What Information Is Needed for a Cable Quotation?

What technical details must a cable quotation state?

Cable is normally made and priced to a specification, so the technical part of the request should cover at least the following points.

• Cable model or intended application, together with the installation method and operating environment.
• Rated voltage and system type, for example 0.6/1 kV for low-voltage power cables.
• Conductor material: copper or aluminium.
• Number of cores and cross-sectional area in mm².
• Conductor class under IEC 60228. Class 1 is solid and class 2 is stranded; both are intended for fixed installation. Classes 5 and 6 are flexible and are used for flexible cables and cords, which may also be used fixed.
• Insulation, screen, armour and sheath requirements.

If fire performance matters, name the test instead of writing "fire resistant" alone. IEC 60332-1-2 is a flame test on a single vertical cable. Under IEC 60754-1, halogen acid gas of no more than 0.5 % (5 mg/g) is a common acceptance value for LSZH sheaths.

Which commercial terms should the quotation include?

Commercial data often decides which of two similar-looking quotes is really cheaper. Give the total length for each size, the preferred drum length and an acceptable length tolerance, plus the destination port and Incoterm. State whether the request is for a budget estimate, a tender or a purchase order, because the supplier will price each of these differently.

Copper-sensitive quotations normally have a validity period, so compare offers issued on similar dates. Confirm whether freight, drums, inspection, documents and taxes are included. For more on how the metal price affects a quote, read copper price and cable quotation.

Which documents and inspection should be requested before pricing?

List the required data sheets, drawings, routine test reports, certificates, declarations and any third-party inspection before the supplier prices the order. Late document requests can change both the cost and the schedule. Where a project specification exists, attach the complete relevant section instead of sending isolated screenshots.

For 0.6/1 kV power cables, manufacturer datasheets commonly list a routine test of 3.5 kV AC for 5 minutes, based on IEC 60502-1. Ask the supplier to confirm the test value in its own datasheet rather than relying on this figure. For medium-voltage cables, IEC 60502-2 covers rated voltages from 6 kV to 30 kV, and IEC 60840 covers the range above 30 kV up to 150 kV.

What should you send when the specification is not yet confirmed?

Describe the load, voltage, route length, installation method, operating temperature, any movement, oil or sunlight exposure, and the destination country. The supplier can then propose a cable construction for review.

Operating temperature affects the choice of insulation. PVC insulation is rated for a conductor temperature of 70 °C in normal operation and 160 °C under short circuit for up to 5 s. XLPE insulation is rated for 90 °C in normal operation and 250 °C under short circuit for up to 5 s (commonly cited from IEC 60502-1 and manufacturer data).

Engineering note: A commercial quotation should never replace electrical design verification. The project engineer remains responsible for the final cable selection.

What does a quote-ready inquiry look like?

Instead of asking for "3-core copper cable", state the full construction. For example: 0.6/1 kV, 3 x 95 mm² copper conductor, XLPE insulation, specified sheath and armour, IEC construction, total length, drum schedule, installation environment, destination and required documents. Suppliers can then state any deviations rather than inventing assumptions. Where a standard product is suitable, compare it with the XLPE insulated power cable range.

The examples show the kind of entry each field needs. Replace them with the values from your own specification.

• One line item should describe one construction.
• Attach a cable schedule when several sizes are needed.
• Request unit price, total price and included scope separately, so that deviations are easy to see. Guidance on comparing offers is in how to compare cable suppliers.

Frequently asked questions