3 CORE FLAT
3 CORE FLAT WIRES AND CABLES
A 3-core flat wire or cable consists of three insulated conductors laid parallel in a flat configuration under a common outer sheath, designed primarily for submersible pump connections, industrial equipment, and low-voltage power distribution where compact routing and flexible handling are required. The flat form factor improves heat dissipation, simplifies clamping along surfaces, and allows easier insertion into narrow conduits or channels compared to round cables.
- Conductor: Electrolytic grade annealed copper (≥99.9% purity) per IS 8130, available in Class 2 (rigid) or Class 5 (flexible) stranding for low resistance and high conductivity.
- Insulation: PVC Type A (general), Type B HR (heat-resistant), Type C1 FR (fire retardant), Type C2 FRLS-H (low smoke/halogen), and ZHFR (zero halogen flame retardant) for applications in sensitive or enclosed spaces.
- Sheath: PVC Type ST1/ST2 for standard industrial use, ST3 for enhanced mechanical durability; outer sheath applied over the parallel cores in a flat geometry.
- Rated Voltage: Typically 0.6/1 kV or 660/1100 V as per IS 694 standards.
- Test Voltage: 3000 V AC between cores to ensure insulation integrity.
- Continuous operating temperature: up to 70 °C for standard PVC; short-circuit endurance up to 160 °C for brief durations.
- Conductor resistance examples: ~19.5 Ω/km at 1.0 sq mm; larger sizes proportionally lower resistance.
- Current ratings (per core, free air reference): ~12 A at 1.0 sq mm, scaling with cross-section; derating applies with submerged, grouped, or enclosed runs.
- Supplied exclusively in 3-core configuration with copper conductors from 1.5 sq mm up to 16 sq mm cross section for pump and industrial wiring.
- Larger cross-sections used for high-load pump motors; smaller for control or lighting in flat cable routing systems.
- The flat profile offers improved flexibility along the width and easier laying on flat surfaces, with bend radii governed by Class 5 stranding.