The NEK 606 standard, also known as the Norwegian Electrotechnical Committee (NEK) Standard for Cables, is a comprehensive standard specifically developed for offshore and marine cables. It is widely recognized in the oil, gas, and marine industries, particularly in Norway and other Scandinavian countries. NEK 606 sets out requirements for cables used in harsh and demanding environments such as offshore platforms, ships, and marine installations.

Key Characteristics of NEK 606 Cables:
Construction Requirements:
NEK 606 specifies cable construction to withstand the challenging conditions encountered in offshore and marine environments, including exposure to saltwater, oil, mechanical stress, and temperature fluctuations.
Cables under this standard are typically designed with robust insulation and protective sheathing materials to ensure durability and longevity.
Fire Performance:
NEK 606 cables are required to meet strict fire performance criteria to ensure safety in offshore and marine applications.
They are often designed to be flame retardant and self-extinguishing, reducing the risk of fire propagation in critical installations.
Corrosion Resistance:
Cables complying with NEK 606 are resistant to corrosion caused by seawater, oil, and other chemicals commonly encountered in marine environments.
This resistance helps maintain cable performance and longevity, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
Mechanical Durability:
The standard specifies mechanical strength requirements for cables, ensuring they can withstand bending, pulling, and other stresses without damage.
This is crucial for applications where cables may be subjected to frequent movement or installation in challenging conditions.
Environmental Protection:
NEK 606 cables are designed to provide effective environmental protection, including resistance to UV radiation, water ingress, and biological factors.
This protection enhances the reliability and performance of the cables in offshore and marine settings.

Commonly Used Cable Models under NEK 606:
BFOU(C) and RFOU(i) Cables:
BFOU(C) Cable:
BFOU(C) stands for "Bare Flexible Oil-Resistant Offshore Cable."
This type of cable is designed for power and control applications in offshore and marine environments.
Features include flexible stranded conductors, XLPE insulation, and oil-resistant (O) and flame-retardant (F) properties.
BFOU(C) cables are suitable for fixed installations and are commonly used in offshore oil and gas platforms, ships, and marine installations.
RFOU(i) Cable:
RFOU(i) stands for "Flexible Oil-Resistant Flame-Retardant Offshore Cable, Individual Screen."
This cable is also used for power and control applications in offshore and marine environments.
Key features include XLPE insulation, individual and overall screens for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) protection, and oil-resistant (O) and flame-retardant (F) properties.
RFOU(i) cables are designed for flexibility and reliability in dynamic applications, such as shipboard installations and movable equipment.
Difference between BFOU(C) and RFOU(i) Cables:
The main difference between BFOU(C) and RFOU(i) cables lies in their design and intended use:

BFOU(C) Cable:
Suitable for fixed installations where flexibility is less of a concern.
Typically used in applications requiring power and control functions with oil-resistant and flame-retardant properties.
May be used in offshore platforms, marine vessels, and other stationary installations.
RFOU(i) Cable:
Designed for flexibility and durability in dynamic applications where frequent movement or bending is expected.
Features individual screens (i) in addition to the overall screen for enhanced EMC performance.
Ideal for use in movable equipment, shipboard installations, and other environments requiring flexible cables with oil-resistant and flame-retardant properties.
In summary, while both BFOU(C) and RFOU(i) cables share oil-resistant and flame-retardant properties suitable for offshore and marine environments, RFOU(i) cables are specifically engineered for flexibility and dynamic use with the addition of individual screens for EMC protection. The choice between these cable types depends on the specific application requirements regarding installation type, environmental conditions, and flexibility needs. Get a free quote by E-mail：info@cable-uni.com