What are short circuits and earth-fault? NSGAFÖU 1.8/3 kV cables
In industrial electrical systems, the two most damaging faults are short circuits and earth faults. Both can lead to fires, explosions, equipment damage, and danger to operators if the wiring system is not designed to withstand them. This article clearly explains what these two faults are and introduces HELUKABEL’s NSGAFÖU 1.8/3 kV cable series—a single-core rubber cable certified to withstand short circuits and earth faults, specifically designed for control panels, distribution panels, rail vehicles, and buses.
What is a short circuit?
A short circuit—also known as a circuit short—occurs when electric current flows through a path with very low resistance instead of through the normal load, typically caused by two live conductors coming into direct contact with each other. Because resistance drops suddenly, the current surges for a very short time, generating a large amount of heat that can melt the insulation, causing a fire or destroying the connected equipment. Common causes include aged insulation , loose connections, scratched wires, or insects or foreign objects entering the electrical panel.
What is an earth fault (ground fault)?
An earth fault, or ground fault, occurs when an electric current flows outside the intended path (phase wire, neutral wire) and comes into contact with a metal enclosure, a grounded structure, or even a person. Unlike a short circuit (which is typically an instantaneous fault causing a very large current), an electrical leak can occur silently with a small but prolonged leakage current, posing a risk of electric shock, damage to sensitive electronic equipment, and fire or explosion if not detected in time.
Why are short-circuit and earth-fault proof cables necessary?
In control cabinets, distribution panels, or on public transportation vehicles (trains, buses), confined installation spaces expose cables to friction, vibration, and continuous mechanical stress—increasing the risk of insulation damage that can lead to short circuits or earth faults. Using cables certified to withstand these two issues from the design stage helps minimize the risk of fire and explosion, extend system lifespan, and meet the stringent safety standards of the railway, industrial, and automation sectors.
Learn about the NSGAFÖU 1.8/3 kV cable
NSGAFÖU 1.8/3 kV is a single-core rubber cable from HELUKABEL, manufactured in accordance with the DIN VDE 0250-602 standard and certified by VDE and CE. This cable is designed to withstand short circuits and ground faults in control and distribution panels up to 1000V, and is also oil-resistant and capable of withstanding increased mechanical stress—making it suitable for harsh industrial environments.
Key benefits:
- Saves installation time thanks to a design optimized for quick installation.
- Reduce inventory levels because a single product code can be used for various applications.
- Its compact outer diameter makes it easier to install in an electrical cabinet.
- It does not crease during bending and installation, maintaining a stable shape.
- There is no risk of overheating the end of the tubing when using a heat gun to shrink it, which enhances safety during installation.
- Improved aesthetics when the electrical cabinet is finished, with clear color coding (black/orange) to indicate its intended use.
Construction of the NSGAFÖU 1.8/3 kV cable
- Conductor: tinned copper, finely stranded, in accordance with DIN VDE 0295 Class 5 / IEC 60228 Class 5.
- Insulation: EPR synthetic rubber, 3GI3 compound in accordance with DIN VDE 0207-20.
- Outer sheath: polychloroprene rubber (Neoprene), 5GM3 compound in accordance with DIN VDE 0207-21.
- Sheath color: orange or black (2 color options, same specifications).
Applications NSGAFÖU 1,8/3 kV cables
The NSGAFÖU 1.8/3 kV cable is suitable for:
- Rail transit (trains, trams) and buses.
- Dry rooms in factories and industrial buildings.
- Control panels and electrical distribution panels rated up to 1,000 V, where short-circuit and ground-fault protection is required.
- Permitted installation methods: installation in conduit, in enclosed cable trays, connection to moving parts, equipment wiring, and bundling with other wires.
Important note: This type of cable must not be used on cable ladders or open cable trays—this is a technical limitation that must be observed when designing the system to ensure safety and compliance with standards.
Product items (Excerpt of some common cross-sections)
NSGAFÖU 1.8/3 kV, black:
| Part no. | No. of cores x nominal cross sec. mm² | Outer Diameter (mm) | Weight kg/km |
| 38501 | 1 × 1.5 | 5.1 – 7.0 | 65.0 |
| 38502 | 1 × 2.5 | 5.6 – 7.5 | 80.0 |
| 38504 | 1 × 6 | 6.7 – 9.5 | 110.0 |
| 38507 | 1 × 25 | 11.1 – 15.0 | 360.0 |
| 38510 | 1 × 70 | May 15–20 | 820.0 |
| 38516 | 1 × 300 | 28.4 – 38.0 | 3,180.0 |
NSGAFÖU 1.8/3 kV, orange:
| Part no. | No. of cores x nominal cross sec. mm² | Outer Diameter (mm) | Weight kg/km |
| 17001252 | 1 × 1.5 | 5.1 – 7.0 | 65.0 |
| 710665 | 1 × 2.5 | 5.6 – 7.5 | 80.0 |
| 710223 | 1 × 6 | 6.7 – 9.5 | 110.0 |
| 17000916 | 1 × 25 | 11.1 – 15.0 | 360.0 |
| 17000919 | 1 × 70 | May 15–20 | 820.0 |
| 17001253 | 1 × 300 | 28.4 – 38.0 | 3,180.0 |
All 16 cross-sections ranging from 1.5 mm² to 300 mm² (in both colors) are listed in the technical datasheet—please contact HELUKABEL Vietnam for the complete list and a quote.
Understanding short circuits and ground faults is the first step in designing a safe electrical system. With short-circuit and earth-fault proof certification up to 1,000 V, as well as enhanced oil resistance and mechanical stress resistance, HELUKABEL’s NSGAFÖU 1.8/3 kV cable is a reliable choice for control cabinets, distribution panels, and rail vehicles.
Contact the HELUKABEL Vietnam technical team for consultation and a detailed quote for the NSGAFÖU 1.8/3 kV cable series.
