Top Cable and electric cables FAQs

Top Cable is a family group company. Is a Spanish manufacturer of electrical cables with over 50 years of experience, specialising in low voltage cables, medium voltage cables, photovoltaic solar cables, marine cables, LSZH cables and industrial cables. The company has an international presence with distributors in more than 70 countries.

Top Cable is one of the leading brands in the manufacture of electric cables.

The company manufactures and distributes Power cables, Armoured cables, Earth cables, Control and Screened cables, Low-Smoke Halogen-Free Safety Cables, Fire-resistant cables, Rubber cables, Solar cables, Medium and High Voltage Cables, Marine Cables, Electric Vehicle infrastructure cables and Special cables, as well as Fiber Optic cables. Conductors can be manufactured in both copper and/or aluminium with insulating materials varying depending on the application.

In Top Cable we specialize in manufacturing flexible industrial cables for innovative projects worldwide.

Top Cable markets its cables under several proprietary brands:
– Flextel® for Flexible cables.
– Screenflex® for Screened flexible cables.
– Powerflex® for Power flexible cables.
– Powerhard® for Power cables.
– Xtrem® for Rubber cables.
– X-Drink® for Water drinkable cables.
– Toxfree® for Low Smoke Halogen Free (LSHF) cables.
– Topdrive® for VDF cables.
– Topweld® for Welding cables.
– Topflat® for Flat cables.
– Topdata® for Instrumentation cables.
– Toxfree® Marine® for Marine cables.
– X-Volt® for Medium-voltage cables.
– Datalan® for Fiber Optic cables.

Check out the full range of cables we manufacture at Top Cable.

Top Cable stands out from other cable manufacturers through our commitment to providing high-quality cables and the best service to meet the specific needs of our clients across various industries.

We are a reliable partner for businesses seeking innovative and sustainable cable solutions.

Top Cable combines in-house manufacturing, top-tier certifications (TÜV, CPR, Lloyd’s, DNV), a wide catalogue of standard and special products, and direct technical support. Its cables comply with the most demanding European and international standards. Do you wnat more reasons? Click here.

Yes, Top Cable is a European company headquartered in Barcelona. Its cables are manufactured in Europe under international standards (IEC, UNE, EN, CPR) and are certified by independent bodies such as TÜV, AENOR and Bureau Veritas.

Top Cable central Headquarters are located in Rubi, 20 minutes drive from Barcelona, Spain.

All production Centres and Automated Wharehouses are located nearby. That means that all cables produced by Top Cable are 100% European manufactured.

Our global headquarters are based in Rubi, (Barcelona, Spain). Our manufacturing operations are entirely based in Spain. We also have a growing international network of subsidiaries and sales offices across Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

Top Cable, Driving your energy.

When choosing a particular cable supplier, it is essential to examine some key factors in order to make an informed decision. Listed below are ten of the most important aspects when purchasing cables from a first-class manufacturer:

1. Engineering skills and Expertise
2. Manufacturing capability, cutting-edge technology and equipment
3. Proven track record of quality and reliability in the market
4. Quality control processes and International certifications
5. Cable durability and electrical performance, cable warranty
6. Average cable prices
7. Customer-oriented manufacturer, customer reviews and references,
8. Friendly and efficient sales team, technical support, after-sales service
9. Excellent logistics and transportation (EXW/FOB/CIF/DDU/DDP)
10. Sustainability, help you reduce your own company carbon footprint (EPD)

A good cable supplier should also offer flexibility, scalability, and support for future growth.

Top Cable range is supplied in the most relevant international electrical wholesalers and distribution groups, and local specialized electrical distribution businesses from across Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa and Australia.

Explore the many benefits of becoming an authorized Top Cable distributor. We will support you with cable expertise, excellent worldwide logistics and sales services. More information on how to become a distributor of Top Cable’s product range here.

Getting started with a new cable request with Top Cable is straightforward and collaborative. Begin by contacting our sales team to discuss your specific needs and requirements. Throughout the process, we ensure open communication and partnership to deliver a cable solution that meets your expectations.

Top Cable specializes in manufacturing and distributing a wide range of industrial cables designed to meet the specific needs of various industries worldwide. Our product portfolio includes industrial cables, cables for renewable energies, fiber optic cables, and more. Each cable is meticulously engineered to offer superior electrical performance, flexibility, and durability, even in the most demanding environments. Whether you need cables for harsh conditions in a solar plant, marine applications, electric mobility infrastructure or advanced technological industrial setups, Top Cable can design, manufacture and supply the perfect solution to meet your requirements.

When you choose to do business with Top Cable, you can expect a partnership-oriented approach focused on your success. From the initial consultation, our team works closely with you to understand your specific needs and challenges. We provide expert guidance and innovative solutions tailored to your application. Our manufacturing process ensures efficient production and high-quality outputs. You can also expect transparent communication, timely deliveries, and exceptional customer service. Our goal is to not only meet but exceed your expectations, ensuring you receive products that enhance your operations and contribute to your business growth.

When you place a cable order with Top Cable, you receive products manufactured using high-quality materials that undergo rigorous testing to guarantee electrical performance, reliability and durability of the cables. Additionally, we offer inventory management and just-in-time delivery services, ensuring you receive your cables exactly when you need them, thereby minimizing downtime and optimizing your operational efficiency.

The lead time for cable orders at Top Cable varies depending on the complexity of the design and the specifics of your project. However, we are committed to delivering your order as efficiently as possible. We will provide a more precise timeline based on your particular requirements and production needs.

Keep track of your order at all times with tracking.topcable.com.

You can consult Top Cable’s General Catalogue in PDF format by requesting it to your sales representative or filling the website’s contact form.

The main types of electrical cables are: low voltage cables (up to 1 kV), medium voltage cables (1–36 kV), photovoltaic solar cables, marine cables, rubber cables, halogen-free cables (LSZH), armoured cables, control and screened cables, aluminium cables and special cables for industrial applications.

More info here.

Wire and cable are both important components in electrical systems, but they are not the same. Wire is a single conductor (usually copper) insulated with a protective coating. Cable, on the other hand, is multiple conductors (usually copper) bundled together and insulated with a protective outer sheath.

Solid wire is a single conductor made of a single piece of metal, usually used for low-voltage applications, such as residential wiring. Stranded wire is made of multiple strands of metal woven together. It is often used for higher-voltage applications, such as industrial and commercial use.

Single-core cables are single insulated conductors. Multi-core cables are multiple insulated conductors bundled together and insulated with a protective outer sheath.

DC wires (direct current cables) used in rectified direct current transmission systems. Compared to AC cords, DC cables have less power loss during transmission and are easy to install and maintain. They are also less expensive.
AC cords (alternating current cables) are commonly used in power frequency power systems. AC cables have high safety requirements on insulation. They are more complex in construction and cost about three times as much as DC cables.

Aluminium cables are lighter and less expensive than copper cables. Aluminium is also more resistant to corrosion than copper. Copper cables are more conductive and less susceptible to interference than aluminium.

The conductors can also be tinned copper, such as those required for solar installations. (More info here)

Generally speaking, we can determine that the type of installation and the certification standards required by the project will determine the suitability of one conductor or another.

The most common insulation materials for the cables are PVC, PE, XLPE, goma, etc.
Among them, PVC material has the advantages of simple structure, easy fabrication and processing, light weight and lower cost. Therefore, It is widely used in insulation for medium and low voltage cables.
XLPE cables have higher overload capacity and longer lifespan compared to PVC. But they are also more expensive than PVC. PVC cables typically have a life expectancy of 20 years in good surroundings. While, XLPE cables typically have a life expectancy of 40 years.
Rubber cables are soft and flexible. They have a small radius of curvature. This type of cables is suitable for use in scenarios where frequent movement is required, like sea cables, mining cables, etc.
Allowable long-term operating temperature: 70°C (PVC), 90°C (XLPE/ERP).
Maximum allowable temperature in case of short circuit: 160°C (PVC), 250°C (XLPE/ERP).

• Class 6: highly flexible conductor.
• Class 5: flexible conductor.
• Class 4: Not described in IEC 60228.
• Class 3: Not described in IEC 60228.
• Class 2: stranded conductor.
• Class 1: solid conductor.

• Copper and tinned copper: are defined in class 1, class 2, class 5 and class 6.
• Aluminium and aluminium alloys: are defined in class 1 and class 2. Classes 5 and 6 are not defined in IEC 60228.

The skin effect means that in an AC circuit, more of the current will travel along the outside edge as compared to the current going through the center of the wire.

The skin effect influences cable design in several ways:
• Increased resistance: As AC frequency increases, skin depth decreases, leading to higher resistance and power losses.
• Heat generation: More resistance results in more heat, which can affect cable insulation and longevity.
• Cable sizing: Engineers may need to use larger or differently designed cables to mitigate these effects.

To reduce the impact of the skin effect, engineers can:
• Use stranded conductors, which have more surface area for current flow
.• Choose materials with higher conductivity and lower magnetic permeability.

Most power cables have a design life of between 20 to 30 years, considering a cable manufactured to international standards and wired indoors according to proper guidelines.

When purchasing electrical cable or wire, it’s important to consider several factors including wire gauge, flexibility, conductor material, insulation, outer sheath. Here you will find some tips that will help you to buy electrical cables adapted to your specific requiremets.

Power cables are designed for permanent use and may be installed as overhead wiring, exposed wiring, and direct burial applications. The power cable is constructed of one or more electrical conductors with a covering and is available in various constructions, materials, and ratings for different applications.

Choosing the right special cable for your application involves several important considerations. Determine the voltage level required for your application, considering factors like the length of the cable run and the ambient temperature, as these can affect the cable’s performance, choose the appropriate insulation material based and the best conductor material. Beyond that, it is necessary to assess the specific performance required by the installation.

The best cable for homes and buildings is a flexible cable that typically contains two or three insulated conductors, one of them being a ground wire, wrapped together in a sheathing, and an outer sheath (or jacket). Top Cable recommends the TOPFLEX^® V-K H07V-K cable, or its LSZH version: TOXFREE^® H07Z1-K.

For European markets, we supply H07V-U/R/K singles and RV-K / NYY-J / N2XY-J / cables per local standards. For UK residential wiring, our twin-and-earth cables (to BS 6004) in flat grey PVC are the standard choice

The panel wire cables are specifically designed for use in electrical panels, control systems, and wiring within buildings. They are often used to connect various components in electrical systems and usually have a specific type of flexible insulation.

An armoured cable has a metallic mechanical protection layer (steel tape, AWA or SWA armour) beneath the outer sheath. It is used in direct burial installations, external cable trays, or environments with a risk of mechanical damage. Top Cable manufactures armoured cables in aluminium (AWA) and steel (SWA).

Commonly known as SWA cable, the steel wire armoured cable is one that has a protective layer of metal around it. The purpose of this cable together with the shielding layer is to improve performance against interference by providing shielding protection, as well as to increase the durability of the mechanical protection, including tensile strength and compressive strength.

Yes, there are different types of armoured cables designed for various applications. The main types include:

1. Steel and aluminium Wire Armoured (SWA/AWA) PV Cable: This is commonly used for underground installations and in environments where mechanical protection is needed. It is robust and suitable for power distribution. (like POWERHARD® M RVhMVh-K AWA/SWA)

2. Armoured Flexible Cables: These cables are designed for applications requiring flexibility, such as in machinery or portable equipment. They often have a more flexible armouring material (like POWERHARD® M RVhMVh-K).

3. Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) Armoured Cables: These cables are used in environments where low smoke and low toxicity are essential, such as in public buildings and transportation systems (like TOXFREE® RZ1MZ1-K).

Each type of armoured cable is tailored to meet specific environmental conditions, mechanical stresses, and safety requirements, ensuring optimal performance for its intended use.

Low voltage aluminium cables are best suited for a variety of applications, including:

1. Power Distribution: They are commonly used in electrical distribution networks to transmit power from substations to residential and commercial buildings.
2. Industrial Applications: Aluminium cables are often used in factories and industrial plants for powering machinery and equipment due to their lightweight and cost-effective nature.
3. Renewable Energy Systems: These cables are suitable for connecting solar panels and wind turbines to inverters and power distribution systems.
4. Underground Installations: Aluminium cables are frequently used in underground installations because they are resistant to corrosion and can be installed in various environments.
5. Street Lighting: They are ideal for street lighting systems, providing a reliable and efficient means of power supply.
6. Temporary Power Supply: Due to their lightweight properties, aluminium cables are often used for temporary power setups at events or construction sites.
7. Residential Wiring: In some cases, they can be used for residential wiring, especially in larger homes or developments where cost and weight are considerations.

Overall, low voltage aluminium cables are favored for their balance of performance, weight, and cost in various electrical applications.

One of the most important Aluminium cable standards is the EN 60332-1, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This standard specifies the general requirements for the design and construction of aluminium cables for use in power distribution systems. Another important aluminium cable standard is the NFC 32-070 standard, which is published by the French Association for Standardization (AFNOR). This standard specifies the requirements for the installation of aluminium cables in electrical installations.

The advantages of control cables manufactured and distributed by Top Cable include: lightweight and flexibility, chemical & oil resistance, mechanical efficiency, best anti-interference functioning, use in either dry or humid environments, and compliance with the most stringent quality assurance and quality control processes.

Screened (or shielded) cables are insulated with a metal foil or braid that provides additional protection against interference. Non-screened cables do not have this insulation, therefore are not recommended for locations where interference may exist.

Rubber cables are extremely flexible, robust and resistant. They are widely used in industrial areas and in installations requiring cables subject to constant bending and twisting movements. Rubber cables are resistant to oils, water, ozone, ageing and abrasion, and are designed for intensive use in industrial equipment, heavy tools, battery chargers, portable lights and extension cords. They are also recommended for machines, cranes and dock power applications or where water immersion is required.

The robustness-flexibility tandem makes rubber cables ideal for supplying electrical power in the most demanding installations:

Industry, construction.
Mining industry, oil, gas.
Wind turbines.
Portable or audio-visual engines and mobile equipment.
Agricultural establishments.
Caravans or caravan parks.
Submersible pumps and drinking water.
Aquaculture, fish farms, shrimp farms, and “living” water (with presence of micro-organisms and aquatic species).
Deep wells.
Mobile equipment: cranes, construction equipment and heavy machinery.
Marine applications: power generation on ships.
Power cables for hand-held power tools (e.g. welding machines) and small electrical appliances.

In large solar farms, sun energy is directly transformed into electrical energy. Solar cables are used to connect solar panels to inverters and other components in a PV system for use at high temperatures and all kinds of weather conditions. Since the cable volume in these installations is quite high, it is essential to use the appropriate cables with the maximum performance, and make sure they comply with EN 50618 Standard.

Solar cables are specifically engineered to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, UV rays exposure, extreme temperature fluctuations and moisture, ensuring durability and longevity in PV installations (rooftop, pv plants, floating plants) in compliance with solar standard EN 50618.

Solar cable H1Z2Z2-K is most common in 4mm2 and 6mm2 (12 gauge AWG wire), but cable size may vary based on specific factors such as resistance and flow.

Choosing the right Medium Voltage cable for your application involves several important considerations. Determine the voltage level required for your application, considering factors like the length of the cable run and the ambient temperature, as these can affect the cable’s performance. Choose the appropriate insulation material based and the best conductor material. Finally, it is necessary to assess the specific performance required by the installation.

Cross-section is set by load current, voltage, short-circuit rating and laying method. Size it against the ampacity tables in Top Cable’s X-VOLT datasheets.

Long transmission distance: Fiber optic connections can be up to 70 km.
Fast transmission speeds: Fiber optic access is capable of providing high-speed bandwidth, like 100Mbps and 200Mbps.
low loss: Fiber optic medium is manufactured to extremely high purity, so fiber loss is extremely low. Therefore, it can reduce the number of relay stations in the communication line and greatly improve the quality of communication.
High resistance to interference: As plastic optical fiber is a non-metallic material, is immune to electromagnetic interference.

Indoor fiber optic cables have lower tensile strength and are more brittle. Nevertheless, they are also lighter and cheaper. This type of optical fiber is mainly used for the internal wiring of buildings and for the interconnection of network equipment.

The increase of electronic devices on yachts and ships makes necessary to Install shielded and VFD electric cables that will minimize the electromagnetic waves that may cause electrical interference. It is also paramount to install cables designed for marine use that withstand seawater corrosion and UV radiation.

Top Cable’s EVC range supplies AC and DC charging stations, with the EVC DC version rated to 1500 V DC; eWALL serves wallbox installations.

Type 1 chargers offer slower charging rates (3kW to 7.4kW) due to their single-phase electricity supply limitation, whereas Type 2 chargers support both single-phase and three-phase charging, providing greater flexibility with speeds up to 22kW AC at home and 43kW at public stations.

Yes in fact, on 2016, Top Cable became the first European manufacturer to obtain CPR certification for Low-Smoke Halogen-Free safety cables. including TOXFREE® RZ1-K and TOXFREE® H07Z1-K cables. (click here for more information on CPR standards).

The certification was carried out by AENOR, a Europe-wide Notified Body responsible for issuing Constancy of Performance certification for fire reaction performance features (AVCP) in accordance with System 1+.

The Class of Reaction-to-Fire table will become a standard of building regulations in Europe, though they are likely to be applied differently across the EU. Indeed, each country, under the principle of subsidiarity, will decide how these classes are to be used in its construction standards and/or regulations.

These Classes will, however, certainly become a point of reference as, whatever their application, they will be common to all products. The performance level of the products defined by the classes will be clearly understood by all European decision-makers. The products brought to market will comply with strenuous testing requirements, and continue to ensure that the safety of persons, animals and goods in fire hazards can be protected.

According to European Construction Product Regulation (CPR) , there are seven Euroclasses that apply to cables: B2ca, Cca, Dca, Eca and Fca, with B2ca having the highest fire performance and Fca having the lowest protection in the event of a fire. Watch this informative video.

Flame retardant cables have self-extinguishing properties and are difficult to burn. They can prevent the fire from spreading, preserving other equipment and preventing further damage.
Fire-resistant cables are cables that can be kept in operation for a certain period of time in the event of a fire. They are often used in emergency power circuits to ensure the normal operation of circuits in the event of a fire.
Fire resistant cables are much safer. Usually, fire resistant cables can replace flame retardant cables, but flame retardant cables cannot replace fire resistant cables.

Halogen free cables with reduced smoke production save lives in the event of a fire:
• Provide a smoke-free escape route
• Protect the structure of the building
• Limit the smoke damages to equipment
• The smoke is less hot and non-corrosive
• Facilitate the work of firefighters in the building

Low smoke halogen free (LSZH) cables have been designed to provide maximum protection to people and equipment in the event of fire. They are specially recommended for:
. Hospitals
. Offices, Universities, Schools
. Malls, Supermarkets, Shops in general, museums
. Trains.
. Ships, Submarines.
. Railway, road, & tunnel systems.
. Nuclear power stations
and much more.

All cables manufactured and commercialized by Top Cable comply with RoHS requirements to keep our users safe from hazardous materials. The RoHS restricts the use of hazardous materials. While this directive comes from the European Union, its importance have impacted the worldwide production of wiring and electronics.

A cable labeled RoHS compliant follows the guidelines listed by the European Union under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS). A product that is RoHS compliant contains no lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers. RoHS material substitutes these with more environmentally-friendly alternatives.

The EU RoHS Directive aims to protect the environment and reduce exposure-related health risks by restricting the use of hazardous materials in the manufacturing of electronic and electrical equipment.

Wind farm cables must comply with IEC 60502 for MV collection cables, IEC 60228 for conductors, and GL/DNV certification for turbine internal cables. We manufacture to all major wind industry standards.

Onshore wind farm inter-array cables are typically rated at 36kV (12/20kV or 18/30kV), with direct-burial armoured XLPE cables being the standard choice for inter-turbine underground connections.

BESS DC links use 1500 V DC cable. Top Cable’s solar/DC ranges (TOPSOLAR-type 1.5 kV DC) and EVC DC 1500 V suit battery DC circuits.

Top Cable’s X-VOLT RHZ1/HEPRZ1 single-cores link transformers and switchgear in distribution substations.

Data-centre power distribution uses halogen-free cable. Top Cable’s TOXFREE N2XH (CPR Cca/B2ca) limits smoke in dense IT spaces.

Generator connections use LV power or fire-resistant cable. Top Cable’s POWERFLEX RV-K and TOXFREE PLUS 331 RZ1-K (AS+) suit standby feeds.

Top Cable supplies MV (X-VOLT), LSZH (TOXFREE) and armoured (POWERHARD) cables for hyperscale data-centre projects.

Tunnel emergency systems need circuit integrity in fire. Top Cable’s TOXFREE PLUS 331 RZ1-K (AS+) keeps power flowing for 120 min at 840C (IEC 60331-2 / EN 50200) and 180 min at 950C (BS6387 cat C).

Enclosed metro tunnels require halogen-free, low-smoke cable. Top Cable’s TOXFREE LSZH range (CPR Cca/B2ca) limits toxic smoke and aids evacuation.

Train interiors require low-smoke, halogen-free, low-toxicity cable. Top Cable’s TOXFREE LSZH range limits smoke and toxic gases in line with EN 45545 hazard levels.

For high-occupancy buildings choose B2ca cable. Top Cable’s TOXFREE N2XH and TOXFREE PLUS 331 RZ1-K (AS+) achieve B2ca per EN 50575.

Top Cable manufactures TOXFREE LSZH and TOXFREE PLUS 331 fire-resistant cables for hospitals, schools, stadiums and other public infrastructure.

Submersible pump motors need a water-resistant flexible cable. Top Cable’s XTREM H07RN-F heavy-duty rubber cable is built for deep-water immersion and powering submersible pumps and motors.

Desalination’s saline, humid environment suits halogen-free, water- and chemical-resistant cable such as Top Cable’s TOXFREE N2XH (AD8 submersible, UV-resistant) or XTREM H07RN-F rubber.

Variable-frequency drives need a screened motor cable. Top Cable’s TOPDRIVE ROZ1-K is built for VFD-fed motors.

Packaging machinery needs continuous-flex cable. Top Cable’s TOPFLEX and FLEXTEL flexible control cables suit the motion.

Cleanroom HVAC uses halogen-free power cable. Top Cable’s TOXFREE N2XH supplies fans and air handlers without toxic-smoke risk.

At Top Cable we decided some years ago to build a sustainability action plan and we named it #movingreen. The basis of Top Cable’s #movingreen sustainability policy is to reduce our environmental footprint when manufacturing cables, promoting circularity and sustainability.

Top Cable’s #movingreen strategy has three main pillars:
1. Green Energy and CO2 emission reduction
2. Waste management
3. Eco-packaging and logistics.

We are working hand in hand with suppliers and customers towards reducing our collective environmental impact. By choosing Top Cable, you can be sure that you are purchasing high-quality and environmentally friendly cables.

You can consult Top Cable #movingreen environmental strategy here, asking to your sales representative or filling the website’s contact form.

At Top Cable we are commited to reducing our carbon footprint. Our cable EPD’s assess the product’s environmental excellence by International Standard ISO 14025.

Yes. Manufacturing cables require a lot of energy. That’s why at Top Cable we are commited to Green Energy and use 100% renewable energy for the manufacture of electric cables across our factories. Among other actions, we operate with photovoltaic self-consumption at all our production sites.

ISO 14001 is the internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS). At Top Cable we adhere to ISO 14.001 systems and we certify the life cycle of our cables.

You can consult Top Cable Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) by asking to your sales representative or filling the website’s contact form.

Yes, at Top Cable we are committed to forest protection and therefore we exclusively source wood from sustainable forest for our cable drums and pallets.

Yes, at Top Cable we are commited to supporting a circular economy and threfore we invest in reverse logistics to collect empty cable drums from Internacional sales.

Yes, at Top Cable we are commited to sustainable packaging and therefore we are using cardboard boxes, phasing out the use of plastic packaging. Our wire cables are packed in eco-friendly boxes made from 100% recyclable and biodegradable cardboard, facilitating their reuse.

At Top Cable we are commited to electric mobility and therefore we have installed 158 EV charging points at our Barcelona headquarters, making it one of the largest installations of its kind in Europe.