Armored Direct-Buried Solar Cable

1,500 V DC photovoltaic cable with added mechanical protection for underground solar installations.

• Direct-burial construction: Designed for underground photovoltaic cable routes when installed with the required trench, bedding and route protection.
• Added mechanical protection: The armour or reinforcement layer helps protect the insulated core from crushing, impact and accidental damage during installation and service.
• Flexible tinned-copper conductor: Class 5 stranding supports cable pulling, routing and reliable crimp termination while improving corrosion resistance.
• 1,500 V DC capability: Supports modern utility-scale and commercial PV string systems with high DC operating voltage.
• Cross-linked insulation and sheath: Electron-beam cross-linked polyolefin provides heat, UV, weather and ageing resistance for long-term outdoor service.
• Wet-environment performance: AD7 water performance supports demanding underground routes exposed to moisture and temporary water accumulation.
• Pest-resistant options: Rodent-resistant and termite-resistant constructions are available for agricultural, desert and remote solar sites.
• Fire-performance options: Flame non-propagation and CPR Cca configurations are available for projects with defined fire requirements.

1. Electrical rating: Calculate maximum array open-circuit voltage at the minimum site temperature and select a cable system rated for the resulting DC voltage.
2. Conductor size: Use design current, voltage drop, short-circuit withstand and burial derating. Long underground DC runs are often governed by voltage drop.
3. Armour system: Match the protective layer to soil chemistry, corrosion exposure, impact risk, pest activity and the project's grounding design.
4. Burial environment: Establish soil thermal resistivity, normal and maximum soil temperature, burial depth, circuit spacing and the possibility of soil drying.
5. Water exposure: AD7 does not automatically qualify every connector or joint for burial or immersion. Use purpose-designed underground joints and terminations.
6. Fire class: Select the CPR construction required for any section entering a building, service tunnel or other regulated area.
7. Market compliance: Choose the IEC, EN or UL product configuration and direct-burial marking required by the destination market.

What is the difference between standard PV cable and armored direct-buried PV cable?

Standard PV cable is designed for solar DC service but may still require conduit or mechanical protection underground. The armored direct-buried construction adds a protective layer and outer sheath intended for controlled burial conditions.

Can the cable be placed directly into any soil?

No. The trench must meet project requirements for bedding, depth, drainage, spacing, warning protection and soil compatibility. Sharp rock, contaminated soil and heavy vehicle loading may require additional protection.

Is the cable suitable for 1,500 V DC systems?

Yes, when the selected cable, joints, connectors and terminations are rated for the calculated maximum array voltage.

Does armour eliminate the need for conduit?

It can reduce the need for continuous conduit on an approved direct-burial route, but conduit or additional covers may still be required at road crossings, building entries, risers and high-impact locations.

How should burial ampacity be calculated?

Use actual soil temperature and thermal resistivity, burial depth, spacing, circuit grouping and conductor losses. Air-installation current tables are not suitable for direct-burial design.

How are underground joints handled?

Avoid unnecessary buried joints. Where a joint is unavoidable, use a tested direct-burial system with compatible cable preparation, moisture sealing, strain relief and clear route documentation.