Top 4 HELUKABEL cables for submersible pump applications

1.1 What are submersible pumps?

A submersible pump is a pumping system designed to operate entirely underwater, with the motor submerged, responsible for pumping and transferring water or other liquids from a certain depth.

Unlike conventional pumps, submersible pumps function within the water, offering quieter operation, higher efficiency, and minimal risk of water leakage or air intrusion into the system.

This type of pump plays an important role in optimizing water usage, saving energy, and extending equipment lifespan. Additionally, submersible pumps are widely used across various applications, particularly in emergency drainage systems and firefighting operations.

1.2 Applications of submersible pumps in industrial settings

Submersible pumps are widely used across many industrial sectors thanks to their stable operation, high efficiency, and excellent adaptability in submerged or wet environments:

• Wastewater treatment in factories and industrial zones: Submersible pumps play a vital role in pumping and transferring wastewater to treatment stations. They are also highly beneficial in the food, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical industries due to their ability to safely and hygienically handle liquids with high efficiency.
• Mining and groundwater drainage: In the mining industry, submersible pumps are essential for dewatering underground areas where water accumulation can disrupt extraction operations.
• Urban infrastructure and public works projects: Submersible pumps are critical components in sewage systems, flood control, and urban water treatment. They are also commonly used in stormwater drainage and municipal infrastructure projects.
• Maritime and marine transportation industry: In shipbuilding and marine operations, submersible pumps are used in drainage systems, ballast water management, and bilge water treatment. At ports and shipyards, they help manage and control water effectively, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

2.1 What are submersible pump cables?

In a submersible pump system, electrical cables play a critical role by ensuring that power is safely transmitted from the surface to the submerged pump motor.

Submersible pump cables are specialized power cables designed to supply electricity to pumps installed in water tanks, wells, or other submerged environments. These cables are engineered to withstand water pressure, high humidity, and harsh environmental conditions over long periods while maintaining safety and stable performance.

Thanks to their multi-layer insulation and water-resistant construction, submersible pump cables ensure safe power transmission, prevent leakage or short circuits, and extend the overall lifespan of the pumping system operating underwater.

Learn the basics about electrical cables

2.3 Rubber – The common material used in submersible pump cables

The performance and lifespan of submersible pump cables have been significantly improved by using rubber material. This outer sheath protects the cable from moisture, mechanical wear, and chemical exposure in underwater environments. Key advantages of rubber materials include:

• Exceptional flexibility and durability: Rubber cables are highly flexible, making them easy to install in confined spaces or around bends without damage. Thanks to their strong mechanical structure, these cables can withstand impacts, friction, and pressure commonly encountered in submerged conditions.
• Chemical resistance: Rubber cables offer excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, oils, and fuels - making them ideal for industrial environments where cables may be exposed to corrosive or hazardous substances.
• Outstanding water resistance: Rubber cables provide superior waterproofing, effectively preventing moisture ingress - the main cause of short circuits or current leakage. This makes them a reliable choice for submersible pump systems operating under continuous water immersion.
• Wide temperature resistance range: Rubber cables maintain stable performance across various temperature conditions, from deep cold water to warmer environments, ensuring safe and consistent operation. For example: CR rubber has operating range from –40°C to +100°C (up to +140°C for short periods); EPR rubber has operating range from –30°C to +90°C (up to +160°C for short periods).

Comparing the characteristics of rubber-sheathed electrical cables and PVC electrical cables

Our range of submersible pump cables includes multiple specialized types designed to meet different depth and operational requirements. From shallow installations to depths of up to 600 meters, these cables ensure stable, durable, and safe performance underwater, providing reliable power transmission for industrial pumping systems, wells, and submerged equipment.

3.1 HELUPOWER® AQUATIC-750-BLUE cable for submersible pumps at depths up to 600 meters

The HELUPOWER® AQUATIC-750-BLUE cable is designed with a specially cross-linked outer sheath, ensuring long-term reliability in submerged environments. Below are some key technical specifications and features:

• Nominal voltage: 450/750 V
• Operating temperature range: –40°C to +80°C
• Resistant to chlorine concentrations up to 0.6 mg/l
• Resistant to salt water up to 6%
• Certified for drinking water applications: KTW BWGL (Germany), DM 174 (Italy), and PZH (Poland)

3.2 H07RN8-F submersible pump cable for depths up to 10 meters

The H07RN-8-F cable is a harmonized European standard (HAR) cable with a rated voltage of 450/750 V. It is available in multiple configurations, from single-core to multi-core versions (up to 12 cores) - with conductor cross-sections of up to 500 mm².

Thanks to its robust rubber outer sheath, the H07RN8-F cable can be continuously submerged in fresh water at depths of up to 10 meters, with a maximum water temperature of +40°C.
This makes it ideal for power supply connections in submersible pump systems.

However, this cable type is not suitable for underwater power transmission, installation in water channels, or areas exposed to severe mechanical stress where safety could be compromised.

3.3 Tauchflex-R and Tauchflex-FL submersible pump cables for depths up to 300 meters

Both Tauchflex-R and Tauchflex-FL cables feature EPR insulation and outer sheath, offering excellent durability and water resistance. Key specifications include:

• Rated voltage: 450/750 V
• Operating temperature range: –40°C to +80°C (suitable for continuous operation in water up to +60°C)
• Conductor configuration: Tauchflex-FL (available in 3-core and 4-core versions with cross-sections from 1.5 to 120 mm²); Tauchflex-R (available in single-core, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-core versions with cross-sections up to 300 mm²).

3.4 Other water-resistant cables from HELUKABEL

In addition to the four specialized submersible pump cables mentioned above, HELUKABEL also offers a range of water-resistant cables designed for various industrial applications operating under harsh environmental conditions.

HELUPOWER® H07RN-F LS0H : This cable features a special rubber outer sheath with excellent oil resistance. Although it is not specifically designated as a submersible pump cable, it has demonstrated reliable performance in static water (including saltwater) at depths of up to 100 meters (AD8) and a minimum water temperature of +5°C.

HELUPOWER® SJOOW and HELUPOWER® SOOW , with rated voltages of 300 V and 600 V respectively, are constructed with EPR rubber insulation and CPE rubber outer sheath. This provides resistance against oil, ozone, water, weather, and UV radiation (SUN RES).

Additionally, both cable types are approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) under the U.S. Department of Labor and are suitable for use in Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations according to NEC Article 501. As a result, SJOOW and SOOW cables are widely used as power supply cables in industrial plants and processing facilities, as well as for cranes, portable lamps, lifting equipment, construction machinery, and electric motors.