DNO Approved Cable
What Are DNO Approved Cables?
DNO-approved cables are power cables designed to meet the technical requirements of UK Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) for electricity distribution networks. DNO cable types include low and medium voltage cables, such as 11kV DNO cables, used to distribute power between substations and network infrastructure. Cleveland Cable supplies a wide range of DNO power cables, including cables specified for major UK network operators (DNOs) such as:
Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks
National Grid Electrical Distribution
What is a DNO power cable used for?
DNO-approved power cables are used across distribution infrastructure — from low voltage service connections (including LV waveform cables) through medium voltage applications (such as 11kV triplex cables) and up to higher voltage transmission and distribution requirements. Depending on the voltage and installation, cables may be insulated with XLPE or EPR and supplied with outer sheaths such as PVC, LSZH or MDPE. They are selected to suit the required voltage rating, core configuration and performance requirements for the network.
How the DNO Industry Works in the United Kingdom
To identify a DNO-approved cable, start with the product datasheet. This should reference the specific utility specification for the relevant network operator (DNO). You should also check the cable markings and construction details — for example, conductor material, insulation type such as XLPE, and outer sheath type such as PVC or LSZH — to confirm they match the required voltage rating and performance requirements for that network.
In general, you should not use a non-DNO cable where DNO approval is specified for a connection. If the connection requires a cable to meet a specific DNO network specification, an alternative cable should only be used if the relevant DNO has formally accepted it for that particular installation and voltage level.
IDNO stands for Independent Distribution Network Operator. These companies are licensed by Ofgem to own and operate electricity distribution networks, often serving new housing and commercial developments. They connect to the existing distribution network or the transmission network, providing electricity to specific areas. Unlike DNOs (Distribution Network Operators), IDNOs are not limited to a specific geographical area and can operate across the UK. These are different from an ICP, which is an accredited company that carries out work on behalf of clients.
DNO Cables Supplied by Cleveland Cable
11kV Triplex Cables (DNO Approved)
Medium voltage copper power cable for connections from the electrical grid to sub-main developments. Suitable for power networks, underground, outdoors and installation in cable ducting.
Construction
- Conductor: Either Solid Aluminium (SAC) or Class 2 stranded conductors
- Conductor Screen: Bonded semi-conductive material
- Insulation: Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)
- Insulation Screen: Semi-conductive material (bonded)
- Longitudinal Water Blocking: Semi-conductive swellable tape
- Screen: Copper wires & helical equalising copper tape or aluminium wire + aluminium screen (UKPN has aluminium)
- Longitudinal Water Blocking: Water-blocking tape
- Outer Sheath: Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE)
- Sheath Colour: Red, UV stabilised
Low Voltage Waveform Cables (DNO Approved)
0.6/1kV rated LV waveform cables supplied with 3 or 4 core solid segmented aluminium conductors. These cables use XLPE insulation and are available with either a PVC or LSZH outer sheath, making them suitable for service cable applications and final connections to domestic properties.
To be classed as DNO approved, the cable construction must meet the specific requirements set by the relevant DNOs for the intended voltage and installation. In practice, this means confirming compliance against the applicable British and IEC standards — typically including BS 7870 and IEC/EN 60228 for waveform cable performance and conductor requirements — alongside the DNO’s own specification.
Construction
- Conductor: Class 1 Solid Aluminium
- Insulation: Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)
- Binder Tape: Non-hygroscopic binder tape
- Bedding: Extruded rubber compound
- Waveform Conductor: Plain copper wire screen
- Separator: Binding tape
- Outer Sheath: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH)
- Sheath Colour: Black
Split Concentric Cables & Straight Concentric Cables
Available with either solid aluminium or stranded copper conductors, concentric cables are service cables commonly used in final connections to domestic properties. DNO approved, available in single core or three core, and in a range of sizes.
Construction
- Conductor: Solid aluminium conductor or Class 2 stranded copper
- Insulation: Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)
- Neutral or Concentric Conductor: Copper wires
- Separator or String Separator: Binding tape helically applied or non-hygroscopic
- Outer Sheath: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH)
- Sheath Colour: Black or orange
Why Choose Cleveland Cable?
- UK's largest stockist of DNO-approved cable
- High-quality, British and European Standard-certified products
- Competitive prices with fast UK & international delivery
- Expert technical support for your cable requirements
- In-house BSI testing lab ensuring premium quality control
- BASEC approved
Browse Cables by Standard | Contact Cleveland Cable today for expert advice and bulk pricing on DNO cable
