Medium Voltage Cable – 1kV to 35kV – UK Stock and Cable Cutting Service
Cable Services stock a full range of medium voltage cables from 3.3kV to 33kV, including single core AWA, 3 core SWA, PVC and LSZH options, all manufactured to BS5467, BS6622 and BS7835. Cut to length at our Wrexham facility, despatched from six UK branches.
Medium voltage cable is the working layer of the UK distribution network – linking primary substations to local transformers, powering industrial sites, supplying utility-scale installations and connecting renewable generation to the grid. Selecting the right MV cable means matching voltage rating, conductor material, armour type and sheath material to the installation environment and the fault level it will see. Talk to us with your cable schedule and we will return a part list, stock check and trade price the same day.
Medium Voltage (MV) – 1kV to 35kV
View Our Full Range of MV Cable Stock (1kV to 35kV)
- Aluminium Single Core (XLPE/Unarmoured): 6.35/11 (12kV) Cables
- Aluminium Single Core Triplex (XLPE/Unarmoured): 6.35/11 (12kV) Cables
- Aluminium Single Core Triplex (EPR/Unarmoured): 6.35/11 (12kV) Cables
- Aluminium Three Core (XLPE/Unarmoured): 6.35/11 (12kV) Cables
- 3.3kV Cable: 3 Core SWA PVC Cable BS5467 IEC60502-1
- 6.6kV Cable: Single Core AWA PVC Cable BS6622 IEC60502-2
- 6.6kV Cable: 3 Core SWA PVC Cable BS6622 IEC60502-2
- 11kV Cable: Single Core AWA PVC Cable BS6622 IEC60502-2
- 11kV LSZH: Single Core AWA LSZH Cable BS7835 IEC60502-2
- 11kV Cable: 3 Core SWA PVC Cable BS6622 IEC60502-2
- 11kV LSZH: 3 Core SWA LSZH Cable BS7835
- 15kV Cable: Single Core AWA PVC Cable BS6622 IEC60502-2
- 15kV LSZH: 3 Core SWA LSZH Cable BS7835 IEC60502-2
- 15kV Cable: 3 Core SWA PVC Cable BS6622 IEC60502-2
- 22kV LSZH: Single Core AWA LSZH Cable BS7835 IEC60502-2
- 22kV Cable: 3 Core SWA PVC Cable BS6622 IEC60502-2
- 33kV Cable: Single Core AWA PVC Cable BS6622 IEC60502-2
- 33kV Cable: 3 Core SWA PVC Cable BS6622 IEC60502-2
- 33kV LSZH: Single Core AWA LSZH Cable BS7835 IEC60502-2
What is medium voltage cable?
Medium voltage cable is rated for use at voltages between 1kV and 35kV. In the UK, the most common MV ratings are 3.3kV, 6.6kV, 11kV, 22kV and 33kV – with 11kV the dominant voltage on the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) network. MV cable carries power from primary substations to ring main units, transformers, and large industrial loads.
How is MV cable built?
MV cable construction has more layers than LV cable because the electrical stress at MV voltages requires controlled stress management. A typical 11kV or 33kV polymeric cable has:
- Stranded copper or aluminium conductor
- Semi-conducting conductor screen
- XLPE or EPR insulation
- Semi-conducting insulation screen
- Metallic screen – copper tape or wires
- Armour – steel wire (SWA) for multi-core, aluminium wire (AWA) for single core
- PVC or LSZH outer sheath
The screen layers control the electric field around the conductor. Without them, electrical stress at the conductor surface would degrade the insulation. This is the main construction difference between LV and MV cable.
Which standards apply?
- BS5467 – SWA PVC cable up to 3.3kV
- BS6622 – SWA PVC and AWA PVC cable from 6.6kV to 33kV
- BS7835 – SWA LSZH and AWA LSZH cable from 6.6kV to 33kV
- IEC 60502-2 – international standard for cables rated 6kV to 30kV
Use BS6622 PVC cable for outdoor, underground and industrial installations. Use BS7835 LSZH cable for tunnels, rail, indoor public buildings, and any installation where smoke and toxic gas in a fire are a safety concern. Read our IEC 60502 guide for the full standards background.
Which MV cable do you need?
Cable selection depends on voltage rating, current load, installation environment and fault level at the point of installation. If you are not sure which MV cable is right for the project, send us your cable schedule and we will spec it against your fault level and return a part list with the test data attached.
MV cable accessories
Every MV cable run needs the right accessories to terminate, joint and support it. We stock the full range alongside the cable:
- Medium voltage joints – heat shrink, cold shrink and resin joints from TE Connectivity Raychem and 3M
- Medium voltage terminations and accessories – heat shrink terminations, stress control tubing, insulating boots
- Separable connectors – 250A, 400A and 630A switchgear connectors
- Cable cleats and ties – IEC 61914 short-circuit tested cleats for MV installations
- Cable glands – CW, BW and E1W glands for armoured MV cable
- Cable jointing training – HV and MV jointing courses at our Wrexham and Glasgow training facilities
Need MV cable on a project deadline?
Send us your cable schedule. We will check stock across all six UK branches, cut the exact length you need from the drum at Wrexham, and despatch the same day in most cases. Trade accounts, technical specification support and IEC 61914 short-circuit tested accessories all from one supplier.
Call Us for a Quick Price Quote Today
Frequently asked questions about medium voltage cable
What voltage is medium voltage cable?
Medium voltage cable is rated between 1kV and 35kV. In the UK, the most common medium voltage ratings used on the distribution network are 3.3kV, 6.6kV, 11kV, 22kV and 33kV. Above 35kV the cable is classified as high voltage.
What is the difference between BS6622 and BS7835?
BS6622 covers medium voltage cable with a PVC outer sheath. BS7835 covers medium voltage cable with a low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) outer sheath. Both standards cover the same voltage range from 6.6kV to 33kV and the same conductor and armour options. The choice between them is driven by the installation environment – use BS6622 PVC for outdoor and underground runs, and BS7835 LSZH for tunnels, rail, indoor public buildings and any location where smoke and toxic gas in a fire would be a safety concern.
What is 11kV cable used for?
11kV cable is the dominant voltage on the UK Distribution Network Operator (DNO) network. It carries power from primary substations down to local 11kV/415V transformers that feed individual streets, industrial estates and large commercial buildings. 11kV cable is also used for private utility connections on large industrial sites, data centres, and renewable generation projects connecting to the grid.
Can you cut MV cable to length?
Yes. We cut medium voltage cable to length on our automatic winding and measuring machine at our Wrexham facility. You order the exact length you need and we cut it from the drum, reducing waste and project cost. Cut lengths are despatched on returnable drums or coils depending on size.
What accessories do I need for MV cable installation?
A typical MV cable run needs terminations at each end, joints if the run is longer than the drum length, cable cleats to retain the cable against short-circuit forces, and cable glands where the cable enters switchgear or enclosures. For switchgear connections you may also need separable connectors. We stock the full range of MV accessories from TE Connectivity Raychem, 3M and Pfisterer alongside the cable.
Do you supply DNO-approved cable?
Yes. We hold extensive stocks of LV and 11kV DNO/IDNO approved cables to support utility sector customers. Get in touch with your project specification and we will confirm approval status against the relevant DNO standard.
Cable Services supply a wide range of products from leading brands, click here to see a sample range of cables that can offer:
Contact Us
For further details on our products and services please get in touch.
Tel: + 44 (0) 1978 340 450
Email: sales@cableservices.co.uk
Cable Cutting Service
We have invested in an automatic winding and measuring cable cutting machine at our Wrexham facility. This £90,000 investment reflects our commitment to offering an economically valuable and highly efficient service for our valued customers.
We are known for providing tailored solutions that meet the exact needs of our customers. We recognise the growing demand for a flexible service that eradicates waste and delivers cost efficiencies. The efficiency and precision of this new machine support the industry’s commitment to operational sustainability and allow us to pass on cost savings to our customers.
Free Cable Size Calculator
You determine correct cable sizes. You input voltage parameters. You input load requirements. Our tool ensures BS 7671 compliance. You avoid costly specification errors.