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At Temuku Africa, we design and deliver electrical and renewable energy solutions that meet international safety and performance standards. One of the most important design considerations in any project—whether it’s a home installation, a solar plant, or a utility-grade system—is selecting the correct type of power cable.

Different cables exist for a reason. Using the wrong type of cable can result in overheating, voltage drop, equipment damage, or even fire hazards. This article explains why various cable types are used in different environments, and highlights the relevant IEC, ISO, and SAZ standards that guide Temuku Africa’s engineering work.

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1. Hard-Stranded vs. Soft-Stranded Conductors

Hard-Stranded / Solid Conductors

These are best suited for fixed installations such as building wiring and distribution boards.

Advantages:

• Lower resistance variation along the conductor
• Cost-effective
• Easy to terminate
• Stable inside conduits and trunking

Typical Applications:
Residential wiring, commercial building installations, fixed circuits.

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Soft-Stranded / Flexible Conductors

Flexible conductors are essential where movement, vibration, or bending is expected.

Advantages:

• Highly flexible (high strand count)
• Ideal for environments with vibration or frequent manipulation
• Reduced risk of conductor fatigue

Typical Applications:
Solar PV strings, battery banks, welding machines, generators, and industrial machinery.

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2. DC Cables vs. AC Cables

DC Cables

Temuku Africa uses DC cables primarily in solar PV arrays, battery systems, EV charging components, and telecom power systems.

Key Characteristics:

• Thicker insulation to withstand continuous DC voltage stress
• UV- and ozone-resistant for outdoor installations
• Tinned copper for corrosion protection
• Optimized for low resistance and low inductance

Relevant Standard: IEC 62930 – Solar PV DC cables

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AC Cables

AC cables are used in utility distribution networks, household circuits, industrial systems, and motor installations.

Key Characteristics:

• Designed for alternating voltage cycles
• Often multi-core (Live, Neutral, Earth)
• Optimized for reactive loads such as motors and transformers

Relevant Standard: IEC 60502 – LV/MV power cables

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3. Insulation and Sheathing Materials Matter

Different environments require specific insulation to ensure long-term reliability and safety.

Common Insulation Types

• PVC – Cost-effective, used in general building wiring
• XLPE – Superior temperature rating and dielectric strength; used in LV/MV utility systems
• Rubber (EPR/Neoprene) – High flexibility; used in mining, heavy industry, and mobile equipment
• LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) – Safer in fire situations, ideal for public buildings and enclosed spaces

Environmental Suitability

• Outdoor PV installations: UV-resistant single-core solar cable (IEC 62930)
• Underground runs: Armoured cables (SWA/AWA) to protect against mechanical damage
• Industrial plants: Oil-, moisture-, and chemical-resistant sheaths depending on the process environment

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4. Standards that Guide Cable Selection (IEC, ISO, SAZ)

At Temuku Africa, every installation complies with global and regional standards to guarantee safety, performance, and long-term reliability.

IEC Standards

• IEC 60228 – Conductor sizing and classification
• IEC 60502-1/2 – Low- and medium-voltage cable construction
• IEC 60332 – Flame-retardant testing
• IEC 62930 – Solar DC cable specification

ISO Standards

These guide the manufacturing quality and environmental compliance of cable producers:

• ISO 9001 – Quality management
• ISO 14001 – Environmental management

SAZ Standards (Zimbabwe)

SAZ adopts and harmonizes many IEC standards, ensuring local compliance:

• SAZS 741 – Electrical installations
• SAZS 732 – Wiring cable specifications
• SAZS 292 – PVC-insulated cables

Other Regional Standards

• SANS 1507 (South Africa) – LV cable standards
• BS 5467 & BS 6724 (UK) – Armoured cable specifications

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5. Matching Cable Type to the Application

Below is a quick reference guide summarizing where different cables are used:

Application	Recommended Cable	Reason
Residential building wiring	Solid conductor PVC cable	Cost-effective, fixed installation
Solar PV arrays	Flexible PV1-F cable	UV-proof, tinned copper, designed for DC stress
Battery systems	High-strand flexible DC cable	Handles high current & vibration
Motors and pumps	Armoured XLPE cable	Extra protection & high temperature rating
Underground networks	SWA/AWA armoured cable	Mechanical and moisture protection
Substation LV/MV	XLPE insulated utility-grade cable	High dielectric strength & longevity

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Conclusion

Cable selection is not a one-size-fits-all process. Every installation—domestic, commercial, industrial, or solar—has specific electrical and environmental demands. At Temuku Africa, we follow internationally recognized standards and engineering best practices to ensure that every system is safe, reliable, and built to last.

At Temuku Africa, we believe that long-term partnerships create lasting impact. We are proud to announce our new collaboration with Mvurwi Hub of the Global Shapers Community, a dynamic youth-led organization that is empowering the Mvurwi community through skills, innovation, and sustainability.

This partnership builds on our shared vision of transformative development in underserved communities. By combining Temuku Africa’s technical expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction with Mvurwi Hub’s grassroots youth empowerment programs, we are laying the foundation for projects that are both community-owned and future-focused.

Through this collaboration, we aim to:

• Provide access to renewable energy solutions that drive social and economic progress.
• Support youth training and capacity building for the future economy.
• Foster inclusive development that benefits women, children, and rural families.

This is more than just a partnership — it is a commitment to building resilient, self-sustaining communities in Zimbabwe and beyond.

We look forward to sharing updates on our joint initiatives, starting with pilot projects in Mvurwi, and scaling them across the country. Together, we can spark innovation, opportunity, and impact.

Temuku Africa
Building Sustainable Futures.

At Temuku Africa, we are committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring transparency in how we handle data. As part of this commitment, we have published our official Privacy Policy, effective 20 June 2025.

This policy outlines:

• What data we collect and why
• How we use, store, and protect your information
• Your rights regarding your data

We encourage all visitors, partners, and stakeholders to read the policy to better understand how we safeguard your privacy.

At Temuku Africa, we believe that responsible business is the foundation for long-term value creation. Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Policy reflects our dedication to integrating sustainability, equity, and ethical governance into every aspect of our operations.

This policy outlines the principles that guide our decision-making — from minimizing environmental impact and empowering local communities to upholding transparency, accountability, and sound governance practices.

As we grow, we remain committed to:

• Supporting the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy
• Championing inclusive development and capacity building, especially in underserved communities
• Ensuring integrity, transparency, and strong leadership across all levels of our organization

We invite our partners, clients, and stakeholders to review our ESG policy and join us in building a more sustainable and equitable future.