MARINE VFD CABLE Ultimate Guide
Chapter 1: Introduction

SSG manufactures and supplies VFD cable and other cable solutions. We also offer other cable solutions to our prestigious customers.
We offer a comprehensive range of cables manufactured in accordance with British international standards and specifications. We have over decades in the manufacture and distribution of all cable solutions in China.
Our cables have been recognized by customers from all over the world. We have clients from the Middle East, Europe, USA, China, among other nations.
Our VFD cables are available in both copper and aluminum conductors as required by customers. The phenomenal growth over the years has enabled us to achieve a formidable status as the largest cable manufacturer in China.
Our extensive commitment to customer satisfaction has enabled us to gain local and international recognition certifications. Our mission is to manufacture cables to supply electricity, information, and communication.
We work with the best cable manufacturers to make sure our cable systems are reliable and of the highest quality. The experience we gain from the manufacture, supply, and installation of cables allows us to create a comprehensive offer corresponding to our customer demands.
We have the best engineers well equipped with skills on how to manufacture, test and install VFD cable. We ensure total quality control and exhaustive inspection at all stages of cable manufacture.
Our cables have the best properties required by international cable standards. Our cables are durable and have a long shelf life. We manufacture VFD cable using the best-selected ingredients for quality maintenance.
We have customer services available 24/7 for any questions you might have. Our delivery services are incredible. Once you make an order it takes 2 to 3 working days to process and deliver the package to you.
We also repair and fix broken old or non-functioning VFD cables. In case you need VFD cable kindly let us know.
Welcome to SSG and get to explore more on cables and cable solutions at a cost-saving price.
We have maintained a constant upgrading system for our VFD Cables and all other cables. For more details, you can go through our VFD full guide. We have a suggestion box at the end where you can email us or make an order.
What is a VFD cable?

VFD is the short form for variable frequency drive. This cable is a type of controller that varies the frequency of the signal and voltage to control the motor speed.
We manufacture extraordinary VFD cable which can disperse all of the spikes generated by VFD drive. The cable construction starts with unique semi-conductive composite insulation applied over the conductor.
We normally use black insulation for our three-conductor VFD cables. Each conductor is identified with a white number. The fourth conductor is colored green or yellow for the purpose of grounding.
All our conductors are rated for 1000 and 3000 volts peak. This enables our VFD cables to withstand reflections, standing waves and spike voltages.
Our VFD cables are CSA approved and they are available in a variety of conductor range.
We have VFD cables available in the conductor size range of 14 AWG up to 2 AWG. We also offer other combinations of conductors and different AWG sizes upon request.
Part of the standard VFD cable design incorporates an inner jacket to help provide an additional layer of protection. This layer is found between the insulation and braid shield. The layer also lowers the capacitive interaction between the braid and power conductor.
We also size the inner jacket of our cable to fit an MSSC type shielding connector. The outer jacket is also flame resistant. It has superior resistance to oils and helps to provide an optimal cable impact and crush resistance.
A single jacketed version is also available with us upon request.
VDF is designed to control the speed of and torque of AC motors by varying the frequency of the voltage to the motor. By using a cable designed for use with VFDs, it is possible to limit the effect of high frequencies on the machine.
When working with the VDF system, you need a VDF cable that can handle the harsh electrical environment. Our VDF cable is designed with the best-selected ingredients with the proper shield needed to reduce EMI noise.
Generally, VFD cable reduces the risk associated with insulation breakdown resulting in equipment failure.
You need to frequently make an adjustment to your VFD controller to reduce any nuisance faults with the cable. If you are experiencing motor failures or your equipment failures you need to replace your VFD cable. You can also conduct us for any troubleshoot with your cable.
Our VFD cable ensures that your motor speed is improved and controlled. It also facilitates higher efficiencies hence reducing energy cost. It also reduces motor fatigue and early failure ensuring a smooth motor start.
A high-quality VFD cable from SSG will be convenient for your project as it provides a low impedance signal return path. This is essential for controlling the stray voltage which can lead to premature cable or equipment failure.
Chapter 2: How does a VFD cable operate?
To know how a VFD cable operates you need to understand what a VFD is first. During the motor start-up, the current is drawn from the full load. This current drawn needs to be transmitted using a cable.
A VFD controlled the speed and direction of the AC induction motor using a VFD cable.
A VFD cable offers the proper shielding needed to reduce EMI noise and to provide a low impedance signal return path. This then prevents the common mode of stray voltage that leads to premature cable or equipment failure.
Again installing a lower capacitance VFD cables reduces the risk of changing currents.
Chapter 3: What are the features of VFD cable?

We manufacture high-quality VFD cables with the following features;
A cross-linked polyethylene conductor insulation |
A flexible tinned stranded annealed copper conductor |
A green ground conductor with yellow stripe for grounding purposes |
An aluminum foil which comprises of 100% aluminum |
85% coverage of tinned copper braid shield. |
Tinned copper drain wires |
Black thermoplastic elastomer jacket |
Our VFD cables display the following properties;
Low ground resistance and impedance- VFD cable should be in an attempt to maximize the surface area of electrodes of the conductor with the surrounding soil. This helps to lower the earth’s resistance of the cable and also improves the impedance of the grounding system under lighting surge conditions. |
Equipotential bonding- This helps to ensure that hazardous potential differences do not occur between different incoming conductors. This cable property is essential for ensuring conductors such as metallic water services, power systems do not overheat. |
Good corrosion resistance- VFD cable should be corrosion resistant. It should also be compatible with other conductors buried on the ground system. Our cable is made of copper conductor. The amour is made of aluminum which is non-magnetic. Maintenance and inspection of the cable should be done frequently. |
Electrically and mechanically robust and reliable- Mechanical coupling should be done to join conductors that suffer from corrosion effect when dissimilar metals are used. A VFD cable should resist electrical and mechanically robust. At SSG, we provide excellent low impedance, long life VFD cables with excellent corrosion resistance. |
Good electrical conductor- VFD cables should be in a position to conduct electricity. The conductor is made of copper which has good conductivity and it’s durable. |
It should be in a position to withstand high fault currents- The cable is made of aluminum which can regulate the current since it’s a non-magnetic material. |
Long-life- the cable should at least have over 40 years of performance without any complications. Our cables have achieved this property and gained certifications in long-life cable reliance. A long-life cable also saves you the costs involved in the repair, maintenance, etc. It is cost-saving purchasing a long life cable. |
Chapter 4: What is the purpose of the semi-conductive layer in VFD cabl
e?
All our cables have a semi-conductive layer regardless of the type. The semi-conductive components are available both in thermoplastic or thermosetting types. Other types are also available upon request.
All our VFD cables are primarily insulated with polyvinyl chloride and a thermoplastic semi-conductive compound.
The use of semi-conductive compounds and as a stress-relieving layer between the conductor and the primary insulation has a long-lasting effect on the cable.
The use of the semi-conductive layer has alleviated many problems resulting in improved cable reliability, extended life, breakdown voltages, and corona levels.
We design the semi-conductive layer to appear extruded over the conductor to help maintain the cable overall performance while under extreme conditions.
The application of the semi-conductive layer over the conductor helps to relieve electrical stress. This electrical stress can be experienced by the VFD cable during periods of high voltage spikes.
The semi-conductive layers disperse the high voltage spike so that the primary insulation is not damaged. With this, no degradation can occur to our VFD cable insulation. The cable remains in operation with no disruption in service.
All our VFD cable have a PVC insulation. They also have an extruded thermoplastic semiconducting layer applied directly to the conductor. The conductor is made of copper. This semiconductive layer helps to ensure or cables have a long life service and trouble-free operation.
Get yourself a semi-conductive PVC insulated VFD cable from us today!
Chapter 5: How do you select a VFD cable?

When you go to buy a cable for your VFD system how sure you are that it’s the right one for your system. At SSG we guide you in selecting and testing for VFD cable for your system.
In order to know if the cable is fit for use in VFD systems it should satisfy the following requirements;
- Built for electrical performance- we manufacture high-performance VFD cable with flexible high strand count copper conductors. This is to ensure they can flex and bend without deteriorating the signal.
This means that the cable is more thermally stable at connection points. Also, this provides better corrosion and vibration resistance with a 4-8 time increase in conductor surface area.
So if you are going to buy a VFD cable from an industry ask for high-stand tinned copper circuit conductor VFD cable.
- Insulated above and beyond minimum code requirements– VFD optimized cables often significantly exceed the specified minimum wall thickness. The increased safety and performance by reducing the amount of electrical charge in the cable.
This, therefore, enables longer cable distance.
When purchasing a VFD cable from any shop ask for industrial VFD grade XLPE insulated with the proper RHHW-2 thickness
- Ground and shielding protection from disruption– All VFD cables should have an excess of copper in the grounding terminal. More copper ensures that all electrical noise within the cable is minimized. Cables with the equivalent of three full-size phase conductors in the ground system will be more effective in contacting noise.
When buying a VFD cable ask for a 300 percent ground circuit conductor cable design for the smaller drive. You can also ask for a 100 percent cable design for larger drives.

- Jacketing options– VFD cables need to resist damage from physical deterioration while remaining flexible. Cables with different options for industrial-grade jacketing offer performance. We give an added bonus of being able to tailor a VFD cable to your specific application. This all depends on the level of flexibility needed. If your cables face sunlight and oil exposure you need to buy PVC jackets.
If you need to protect your VFD cable from weld splatter and require extreme flexibility you need to use TPE jackets.
We also offer halogen-free jackets with low smoke and zero-halogen upon request.
Using the right VFD cable ensures the benefits you expect from a VFD application. From energy savings to improved process control you can rely on our VFD cables. There are a number of advantages accrued from using VFD cables from SSG Company.
As long as you use the right cable you can realize all these benefits. By looking out for these four traits when selecting and purchasing a VFD cable you are assured of high-quality products that will help maximize your system’s full potential.
If you want more information on VFD cable selection visit our website at www.ssgcable.com or send us an email.
Chapter 6: What are the applications of VFD cables?
We supply a comprehensive range of VFD cables designed for the connection in motors to the control drives. VFD cables are applied in a wide range of industries including automation, chemical &oil, automation, mining, marine, etc.
We also supply high and medium voltage VFD cables upon request.
VFD cables are used to power 3-phase AC electric engines in applications requiring greater control and power efficiency.
Our VFD has an added advantage of withstanding high voltage spikes often in excess of the voltage rating of the cable.
They also prevent the generation of high levels of radiated and conducted noise during high voltage spikes. This noise if not controlled would interfere with the communications and with the low voltage cables in proximity to your VFD system.
Chapter 7: What are the different versions of VFD cables?

Our VFD cables are constructed differently depending on your VFD system. Just send us your project details and we will deliver the suitable VFD cable for your system.
- Ground foil/braid design VFD cable
This VFD cable is 1000V UL flexible motor supply
It works under a temperature of 90 degrees in both wet and dry conditions
It is suitable for classes 1, 2 and 3 of hazardous locations.
It can be directly buried in the ground.
It has a black PVC jacket for both oil and sunlight resistance.
The conductor used is 3 stranded class D with XLPE insulation
It is also made up of one full-sized insulated grounding wire.
- Large AWG VFD cable
It is made up of two spiral copper tape shields
It is built using 3 symmetrical BC grounds
The conductors used are stranded class D XLPE insulated.
This VFD cable is 1000V UL flexible motor supply
It works under a temperature of 90 degrees in both wet and dry conditions
It is suitable for classes 1, 2 and 3 of hazardous locations.
- Continuous flex VFD cable
It is made up of overall duo foil shield braid plus a full-size TC drain wire
The jacket type is TPE black which is resistant to oil and sunlight.
The cable works under a temperature of -40 degrees.
This VFD cable is 1000V UL flexible motor supply
It works under a temperature of 90 degrees in both wet and dry conditions
It is suitable for classes 1, 2, 3 and 4 of hazardous locations.
One full insulated grounding wire
- Extra flexible VFD cable
It is a very flexible cable
It is XLPE insulated
It is made of two spiral copper tape shields
It is made up of TPE jacket
I need numerous put up options they are also available.
For all these and any other cable you might need please let us know.
Chapter 8: What are the main things to remember when installing VFD cable to your system?
Some VFD cables have insulation that is thicker than the required code- such cables can raise the corona inception voltage levels to extend cable life. They tend to have a lower capacitance value which causes overcurrent faults on small drives.
PVC insulation is for dry and damp location while XLPE is for wet locations- this is because a corona discharge where there is moisture can melt PVC and on the other hand it can strengthen XLPE.
Cables with PVC insulation that is about 20 mil or thicker can be used in any condition. We also have longer cable runs available upon request.
Never use unshielded cables in conduit or tray to prevent unintended paths to earth grounds. This indeed creates ground loops. Cables must have proper shielding and grounding where they connect to the drive enclosure and motor.
It is always best to tie the shield directly to the PE terminal at the drive. This is done to avoid the skin effect from drain wires.
Due to skin effect at high frequencies, do not use a single terminated drain wire. This is because it doesn’t provide an adequate surface area to conduct high-frequency noise to the ground.
Chapter 9: Why choose VFD cable from SSG?

You might ask yourself why you should choose cables from us, and not from somewhere else.
At SSG, you can get the perfect VFD Cable of your desired specification. We offer various types of Cable solutions.
Contact us today or give us a call. Our delivery services are incredible. Our expert team will help you identify which Cable is perfect for your next job
First of all, we have been producing cables for over 30 years now so we have enough experience in that.
Second of all, we combine this local knowledge with the strength of being a global market leader.
This means we have the muscles to innovate and customize our solutions to perfectly match your needs.
In addition, we co-operate with universities, scientific institutions and, perhaps most importantly with you.
Your satisfaction is our livelihood.
Based on your needs and your feedback we constantly improve to make sure our offer fits the bill. No matter what kind of cable you need, we have it, and if not, we will invent it.
That is why doing business with us pays off!
Chapter 10: VFD cable at SSG Cable Inc. R&D Co., Ltd
