Firstflex – providers of New Zealand’s largest range of premium industrial and flexible cables – has extended its broad product portfolio further by releasing its Neutral Screen (NS) family. The range has been released in response to strong demand by the industry and supplies the mains power to a variety of domestic and commercial end-use applications.
The NSU and NSUX series are suitable for direct burial underground as per AS/NZS 4961; offering a 3.2mm thick, special polyvinyl chloride (SPVC) outer sheath.
The NSU series’ copper conductors are insulated with SPVC, providing a flexible material for electrical and physical protection. This insulating SPVC material is UV-stabilised, offering further durability to withstand outdoor environmental conditions.
The NSUX series’ copper conductors are insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), reducing the overall diameter of the cable. Although less flexible than PVC conductors, in comparison, XLPE allows a higher maximum operating temperature and greater current carrying capability.
Firstflex’s Neutral Screen Trayscreen (NST) series is constructed with a SPVC outer sheath that is 1.8mm thick and its copper conductors are also insulated with SPVC. The reduced sheath thickness allows greater flexibility, providing easier installation. Trayscreen cables can be terminated in smaller glands and are desirable for use in applications where space is limited such as on streetlight poles, within internal wiring between distribution boards and installing onto commercial cable trays.
Like all Firstflex cables the NS family can be cut to length with no cutting fees and no minimum order quantity, and is backed by Firstflex’s almost 50-year promise of getting product on hand, on site and on time.
Q: What is the difference between insulation and sheath on a cable?
A: Insulation is the material around the copper conductors. The sheath is the outer protection layer on a cable.
Q: Can special polyvinyl chloride (SPVC) sheathed Neutral Screen cables be buried direct?
A: All of our Neutral Screen cables have a SPVC outer sheath, however the sheath must be 3.2mm thick to be buried directly underground. Our NSU and NSX cables both have a 3.2mm thick outer sheath and can be buried direct.
Q: Why do some Neutral Screen cables have SPVC versus cross-linked polyethylene insulation (XLPE)?
A: The NSU series has copper conductors insulated with SPVC which provides a flexible material for electrical and physical protection. The insulating SPVC material is UV-stabilised, making the NSU cable perfect for use when insulation is exposed to the sun.
The NSUX series’ conductors are insulated with XLPE which has a thinner insulation thickness and reduces the overall diameter of the cable. Although less flexible than SPVC conductors, in comparison, XLPE allows a higher maximum operating temperature and greater current carrying capability.
Q: What is the key difference between the Neutral Screen NSU/NSUX versus the Neutral Screen Trayscreen® series?
A: The Neutral Screen NSU & NSUX series have a 3.2mm sheath and can be buried direct. Trayscreen® (NST) cables have a 1.8mm sheath and cannot be buried direct.
Q: Why does Firstflex have a Trayscreen cable series?
A: Firstflex’s Neutral Screen Trayscreen® (NST) series is constructed with a SPVC outer sheath that is 1.8mm thick and its copper conductors are also insulated with SPVC. The reduced sheath thickness allows greater flexibility, providing easier installation. Trayscreen® cables can be terminated in smaller glands and are desirable for use in applications where space is limited such as on street light poles, within internal wiring between distribution boards and installing onto commercial cable trays.
Q: Can Trayscreen® cables be buried underground?
A: No – not directly. They can however be installed inside ducting or conduit.
Q: Can Firstflex’s Neutral Screen cables be used in outdoor applications?
A: Yes – our Neutral Screen cables are extruded for protection against sunlight and water ingress.
Available to order through your local Powerbase wholesaler.
Features:
- Stocked cables cut to length – no cutting fees, no minimum order quantity
- Annealed plain copper stranded wire (Class 2)
- Screen provides coverage to facilitate mechanical protection
- Available in 1.8mm (NST) or 3.2mm (NSU/NSUX) special PVC outer sheath
- SPVC (NST/NSU) or XLPE (NSUX) conductor insulation
- UV-stabilised
- Heat, oil, chemical resistant and flame retardant
- Tested and certified to all relevant AS/NZS standards.
