Concentric Cable

Concentric cable is a low-voltage service cable for the final connection between the distribution network and the consumer’s premises. It consists of a single-phase copper or aluminum conductor, XLPE insulated, with a concentric layer of neutral/earth wires over the insulation — providing an effective earth fault return path without a separate earth conductor.

We manufacture BS 7870 concentric cables in aluminum and copper, with PVC or LSZH sheaths, suitable for direct burial, duct, and street lighting applications in UK and Commonwealth networks.

Description of ZMS Concentric Cable

Concentric conductors are suitable for dry and humid places. They can be buried directly underground or be used outdoors. Its maximum operating temperature is 70° C (PVC or PE insulation) or 90° C (XLPE insulation), and its service voltage in the application is 600V. Armored split concentric conductor cables provide them with better mechanical strength. When it is buried in the ground, it can increase the ability to withstand stress, reduce the damage caused by external forces, and ensure the normal working efficiency of cables and link equipment.

Concentric Cable Catalogue PDF

ZMS provides our partners around the world with brochures of our cable products, including aerial cables, submarine cables, control cables and other types of special cables, and more.

Aluminium Concentric Cable — BS 7870-3-11, PVC Sheath

The standard DNO service cable for UK and Commonwealth networks. Aluminum conductor is lighter and more cost-effective than copper, making it the default choice for household service connections.

Conductor	Class 2 stranded aluminum
Insulation	XLPE, 90 °C
Concentric neutral	Single layer of plain copper wires
Sheath	PVC (black)
Voltage	0.6/1 kV
Cross-sections	16, 25, 35, 50, 70, 95 mm²
Armour option	AWA (aluminum wire armour) for direct burial on request
Standard	BS 7870-3-11, IEC 60332-1-2 (flame retardant)

Copper Split Concentric BS 7870 LSZH Cable

Used by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) when providing final connections to homes. Also suitable for secondary distribution, especially for use in high-rise buildings and street lighting systems. The LSZH properties of the cable will make it a great help in case of fires in high-rise buildings.

Conductor: Class 2 stranded copper
Insulation: XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
Neutral Conductor: Plain copper wires covered by a blue polymeric compound
Earth Continuity Conductor: Plain copper wires
Sheath: LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen)
Voltage Rating (Uo/U): 0.6/1kV

STANDARDS: Generally to BS 7870-3-21, EN 60228 Flame Retardant according to IEC/EN 60332-1-2

Copper Concentric BS 7870 PVC Cable

This type of copper core cable is generally used by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) for the final connection to the house, where its excellent characteristics and stable current delivery are the absolute best choice. It is also suitable for secondary distribution, especially for high-rise buildings and street lighting systems.

Conductor: Class 2 stranded copper conductor
Insulation: XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
Concentric Neutral / Earth Conductor: Single layer of plain copper wires
Sheath: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Voltage Rating Uo/U: 0.6/1kV
Temperature Rating: -15°C to +70°C
Minimum Bending Radius: 8 x overall diameter

STANDARDS: BS 7870-3-11, EN 60228 Flame Retardant according to IEC/EN 60332-1-2

Copper Split Concentric Cable — BS 7870-3-21, LSZH Sheath

Split concentric cable has separate neutral and earth conductor layers (not shared). The LSZH sheath minimizes smoke and toxic gas emission in fire, making it suitable for high-rise buildings, tunnels, and public infrastructure.

Conductor	Class 2 stranded copper
Insulation	XLPE, 90 °C
Neutral conductor	Plain copper wires with blue PVC separator
Earth continuity	Separate layer of plain copper wires
Sheath	LSZH (low smoke zero halogen)
Voltage	0.6/1 kV
Standard	BS 7870-3-21, IEC 60332-1-2

Concentric Cable Size Technical Parameters

Technical Parameters — Aluminum Concentric Cable (BS 7870-3-11, 0.6/1 kV)

Phase Conductor (mm²)	Conductor Stranding	Insulation Thickness (mm)	Concentric Neutral (wires)	Approx. O.D. (mm)	Weight (kg/km)
16	7/1.70	1.0	20×1.55	11.5	180
25	7/2.14	1.2	29/1.60	13.5	240
35	7/2.52	1.2	27/1.65	14.8	300
50	19/1.83	1.4	37/1.65	16.5	380
70	19/2.14	1.4	49/1.65	18.5	490
95	19/2.52	1.6	61/1.65	21.0	640

Technical Parameters — Copper Concentric Cable (BS 7870-3-11, 0.6/1 kV)

Phase Conductor (mm²)	Conductor Stranding	Insulation Thickness (mm)	Concentric Neutral (wires)	Approx. O.D. (mm)	Weight (kg/km)
16	7/1.70	1.0	20/1.55	11.0	230
25	7/2.14	1.2	29/1.60	13.0	320
35	7/2.52	1.2	27/1.65	14.5	410
50	19/1.83	1.4	37/1.65	16.0	540
70	19/2.14	1.4	49/1.65	18.0	700
95	19/2.52	1.6	61/1.65	20.5	900

Why Choose Our Concentric Cable?

1. BS 7870 Certified Manufacturing — All concentric cables are manufactured to BS 7870-3-11 (standard) and BS 7870-3-21 (split, LSZH). Each batch undergoes routine electrical and dimensional testing before dispatch, with third-party inspection (SGS, BV, Intertek) available on request.

2. Full Range of Sizes & Materials — Aluminum (16–150 mm²) and copper (16–95 mm²) conductors, with PVC or LSZH sheaths. Unarmored for duct use, or AWA armored for direct burial. We also supply split concentric variants for high-rise and public buildings.

3. DNO Service Cable Expertise — We have supplied concentric service cables to distribution network operators and contractors in UK, Ireland, and Commonwealth markets. Our technical team can assist with cable sizing, route design, and compliance documentation.

4. Competitive Lead Times — Standard sizes held in stock for 7–15 day dispatch. Custom cross-sections, lengths, and printing available within 3–4 weeks. Minimum order from 1 drum per size.

5. End-to-End Quality Control — Conductor resistance, insulation thickness, concentric wire count, and high-voltage withstand test on every production lot. Mill test certificates (MTC) provided with every shipment.