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene): used from 0.6 kV up to 69 kV and higher, popular in modern distribution and lower-end transmission.

3. Transmission-Level HV Cables (35 kV–230 kV)

3.1 Voltage Range

Typical transmission cable classes include 35 kV, 66 kV, 110 kV, 132 kV, 154 kV, and 220 kV, facilitating bulk power transfer between substations and generation facilities.

3.2 Applications

These cables are used for long-distance underground or submarine links, urban network interconnections, and inter-utility power exchanges.

4. Extra-High and Ultra-High Voltage Cables (> 230 kV)

4.1 Extra-High Voltage (EHV: 230 kV–800 kV)

EHV cables include nominal classes such as 245 kV, 300 kV, 400 kV, 500 kV, 600 kV, and 800 kV, used for very long-haul transmission to minimize losses.

4.2 Ultra-High Voltage (UHV: > 800 kV)

UHV systems operate at 800 kV, 1,000 kV, 1,200 kV, and above, connecting large-scale grid networks with maximum efficiency.

5. Regional Definition Variations

5.1 Spain

AT (Alta Tensión): 35 kV–69 kV
EAT (Extra Alta Tensión): 69 kV–230 kV
UAT (Ultra Alta Tensión): above 230 kV

5.2 United Kingdom

MV: 1 kV–45 kV
HV: 45 kV–230 kV
EHV: 230 kV and above

Source: JianYunCable

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