GENERAL INFORMATION INSTALLATION OF SHIPS INSTRUMENTATION CABLES

Page 1 of 2

1.0 General Information Installation of Cables. Low voltage cables can normally be split into at least four classes where each class runs along a different route, only bundled with, or in close proximity to, cables from its own class. Cable classes would ideally not cross over each other but where they must cross, they should do so at right angles. If classes are more than one class apart additional metal screening may be required where crossing occurs. 1.1 Cable classes. Class 1 is for cables carrying very sensitive signals. Low level analogue signals such as millivolt output transducers (i.e. the Walker log transducer) and radio receiver antennae are in Class 1A. Highrate digital communications such as Ethernets are in class 1B. Classes 1A and 1B should not be bundled together, although their bundles may be run adjacent to each other. Class 2 is for cables carrying slightly sensitive signals, such as ordinary analogue (i.e. 4-20mA, 010v and signals under 1MHz), low rate digital communications (i.e. RS422, RS485), and digital (i.e. on/off) inputs and outputs (e.g. limit switches, encoders, control signals). Cables carrying NMEA 0183 serial data, or other available analogue signals, from the 7070 master unit are included in this class, as are the connecting cables from the Walker Wind Sensors, Weather Sensor and Water Temperature Sensor. Class 3 is for cables carrying slightly interfering signals, such as low voltage AC distribution (<1kV) or DC power equal to or above 48v. This class also covers control circuits with resistive or inductive loads where the inductive loads are suppressed at the load. Class 4 is for cables carrying strongly interfering signals. This would include all the power inputs or outputs, to or from, adjustable speed motor drives, power converters; and their DC links. Cables to RF transmitting antennae and unsuppressed inductive loads are also included in this class. Class 5 and 6 are reserved for MV and HV supply distribution cables respectively. Note that any other cable classes in proximity to these would need to be protected by additional screening or very much greater spacing.
J. Lilley and Gillie Ltd. Ref: 7070/ccg/ra/139 Issue 1

GENERAL INFORMATION INSTALLATION OF SHIPS INSTRUMENTATION CABLES

Page 2 of 2

1.2 Segregation distances Recommended minimum spacings between cable classes, based on a 30 metre run of cables held close within a parallel earth conductor (PEC) which could be a tray, open (or closed) duct or solid metal conduit are shown in the diagram below. Longer parallel runs should use pro-rata greater spacings. Note that if longer runs are involved, multiply the stated spacings by a factor given by: length (in metres) 30.

CLASS 1 cables

150mm

CLASS 2 cables
450mm

300mm

CLASS 3 cables

150mm

CLASS 4 cables

450mm 600mm

PEC (parallel earth conductor) e.g. cable tray

Class 5 cables are not shown in the diagram above but should be at least 150mm spacing from Class 4, with Class 6 at least a further 150mm away. Where any such MV or HV cable is within 1 metre of a Class 1 cable, the Class 1 cable should be run in a covered metal duct. Greater spacings generally give lower coupling (crosstalk) between cables; however the acceptable amounts of coupling will always depend on the types of cables, the installation techniques used, the electronics connected to each end of the cables and the functional requirements of the application. Running individual cable classes in their own closed metal duct or round conduit PECs allows the spacing between classes to be reduced (even to zero), but it is still best to avoid running classes 1 and 4 close together. Note that type approved equipment that includes IEC60945 certificated accreditation will be immune from interference levels stated in the standard, providing that the installation of the said equipment has been carried out strictly in accordance with manufacturers instructions.

J. Lilley and Gillie Ltd.

Ref: 7070/ccg/ra/139 Issue 1