STA Armored Cable

STA Armored Cable is a steel tape armored cable, which is designed with galvanized steel tape armor to provide excellent mechanical protection. STA cables are commonly used for underground and fixed laying, and are resistant to compression and rodent damage. Its structure consists of copper conductor, XLPE insulation, PVC sheath, and steel tape armor, and complies with international standards such as IEC 60502-1 and VDE 0276.
STA Armored Cable Types
There are various types of STA power cables, including low-voltage, medium-voltage, single-core, and multi-core designs. They differ in conductor, insulation, and sheath layer structures. The following are common STA armored models:

0.6/1kV STA Power Cable
0.6/1kV STA power cables are low voltage steel tape armored cables designed for fixed installations where mechanical protection is required. They comply with IEC 60502-1 and other international standards for reliable performance. ZMS Cable is available in multi-core configurations from 1.5mm² to 400mm² and is widely used in buildings, factories, cable ducts, and distribution networks.
Cable Structure
- Conductor: Plain annealed copper (Class 1 solid or Class 2 stranded)
- Insulation: XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) – provides excellent thermal and electrical properties
- Inner Sheath: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – for insulation protection and bedding
- Armour: Galvanized Steel Tape Armor (STA) – two layers of steel tape wrapped over the inner sheath for mechanical protection
- Outer Sheath: PVC (typically black, optional UV-resistant or LSZH for specific projects)
Applications
0.6/1kV STA power cables are widely used in fixed installations where mechanical protection is required but tensile strength is not a high requirement. Typical application areas include:
- Underground transmission and distribution systems
- Power supply for industrial plants, residential areas, commercial buildings and infrastructure projects
- Cable ducts, cable trenches and tunnels
- Grids with rodent risk or pressure, such as underground concrete
Key Features
- Rated voltage: 0.6/1kV
- Using cross-linked polyethylene insulation to ensure thermal and electrical reliability
- Steel tape armor (STA) ensures excellent mechanical protection
- Flame retardant and moisture resistant, suitable for direct burial, indoor or outdoor
- Long service life and low maintenance cost
Technical Specifications
Item | Specification |
Number of Cores | 2, 3, 4, 5 cores |
Cross-sectional Area | 1.5 mm² to 400 mm² |
Max. Operating Temperature | 90°C |
Short Circuit Temperature | 250°C (for 5 seconds) |
Ambient Installation Temp. | ≥ 0°C |
Minimum Bending Radius | ≥ 12 × cable outer diameter |
Flame Retardant Test | IEC 60332-1 / IEC 60332-3 (optional) |
Insulation Resistance | ≥ 36.7 MΩ·km (at 20°C) |
Standard Compliance | IEC 60502-1, GB/T 12706, VDE 0276 |
Reference Size & Weight
Cable Size (mm²) | No. of Cores | Approx. OD (mm) | Cable Weight (kg/km) |
4 × 6 mm² | 4 core | ~20.5 | ~580 |
4 × 10 mm² | 4 core | ~22.6 | ~720 |
4 × 16 mm² | 4 core | ~26.5 | ~980 |
4 × 25 mm² | 4 core | ~30.5 | ~1250 |
4 × 35 mm² | 4 core | ~34.5 | ~1600 |
4 × 50 mm² | 4 core | ~39.2 | ~1950 |
4 × 70 mm² | 4 core | ~45.0 | ~2450 |
4 × 95 mm² | 4 core | ~51.0 | ~3100 |

MV Armored Cable STA
MV STA cable, medium voltage steel belt armored cable, is designed for underground and fixed installations that require strong mechanical protection and is suitable for 3.6/6kV to 18/30kV transmission systems. It complies with international standards such as IEC 60502-2, has excellent flame retardancy and compressive strength, and is widely used in infrastructure projects such as industrial plants, utility networks, and substations.
Cable Structure
- Conductor: CU or AL, stranded conductors of class 2 or 5 in accordance with IEC 60228
- Insulation: XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) for excellent thermal and electrical performance
- Inner Sheath: PVC or LSZH (low smoke zero halogen) for insulation protection
- Armor: Double-layer galvanized steel tape (STA) for strong mechanical protection
- Outer Sheath: PVC or LSZH for UV and corrosion resistance
Applications
- Medium voltage transmission and distribution systems (3.6/6kV, 6/10kV, 8.7/15kV, 12/20kV)
- Industrial plants, substations, commercial and infrastructure projects
- Underground and buried fixed facilities, including cable ducts, tunnels and trenches
- Environments that require strong mechanical protection, moisture resistance and pressure resistance
Key Features
- Galvanized steel tape armor, high mechanical strength
- Multi-layer sheath system for moisture and corrosion resistance
- High flame retardancy, excellent low smoke when burning
- Complies with IEC 60502-2, GB/T 12706.2, BS 7835 and other international standards
- Maintain long service life and reliable performance even in harsh conditions
Technical Specifications
Parameter | Specification |
Maximum Operating Temperature | 90°C |
Short Circuit Temperature | 250°C (5 seconds) |
Minimum Bending Radius | ≥ 15 × cable outer diameter |
Rated Frequency | 50Hz / 60Hz |
Insulation Resistance | ≥ 100 MΩ·km |
Flame Retardant | IEC 60332-1, IEC 60332-3 compliant |
Water Resistance | IEC 60502-2 compliant, excellent water resistance |
Reference Size & Weight
Conductor Size (mm²) | Number of Cores | Approx. Outer Diameter (mm) | Approx. Weight (kg/km) |
3 × 25 | 3 | 26.5 | 980 |
3 × 35 | 3 | 29.0 | 1200 |
3 × 50 | 3 | 32.5 | 1550 |
3 × 70 | 3 | 36.0 | 2000 |
3 × 95 | 3 | 40.0 | 2500 |

0.6/1kV STA Power Cable
The three-core STA armored cable is a low-voltage steel-tape armored power cable suitable for underground or pipeline power transmission. It uses three insulated conductors for three-phase power distribution. This structure is essential for resisting external damage in the application environment. It complies with IEC 60502-1 and other international standards to ensure durability and safety.
Cable Structure
- Conductor: Stranded copper or aluminum wire, Class 2 (solid core optional)
- Insulation: XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene), color coded cores
- Inner Jacket: Extruded PVC or LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen)
- Armor: Galvanized steel tape (STA), double overlap
- Outer Jacket: Black PVC or LSZH, UV and moisture resistant
Applications
- Fixed installations in underground and buried areas
- Transmission networks in residential, commercial and industrial areas
- Cable trenches, ducts, tunnels and direct burials with appropriate cushioning
- Also particularly suitable for installations requiring moderate mechanical protection against crushing and impact
Key Features
- Galvanized steel tape armor makes it highly resistant to mechanical stress
- XLPE insulated cable has excellent thermal and dielectric properties
- Outer sheath is UV-resistant, flame-retardant, chemical-resistant and moisture-proof
- Flame-retardant, fire-resistant and low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) versions available
- Long service life and reliable performance even in harsh environments
Technical Specifications
Parameter | Specification |
Operating Temperature | -15°C to +90°C |
Short Circuit Temperature | 250°C (max. 5 seconds) |
Flame Retardance | IEC 60332-1 / IEC 60332-3 (optional) |
Minimum Bending Radius | ≥15 × cable outer diameter |
Standard Compliance | IEC 60502-1, GB/T 12706.1 |
Reference Size & Weight
Conductor Size (mm²) | Approx. Outer Diameter (mm) | Cable Weight (kg/km) | Conductor Resistance (Ω/km @ 20°C) |
3 × 4 | 21.0 | 750 | 4.61 (Cu) / 7.41 (Al) |
3 × 10 | 24.5 | 1,020 | 1.83 (Cu) / 3.08 (Al) |
3 × 25 | 29.5 | 1,520 | 0.727 (Cu) / 1.20 (Al) |
3 × 50 | 34.0 | 2,250 | 0.387 (Cu) / 0.641 (Al) |
3 × 70 | 37.5 | 2,850 | 0.268 (Cu) / 0.443 (Al) |
3 × 95 | 41.5 | 3,600 | 0.193 (Cu) / 0.320 (Al) |

U-1000 ARVFV Cable
U-1000 ARVFV cables are low voltage steel-tape armored power cables, rugged and designed for industrial, commercial, and underground applications. They comply with NF C 32-322 and IEC 60502-1 standards. Their XLPE insulation and mechanical protection are highly suitable for 0.6/1 kV distribution, particularly in the French and European markets.
Cable Structure
- Conductor: Stranded Aluminium (Class 2)
- Insulation: XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
- Inner Sheath: Black thermoplastic PVC
- Armor: Double Galvanized Steel Tape (STA - Steel Tape Armored)
- Outer Sheath: Black PVC (UV resistant)
Applications
- Low voltage power distribution networks, Industrial wiring and fixed installations
- Underground installations with mechanical stress
- Outdoor installations including ducts and trenches
- Suitable for direct burial with adequate protection
Key Features
- Robustness: Steel tape armoring provides solid protection against mechanical impacts and a long service life.
- Safety: Complies with NF C 32-322 and IEC standards, ensuring electrical and fire safety.
- Versatility: Suitable for residential and industrial applications.
- Availability: Widely used and approved in the French and European markets.
Technical Specifications
Parameter | Specification |
Flame Retardant | IEC 60332-1 |
Maximum Operating Temperature | +90°C |
Short Circuit Temperature | +250°C (max. 5 seconds) |
Minimum Installation Temp. | -5°C |
Minimum Bending Radius | 6 × cable outer diameter |
Standards | NF C 32-322, CENELEC HD 603, IEC 60502-1 |
Reference Size & Weight
Cross Section (mm²) | No. of Cores | Approx. Outer Diameter (mm) | Approx. Weight (kg/km) | Current Rating in Air (A) | Current Rating in Ground (A) |
1.5 | 2 | 11.5 | 240 | 23 | 21 |
2.5 | 2 | 12.5 | 290 | 30 | 27 |
4 | 2 | 13.5 | 350 | 41 | 36 |
6 | 2 | 15.0 | 430 | 53 | 45 |
10 | 2 | 17.0 | 590 | 73 | 63 |
16 | 2 | 19.0 | 770 | 97 | 83 |
25 | 2 | 22.0 | 1,050 | 129 | 108 |
35 | 3 | 26.5 | 1,700 | 157 | 131 |
50 | 3 | 29.0 | 2,200 | 187 | 154 |
70 | 3 | 32.0 | 2,800 | 235 | 189 |
95 | 3 | 35.5 | 3,500 | 285 | 224 |
120 | 3 | 38.0 | 4,300 | 325 | 257 |
150 | 3 | 41.0 | 5,100 | 370 | 289 |
185 | 3 | 44.0 | 6,200 | 415 | 325 |
240 | 3 | 48.0 | 7,800 | 480 | 373 |
Optional structures & customized services
From ZMS Cable’s experience, we know that the successful delivery of a product is inseparable from the cooperation and efforts of everyone. Just on the product structure production, customers need to have a lot of discussions and meetings with us. We would like to show you the following options for cable customization:
- Conductor: Copper/Aluminum
- Insulation: XLPE/PVC
- Inner sheath: PVC/LSZH
- Armor: STA (galvanized steel tape)
- Outer sheath color: Black/Red/Blue/Customized
- Flame retardant/fire-resistant versions available
- Customized printing, logo, and packaging
We look forward to hearing from you.
Our Certification Advantages

Since its establishment over 30 years ago, ZMS Cable has been researching major cable standards worldwide every year. We actively provide product certification standards so that customers can buy the safest and most reliable cable products. Our cable products have been verified by authoritative organizations, whether from American standards or British standards. In recent years, we have also been deeply involved in other standard fields, such as Portuguese standards and Turkish standards. Look for ZMS cables.
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