LT (Low Tension) power cables are rated up to 1.1 kV and are used for standard industrial plant wiring, motor feeders, distribution board mains, and LV distribution networks — the most widely used power cable class across Indian industry. MV (Medium Voltage) cables are rated from 3.3 kV to 33 kV and are used for HT distribution feeders, primary substations, industrial HT motor feeders, and utility distribution networks. MV cables have a significantly more complex construction than LT cables — they require semiconducting conductor and insulation screens, a metallic copper tape or wire screen, and must be type tested to IS 7098 / IEC 60502-2. Using an LT cable on a system above 1.1 kV is a serious safety risk — correct voltage class selection is fundamental, not optional.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) insulation is the standard grade for LT power cables, rated to a maximum conductor operating temperature of 70°C and manufactured to IS 1554. XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) allows a higher conductor operating temperature of 90°C — this means XLPE delivers 15–25% more current-carrying capacity from the same conductor cross-section compared to PVC, or the same current capacity from a smaller, lighter conductor. XLPE also has superior resistance to moisture, chemicals, and thermal ageing, making it the preferred insulation for MV cables, underground direct-buried LT installations, and any application in a chemically aggressive or high-temperature environment. For new industrial projects, XLPE is increasingly the specified standard even at LT voltage class.

Specify armoured cable (Steel Wire Armoured — SWA, or Steel Tape Armoured — STA) for direct buried underground installations, cable duct crossings in exposed areas, and industrial environments where the cable route is subject to mechanical damage from excavation, ground movement, rodent attack, or physical impact. Unarmoured cable is appropriate for cable tray, conduit, and enclosed cable management systems where the cable is protected by the installation method itself. Never use unarmoured cable for direct burial — IS 1554 and IS 7098 both require armoured construction for underground power cable installations. For single-core cables, use Aluminium Wire Armoured (AWA) rather than SWA to avoid induced eddy current losses in the steel armouring.

Copper conductors offer higher conductivity, allowing a more compact cross-section for the same current rating — preferred for motor feeders, control panels, and installations where space in cable trays or conduit is limited, or where cable weight must be minimised. Aluminium conductors are specified for cost-optimised power distribution where the larger cross-section and lower weight of aluminium is acceptable — common in main distribution feeders, overhead lines, and large transformer feeders where conductor cost is a significant project budget factor. Aluminium conductor cables require larger cross-sections than copper for the same current rating (typically 1.5–1.6x the copper cross-section) and need proper aluminium-rated termination lugs and jointing materials. Both copper and aluminium versions are available across BMI’s full LT/MV power cable range.

A power cable designation like 3.5C × 95mm² Cu XLPE SWA PVC 1.1kV reads as follows: 3.5C = 3 full-size cores plus 1 half-size neutral core; 95mm² = conductor cross-section per full-size core; Cu = copper conductor; XLPE = cross-linked polyethylene insulation (90°C rated); SWA = galvanised steel wire armoured; PVC = PVC outer sheath; 1.1kV = voltage rating. The voltage designation 0.6/1kV (IEC format) is equivalent to IS 1554’s 1.1kV rating — 0.6kV is the phase-to-earth voltage, 1kV is the phase-to-phase voltage. Understanding the designation ensures the exact cable construction is specified and verified against what is supplied.

BMI manufactures LT/MV power cables to IS 1554 (LT PVC insulated), IS 7098 Part 1 (LT XLPE) and IS 7098 Part 2 (MV XLPE up to 33kV), IEC 60502, and BS 6346 as applicable to the specific cable specification. Conductor material is verified to IS 8130 / IEC 60228. Fire performance sheath grades are tested to IEC 60332 (flame retardance) and IEC 61034 (smoke density). High voltage routine test and insulation resistance test certificates are available per production drum for EPC project documentation and third-party inspection requirements. The manufacturing facility in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan is ISO 9001:2015 certified.