Mining power cables keep the heaviest electrical equipment in the industry running in the harshest conditions. This is the guide to all the cables in the mining industry.

In the mining industry, the mining method decides how hard the cable works.

Surface mines dig open pits, strip cuts, and quarries with electric rope shovels, draglines, and blasthole drills. These machines draw thousands of horsepower at medium voltage, and their trailing cables lie on broken rock in sun, rain, and frost. Dozers or cable reels drag the cable each time a shovel moves along the bench. That duty calls for shielded SHD-GC trailing cable, fed by MP-GC or MV-105 distribution around the pit.

Underground coal mines use room-and-pillar or longwall methods. In room-and-pillar sections, continuous miners cut coal, shuttle cars haul it, and each shuttle car winds its cable on and off a reel on every trip. That reeling duty is the toughest service in the mine. Longwall shearers and face conveyors draw so much power that many systems run at 995 V or 4,160 V. Confined space adds fire risk, so every cable needs flame resistance, and resistance-grounded circuits need ground-check monitoring.

Underground hard-rock mines for gold, copper, zinc, and other metals use drill-and-blast methods. Electric-hydraulic drill jumbos and roof bolters run on trailing cables. On the other hand, fixed feeders run down shafts and along ramps to substations at each level.

Things that determine mining applications are the continuously moving load and the fact that the cables are easily wearable.  The cables for underground mine installations and the trailing cables of self-propelled surface mining machines are governed by MSHA. Mining equipment typically uses resistance grounding to limit fault current and ground-check monitors to shut off power if the grounding connection breaks. In addition to industrial abrasion and oil, mines face standing water,  crushing loads, methane and coal dust.

Under 30 CFR 75.2, MSHA classifies mine circuits as low voltage (up to 660 V), medium voltage (661 to 1,000 V), and high voltage (above 1,000 V). Common underground systems run at 480 V, 600 V, and 995 V, while large surface machines and feeders run at 4,160 V and higher.

The Four Families of Mining Cable

• Trailing cables for mobile equipment: Type G, Type G-GC, and Type SHD-GC

• Portable power cables and cords: Type W and SOOW portable cord

• Fixed distribution cables: Type MP-GC and MV-105

• Drive and interconnection cables: VFD cable and DLO

The table above compares all nine types at a glance. The sections below explain how each cable is built, where it fits, and what to check before you order. In U.S. mines, cable selection also has to satisfy MSHA rules under Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations, so confirm acceptance requirements with your mine's electrical engineer.

Type G Mining Cable

Best for: mobile mining machines, drills, and heavy portable equipment on 2 kV circuits without ground-check monitoring.

Type G is the workhorse 2 kV portable power cable for mobile and portable mining equipment that does not need ground-check monitoring. It carries three or four power conductors and grounding conductors within a single heavy rubber jacket.

Construction. Flexible rope-lay stranded copper conductors are insulated with EPDM. Two or more grounding conductors sit in the gaps between the power conductors, which keeps the cable round and balanced. A black CPE jacket resists oil, solvents, ozone, and abrasion. Typical ratings are 2,000 V and 90°C dry, 75°C wet.

Applications. Portable pumps, drills, compressors, and mobile machinery fed from circuits without ground-check monitoring. It also serves heavy industrial equipment outside the mining sector.

What to check before you order.

• Check whether the circuit requires a separate ground-check conductor. If it does, choose Type G-GC instead of Type G.

• For underground mining, verify that the cable has the required MSHA flame-resistance acceptance marking.

• Confirm that the cable is rated for its intended use, whether trailing, reeling, or festooning.

Shop Type G mining cable at Nassau National Cable.

Type G-GC Mining Cable

Best for: continuous miners, shuttle cars, and roof bolters on ground-check monitored circuits up to 2 kV.

Type G-GC is Type G with one additional ground-check conductor and is the default trailing cable for low-voltage mobile mining machines. The ground-check conductor allows a ground monitor to confirm that the equipment frame remains bonded to the grounding system.

Construction. Three power conductors, two grounding conductors, and one insulated ground-check conductor share a round, balanced core. The jacket is heavy-duty CPE, and the typical rating is 2,000 V. The ground monitor sends a small pilot current out on the ground-check conductor and back on the grounding conductors. If that loop opens, the monitor trips the breaker.

Applications. Continuous miners, shuttle cars, roof bolters, loaders, and other mobile equipment on resistance-grounded systems. A 2 kV rating covers the 480 V, 600 V, and 995 V systems common in underground mining.

What to check before you order.

• Under 30 CFR 75.902, low- and medium-voltage resistance-grounded systems in underground coal mines need a fail-safe ground-check circuit.

• Match the ground-check conductor size to the monitor manufacturer's specifications.

• If the machine runs above 2 kV, move up to Type SHD-GC.

Shop Type G-GC mining cable at Nassau National Cable.

Type SHD-GC Mining Cable

Best for: electric shovels, draglines, high-voltage longwall systems, and large drills running above 2 kV.

Type SHD-GC is the shielded, extra-heavy-duty trailing cable for the largest mobile machines in a mine. It is the standard choice above 2 kV. Each power conductor carries its own metallic shield, and the cable includes grounding and ground-check conductors.

Construction. Flexible tinned copper conductors carry EPR insulation with semiconducting layers and a tinned copper braid shield on each phase. Two grounding conductors and one ground-check conductor fill the core. A flame-resistant CPE jacket protects against cuts, tears, abrasions, oil, and UV radiation. Common voltage classes are 2 kV, 5 kV, 8 kV, and 15 kV, with 25 kV available from some manufacturers.

Applications. Electric shovels, draglines, dredges, longwall systems, blast hole drills, and portable substations. The shields contain the electric field within each conductor, which controls insulation stress at medium voltage and improves safety when the jacket is damaged.

What to check before you order.

• Pick a voltage class at or above the system voltage, and confirm the insulation level for your grounding method.

• Reeled and trailing service puts different stresses on the cable. Confirm the construction fits the machine's cable handling.

• Shielded cable needs stress-control terminations and splice kits rated for the voltage class.

Shop Type SHD-GC and MP-GC mining cable at Nassau National Cable.

Type MP-GC Mining Cable

Best for: medium-voltage mine feeders, borehole drops, and permanent distribution runs.

Type MP-GC is a mine power feeder cable. It carries medium-voltage power from the surface or a main substation to the power centers that feed mobile equipment, and it is built for runs that stay put.

Construction. Three shielded power conductors sit with grounding conductors and a ground-check conductor under a tough jacket, usually CPE or PVC. Insulation is EPR or XLP. Common voltage classes include 5 kV, 8 kV, and 15 kV. Compared with SHD-GC, the construction is less flexible, but more durable in fixed applications.

Applications: Underground feeder runs along entries, borehole drops from the surface, and permanent distribution circuits between substations and power centres.

What to check before you order.

• MP-GC handles occasional relocation as the mine advances, but not more movement. It is not designed for continuous trailing or reeling, which calls for SHD-GC.

• Vertical drops need a borehole support method rated for the cable's weight, such as a messenger or armored construction.

Shop Type MP-GC and SHD-GC mining cable at Nassau National Cable.

Type W Portable Power Cable

Best for: portable generators, temporary power distribution, and auxiliary equipment up to 2 kV.

Type W is a 2 kV portable power cable for heavy temporary and auxiliary power. It is simpler than Type G: every conductor is a full-size circuit conductor, and there are no extra grounding conductors tucked into the gaps.

Construction. Flexible stranded copper conductors carry EPDM insulation under a heavy CPE jacket, rated 90°C and 2,000 V. Multiconductor versions come in two to five conductors from 8 AWG to 500 kcmil, and single-conductor versions are common for generator and battery leads. In 3-, 4-, and 5-conductor versions, one conductor is often green and used for grounding. The 2-conductor version has none.

Applications. Portable generators, pumps, temporary power distribution, motor and battery leads, and auxiliary equipment. Type W also serves cranes and other reeling equipment outside the mine.

What to check before you order.

• Count the conductors needed, including grounding. A three-phase circuit with a ground typically needs four conductors.

• If the circuit requires a separate ground-check conductor, choose a cable designed for ground monitoring, such as Type G-GC.

Shop Type W portable power cable at Nassau National Cable.

DLO Cable

Best for: battery systems, DC power connections, switchgear, and other high-current interconnections.

DLO (diesel locomotive cable) is a single-conductor, extra-flexible power cable for high-current power equipment such as motors and generators. It carries a lot of current through tight spaces, making it the go-to cable for battery, DC power, and equipment interconnections.

Construction. Hundreds or thousands of fine tinned copper strands form a highly flexible conductor. EPR insulation and a CPE jacket protect it against oil, heat, and abrasion. Common ratings are 600 V, 1 kV, and 2 kV. Many DLO products also carry RHH/RHW-2 building wire markings, which widens where they can be installed.

Applications. Battery-powered scoops and hauliers, DC traction circuits, rectifier and substation jumpers, switchgear connections, and generator leads. Its flexibility helps in crowded enclosures and on vibrating equipment.

What to check before ordering:

• Use lugs and connectors rated for fine-stranded cable.

• Check that the cable has the required ratings, such as RHH/RHW-2 or MSHA acceptance.

• Remember that DLO is a single-conductor cable and cannot directly replace a multiconductor trailing cable.

Shop DLO cable at Nassau National Cable.

SOOW Portable Cord

Best for: portable tools, temporary lighting, and light-duty equipment up to 600 V.

SOOW is a 600 V flexible cord for lighter portable loads around a mine site. It is the right pick for jobs that require a rugged, oil-resistant cord without high voltage.

Construction. SOOW stands for extra-hard service (S), oil-resistant insulation (O), oil-resistant jacket (O), and water and weather resistance (W). NEC Table 400.4 classifies it as an extra-hard usage cord. Common sizes range from 18 AWG to 2 AWG, with two to five conductors.

Applications. Portable tools, temporary lighting strings, maintenance and shop equipment, small pumps, and portable welders' supply cords.

What to check before ordering:

• Use NEC Table 400.5(A)(1) to determine the correct conductor size.

• SOOW is rated for up to 600 V. Higher-voltage mining equipment may require Type G, G-GC, or W.

• For underground mining, verify that the cord meets MSHA flame-resistance requirements.

Shop SOOW portable cord at Nassau National Cable.

MV-105 Medium-Voltage Cable

Best for: mine substations, plant feeders, and fixed surface distribution from 5 kV to 35 kV.

MV-105 is the standard medium-voltage power cable for fixed installations on the surface side of a mining operation. The 105 means the conductor is rated to run continuously at 105°C, which gives it more ampacity than a 90°C cable of the same size.

Construction. A copper or aluminium conductor carries a semiconducting conductor shield, EPR insulation, a semiconducting insulation shield, and a copper tape or wire shield. A PVC jacket is most common. MV-105 comes in 5 kV through 35 kV classes, at 100% or 133% insulation levels.

Applications. Mine substations, plant feeders, processing and preparation plants, and surface distribution systems. Installation can be in cable tray, conduit, duct banks, or direct burial, depending on the listing. NEC Article 315 (2023 edition) covers medium-voltage cable installation.

What to check before ordering:

• Check the jacket markings for tray use, direct burial, and sunlight resistance, as applicable.

• Choose 133% insulation if ground faults may remain energized for more than one minute.

• Use MV-105 for fixed installations, SHD-GC for portable or trailing equipment, and MP-GC for mine feeders requiring ground monitoring.

Shop MV-105 in 5 kV and 8 kV, 15 kV, and 25 kV and 35 kV classes at Nassau National Cable.

VFD Cable

Best for: drive-fed conveyor motors, crushers, ventilation fans, and pumps.

VFD cable connects variable-frequency drives to the motors they control. Mines and processing plants rely on drives for conveyors, crushers, and fans, and standard power cable handles drive output poorly.

Construction. XLPE insulation offers low capacitance and high dielectric strength, which helps it withstand the voltage spikes a drive produces. Three symmetrical grounding conductors balance the cable electrically. An overall shield of foil and braid, or continuous copper tape, contains electromagnetic noise. Common ratings are 600 V, 1 kV, and 2 kV.

Applications. Conveyor motors, crushers, ventilation fans, slurry and dewatering pumps, mills, and other mineral processing equipment fed by a drive.

What to check before ordering:

• For long runs between the drive and motor, check whether higher-voltage cable or output filters are needed.

• Use proper shield terminations at both ends and follow the drive manufacturer's grounding instructions.

• Check for a TC-ER rating if the cable leaves the tray to reach the motor. For underground mining, verify MSHA flame-resistance acceptance.

Shop VFD cable at Nassau National Cable.

Before You Order

Use these rules to match your application to the right cable.

Mobile or portable equipment

• If a mining machine such as a continuous miner, shuttle car, or roof bolter runs at 2 kV or less on a ground-check monitored circuit, then choose Type G-GC.

• If mobile mining equipment runs at 2 kV or less on a circuit without ground-check monitoring, then choose Type G.

• If a mobile machine runs above 2 kV, such as a shovel, dragline, or high-voltage longwall system, then choose Type SHD-GC.

• If you need general-purpose portable power up to 2 kV for generators or temporary distribution, then choose Type W.

• If the load is a light-duty tool, light, or small pump at 600 V or less, then choose SOOW portable cord.

Fixed installations and connections

• If an underground feeder or borehole run carries medium voltage to power centres with ground-check monitoring, then choose Type MP-GC.

• If a fixed medium-voltage feeder serves a surface substation or processing plant, then choose MV-105.

• If the cable runs between a variable-frequency drive and its motor, then choose VFD cable.

• If you need a single-conductor, high-current connection for batteries, DC circuits, or switchgear, then choose DLO.

With your quote request, include the system voltage and grounding method, conductor count and size, operating environment, and total footage or cut lengths.

Nassau National Cable stocks all nine mining cable types covered in this guide: Type G, Type G-GC, Type SHD-GC, Type MP-GC, Type W, DLO, SOOW portable cord, MV-105, and VFD cable. We ship from four U.S. and international warehouses, work directly with leading manufacturers, cut to length, build custom reel configurations, and supply pre-terminated assemblies with lugs installed.