Marine cables installation should be carried out by qualified and experienced personnel who are familiar…
Understanding the different types of marine cables and its use
The different types of marine cables and shipbuilding cables are specifically engineered to withstand harsh environment such as saltwater corrosion, mechanical stress, and potential fire hazards. Therefore, the selection of high-performance marine cables is paramount to ensure uninterrupted electrical service and safeguard the vessel and its crew.

SAFETY OF SHIPBOARD ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
In this article we want to delve into the importance of onboard cabling, its enhanced performance and introduce TOP CABLE’s TOXFREE MARINE® cables as a superior alternative to your marine cable supply. In addition, we address the most frequently asked questions about onboard cables to provide a complete overview of their selection, installation and maintenance.
By choosing the right types of marine cables, industry professionals can ensure optimal performance, safety and longevity of shipboard electrical systems.
TYPES OF MARINE CABLES
Marine and shipbuilding cables can be classified into three specialized categories, each tailored to specific applications and demands.
- Marine power cables are in charge of transmitting electrical energy throughout the vessel, powering everything from propulsion systems to lighting fixtures.
- Marine control cables serve as the communication channels for remote control and monitoring systems, facilitating precise maneuvering and efficient operations.
- Marine instrumentation cables, the precision instruments of the marine world, are entrusted with the task of delivering accurate measurements and data from critical systems like navigation and engine monitoring, ensuring the vessel’s safe and smooth operation.
Top Cable’s portfolio for Marine applications includes a full range of power, control and instrumentation cables.

IEC 60092-353 SERIES MARINE CABLE STANDARD
To ensure the utmost reliability and safety, marine cables undergo rigorous testing and certification processes. These cables are subjected to electrical, mechanical, and environmental tests, meticulously scrutinized to verify their compliance with industry standards and specifications.
The International Electromechanical Commission (IEC) stands out as the world reference for marine cable manufacturing and usage. IEC 60092 series marine cable standard provides a comprehensive framework for marine cable design, construction, testing, and performance:
- IEC 60092 series: Electrical installation on board of vessels and Fixed & Mobile offshore platforms
- IEC 60092-350: General design
- IEC 60092-376: Instrumentation cable design
- IEC 60092-353: LV Cable design
By adhering to this stringent standard, manufacturers can ensure their cables meet the highest quality.
TOP CABLE, A GLOBAL SUPPLIER TO TYPES OF MARINE CABLES
Top Cable is a global supplier to types of marine cables. All Top Cable’s marine range is manufactured according to IEC 60092 series of standards and is Class-approved from the main international agencies: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Bureau Veritas (BV), Det Norske Veritas & Germanischer Lloyd Maritime (DNV GL), and Lloyd’s Register Marine (LR).
We have a full range of power, control, instrumentation, and low voltage marine cables, available in armoured and unarmoured versions and also according to the fire performances: flame and fire retardant, and fire resistant.
TOP CABLE TOXFREE® marine cable range is the best solution for merchant vessels, cruise ships, feeder’s vessels, bulk barriers, tankers, drillships, floatels, etc. For more information about our marine cable range, contact us today.