What Is NA2XY Aluminium XLPE Cable and Where Is It Used?
NA2XY is a non-armored, low-voltage power cable featuring stranded aluminum conductors, XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) insulation, and a durable PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) outer sheath. Manufactured according to European standards like VDE 0276-603 [1]and IEC 60502-1 [2], it operates at a rated voltage of 0.6/1 kV (). The XLPE insulation allows for a high continuous conductor operating temperature of 90°C and short-circuit temperatures up to 250°C [1]. NA2XY serves as a lightweight, cost-effective alternative to copper conductors for fixed power distribution in utility networks, industrial plants, subscriber connections, and direct underground burial where mechanical stress is minimal.
Technical Specifications & Comparison Matrix
| Parameter | NA2XY (Al / XLPE / PVC) | NYY (Cu / PVC / PVC) | N2XY (Cu / XLPE / PVC) | NA2XRY (Al / XLPE / Steel Wire / PVC) |
| Conductor Material | Solid/Stranded Aluminum (Class 1/2) | Bare Copper (Class 1/2) | Bare Copper (Class 1/2) | Stranded Aluminum (Class 2) |
| Insulation Material | XLPE | PVC | XLPE | XLPE |
| Rated Voltage () | 0.6 / 1 kV | 0.6 / 1 kV | 0.6 / 1 kV | 0.6 / 1 kV |
| Max Operating Temp | 90°C | 70°C | 90°C | 90°C |
| Short-Circuit Temp | 250°C (max 5s) | 160°C (max 5s) | 250°C (max 5s) | 250°C (max 5s) |
| Armor Protection | None | None | None | Aluminum/Steel Wire or Tape |
| Primary Advantage | High ampacity, low weight, budget-friendly | Higher conductivity, smaller diameter | High ampacity, small diameter | High mechanical protection for direct burial |
Key Construction Features of NA2XY Cable
- Aluminum Conductor: Class 1 solid (RE) or Class 2 stranded (RM/SM) EC-grade aluminum per IEC 60228 [3], providing substantial weight reduction over copper alternative designs.
- XLPE Insulation: Cross-linked polyethylene insulation offers high thermal endurance, low dielectric loss, and superior resistance to chemical cracking.
- Inner Filler/Bedding: Extruded elastomeric or plastic compound filling the interstices between cores to maintain a circular cross-section.
- Outer Sheath: Heavy-duty PVC compound (Type DMV-6 per VDE 0276 [1]) providing UV resistance, flame retardancy (IEC 60332-1-2), and weather protection.
Installation Conditions & Industry Standards
Global Standards Compliance
- IEC 60502-1 [2]: Power cables with extruded insulation for rated voltages from 1 kV () up to 30 kV.
- DIN VDE 0276-603 [1]: Standard specification for low-voltage power distribution cables.
- IEC 60332-1-2: Tests on electric and optical fiber cables under fire conditions (single vertical wire test).
Cable Laying Environment
- Direct Burial: Permitted in ground installations provided proper backfilling (sand cushioning) is applied to protect against sharp stones.
- Cable Ducts & Conduits: Suitable for installation in underground cable ducts, troughs, and conduits where no direct tensile strain is applied.
- Indoor & Outdoor Racks: Ideal for cable trays, ladder racks, and open-air mounting in industrial plants and transformer stations.
CJDL CABLE Engineering Insight:For long-distance feeders and utility networks where mechanical stress is minimal, NA2XY delivers strong cost efficiency compared with NYY/N2XY copper alternatives. CJDL CABLE manufactures and routinely tests NA2XY cables to IEC 60502-1 and VDE 0276-603, ensuring compliance with European standards.
References
[1] Feichun Cables. What Is DIN VDE 0276 Cable? [EB/OL]. 2025-12-29.
[2] International Electrotechnical Commission. IEC 60502-1:2021 Specification [EB/OL]. 2021-02-09.
[3] Wikipedia. IEC 60228 Standard [EB/OL]. 2023-01-01.