The Basra region in southern Iraq is home to the country's largest oil reserves, hosting numerous onshore oilfields including West Qurna, Rumaila, and Zubair, operated by joint ventures involving BP, Lukoil, Eni, and the Iraqi South Oil Company (SOC). With increasing demand for power reliability in both drilling and E-house infrastructure, the 2023–2024 expansion project required medium-voltage (MV) cable systems that could perform under extreme heat, hydrocarbon exposure, and rugged terrain.
Uni-Cable was selected as the cable and accessories provider for the 11kV and 33kV underground MV network connecting substations, motor control centers (MCCs), and E-houses across multiple oilfield pads.
We delivered a complete MV cable solution with field-tested compatibility for Iraq’s oilfield environments:
High-flex XLPE-insulated MV cables with special oil-resistant sheathing
Cold-shrink jointing kits for safe, fast field splicing
Full compliance with IEC, BS, and Iraqi Ministry of Electricity (MOE) standards
Custom labeling and accessories tailored for oilfield contractors (e.g., CPECC, Petrofac Iraq, Lukoil)
| Type | Voltage | Structure | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cu/XLPE/PVC/SWA/PVC | 6/10kV, 12/20kV | Copper conductor, XLPE insulation, galvanized steel wire armor | Flame retardant, UV- and oil-resistant, robust mechanical protection |
| Cu/XLPE/CWS/LSZH | 8.7/15kV | Copper conductor, copper wire screen (CWS), LSZH outer sheath | Halogen-free, fire retardant, IEC 60502-2 compliant |
| Cu/XLPE/CWS/PE | 18/30kV | XLPE insulated, PE sheathed for outdoor burial | High insulation resistance, optimized for high soil temperatures |
Cable Sizes Supplied:
3 × 70 mm²
3 × 120 mm²
3 × 240 mm²
3 × 400 mm² (for E-House main feeders)
Standards Applied:
IEC 60502-2
BS 6622
Iraqi Ministry of Electricity Technical Requirements
| Type | Voltage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3-core Cold-shrink Joint Kit | 6–33kV | Silicone-based cold shrink body, triple-layer insulation, copper continuity braid |
| Outdoor Termination Kit | 11kV, 33kV | UV- and weather-resistant, anti-tracking sheath, lug included |
| Indoor Termination Kit | 11kV | For E-house panels and switchgear, pre-assembled for easy fitment |
| Cable Glands & Lugs | 11–33kV | Nickel-plated brass / tinned copper, heavy-duty crimp type |
All joint kits were factory-matched to cable size and construction and included installation manuals with torque specs and test requirements.
Routine Tests on Cables (IEC 60502-2):
Conductor resistance
Partial discharge (<10pC @ 2U₀)
Voltage withstand test: 4U₀ for 15 mins
Sheath spark test (10kV AC)
Joint Kit Inspection (100%):
Dielectric strength
Visual & dimension check of components
Cold-shrink activation performance
Pre-shipment sample jointing test at factory lab
Test certificates were issued by Uni-Cable QA department and witnessed by Iraq-based EPC team.
Cables were delivered on treated wooden drums, wrapped with UV-resistant film, labeled with:
Cable type
Voltage grade
Length
Drum number
Direction of pull
Joint kits were packed in oilfield-grade plastic crates, organized per installation point
Shipped from Jebel Ali (UAE) and Shanghai, delivered via Umm Qasr Port in southern Iraq
Export documentation included:
Commercial invoice, packing list
Country of Origin (COO)
Third-party inspection certificate
IEC 60502-2 routine test reports
Iraq MOE compliance declaration
Full cable + joint kit system, reducing site delays
Proven performance in oilfield conditions — heat, oil, UV, mechanical stress
Engineering team provided installation guidance and site training
Fast 5-week lead time from PO to delivery
Lower installed cost vs European brands, 25% saving on total package
