Overview

1 Definition of Shipboard Instrument & Communication Cables

Also known as marine communication cables, dedicated for fixed wiring of instrument measurement circuits, ship communication systems, navigation equipment, alarm signal and intrinsically safe monitoring loops on ships and offshore installations.

Rated voltage standard: 150/250V, based on standard IEC 60092-376.

Core design priorities: low signal attenuation, near-end crosstalk suppression, full-band electromagnetic shielding, intrinsic safety compatibility, marine fire safety & long-term vibration resistance.

2 Marine Cable Model Code Explanation

For full decoding of Chinese marine instrumentation & communication Cables naming rules, click: Marine Cable Code Explanation.

3 Full Technical Parameter Overview

4 In-depth Technical Specification Analysis

4.1 Rated Voltage Differentiation Logic

Shipboard instrumentation & communication cables adopt 150/250V, to reserve voltage margin for long-distance signal transmission and avoid surge interference from adjacent power equipment.

Not applicable for power distribution; power transmission scenarios (0.6/1kV) please refer to our Shipboard Power Cable product page.

4.2 Insulation Material Selection & Signal Performance Difference

1. XLPE(Cross-linked Polyethylene)

90℃ long-term operating temperature, stable insulation resistance, strong anti-aging performance, suitable for engine room high-temperature instrument monitoring loops, cost-effective for medium-frequency analog signal transmission.

2. EPR(Ethylene Propylene Rubber)

Superior flexibility and anti-fatigue performance, withstand long-term deck machinery vibration, ideal for mobile instrument terminal wiring, repeated bending sections.

4.3 Multi-stage Shielding System (Core Differentiator vs Control/Power Cables)

Signal cable transmission relies on multi-layer shielding to eliminate crosstalk and electromagnetic interference from propulsion motors, generators, radar transmitters, inverters:

1. Individual screen (P code)

Aluminum polyester foil with drain wire wrapped on each twisted pairs or triads, blocks high-frequency differential interference, capacitance unbalance controlled ≤5%, core for RS485, intrinsically safe instrument, ship network cables, shielding efficiency ≥75dB@100MHz.

2. Collective Tinned Copper Braided Screen

Covers all assembled pairs, suppresses low-frequency common-mode noise, braiding density ≥90%, simultaneously provides ground drainage path, compatible with EMC requirements of IMO ship electrical rules.

3. Individual screen & Collective Screen

Individual screen(Aluminum polyester foil with drain wire) for each pair/triad, collective screen(tinned copper wire braided) for all pairs/triads.

4.4 Flame Retardant & Fire Resistant Classification Scenario Matching

1. Standard Flame Retardant Instrument Cable (IEC 60332-3-22 Cat A)

Prevents flame spread when cables are bundled in cable trays, mandatory for all machinery space and corridor signal wiring.

2. Fire Resistant Instrument & Communication Cable (IEC 60331)

Conductor wrapped with double-layer mica fire-resistant tape, keeps communication circuit intact under 950℃ flame for 180 minutes, exclusively for emergency fire alarm, emergency intercom, lifeboat release monitoring, fire pump control signal loops.

4.5 LSZH(Low Smoke Zero Halogen) Environmental Safety

SHF1/SHF2 LSZH sheath is mandatory for passenger ships, cruise liners, yacht enclosed cabins, hospital vessels and crew living areas:

Smoke transmittance ≥60% under fire, guarantees evacuation visibility

Zero halogen release, no corrosive acid gas, avoids permanent damage to bridge navigation electronic equipment

Meet IMO FTP Code fire safety mandatory provisions for passenger vessels

4.6 Conductor Flexibility Grade

Class 2 stranded tinned copper: Stable impedance, low DC resistance, fixed straight long-distance wiring, for ship normal use.

Class 5 flexible tinned copper: Smaller bending radius, suitable for instrument cabinet dense wiring, multi-bend cable trough layout, deck movable equipment connection.

4.7 Two Armor Types Application Difference

Galvanized Steel Wire Braided Armor (Code 9)

Strong tensile & compression mechanical protection, anti-impact, anti-crushing, for open deck exposed wiring, cargo hold instrument signal lines, multi-deck vertical cable risers, anti-mechanical damage.

Tinned Copper Wire Braided Armor (Code 8)

Combines mechanical protection and secondary electromagnetic shielding, excellent seawater corrosion resistance, perfect for engine room near inverter, generator, propulsion cabinet instrument & communication cables, no extra separate shielding required.

5 Core Standards & Compliance Matrix

5.1 Foundational Product & Material Standards

5.2 Fire Safety & Environmental Performance Test Standards

6 Installation Construction Technical Parameters

7 Available Classification Society Type Approval Certificates

Our shipboard instrument & telecommunication cables hold full valid type approval certificates from global mainstream marine classification societies: CCS, BV, ABS, DNV, NK, RINA, LR. All certification documents can be provided for ship inspection, customs clearance and shipyard acceptance.

8 Quotation Required Information

To offer technical quotation, please provide below details:

1. Complete cable model (or full construction description: pairs, cross-section, shield/armor/sheath type)

2. Number of pair units / triple units & cross section area

3. Total required order length

4. Mandatory classification society certification type (if specified by shipyard)

5. Delivery port, shipping term (FOB/CIF/CFR)

9 HI-SEA Product Supply Advantages

1. Standard cable model spot inventory, short production lead time for bulk orders.

2. Low minimum order quantity, support segmented cutting for engineering trial orders

3. Complete one-stop document package: test report, classification society type approval certificate.

4. Full marine cable matching: instrument cable + control cable + power cable, one-stop purchasing solution for shipyards

10 Shipboard Instrumentation & Communication Cable List

Click Following Link to Download PDF Datasheet for Full Specification