MIL-DTL-24640/10 MXSO and MXSOW Shipboard Cable

Mil-Spec Military part number MIL-DTL-24640/10 has two cable-type designations: MXSO and MXSOW. The cable is rated for 600 volts and uses twisted pair identification codes by applying Method 1.  24640/10 cords use Extruded irradiated cross-linked Polyalkene insulation with irradiated cross-linked Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) insulation and have a low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) cross-linked polyolefin (XLPO) jacket. The cable contains multiple conductors, each a single comprised of 16 AWG tin-coated copper. The individual conductors are insulated as discussed above and tested in accordance with SAE-AS81044/12 except that the identification will be according to MIL-STD-24640.

The required number of conductors is then combined into a single assembly, numbering consecutively from the center outward. Fillers may be used to create a firm, well-rounded cable which is enclosed in a tin-coated copper braid shield, then is finally placed into a cross-linked polyolefin (XLPO) jacket. These cords are lightweight and have non-flexing service. MXSOW is constructed similarly to MXSO but is watertight. Both cables operate within a temperature range of -20°C to +105°C. Non-watertight cables can be used within one or two continuous compartments, but are not permitted to penetrate bulkheads or watertight decks. Watertight cables can operate in a wide variety of situations, including through bulkheads and between decks.

What does the cable designation MXSO mean?

In the cable designation for MXSO, M refers to multiple conductors per cable, X refers to irradiated cross-linked Polyalkene insulation with irradiated cross-linked Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) insulation, S refers to individual tin-coated copper braided shields for each set of conductors, and O refers to an overall optimized tin-coated copper braided shield for the entire cable assembly.

What does the cable designation MXSOW mean?

In the cable designation for MXSOW, M refers to multiple conductors per cable, X refers to irradiated cross-linked Polyalkene insulation with irradiated cross-linked Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) insulation, S refers to individual tin-coated copper braided shields for each set of conductors, and O refers to an overall optimized tin-coated copper braided shield for the entire cable assembly.

M24640/10 Construction:

• Conductors:
  • 19-strand tin-coated copper conductors for MXSO
  • 7-strand tin-coated copper conductors for MXSOW
• Insulation: Extruded irradiated cross-linked Polyalkene insulation with irradiated cross-linked Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) insulation
• Shielding: An overall optimized tin-coated copper braided shield
• Jacket: Low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) cross-linked polyolefin (XLPO).

M24640/10 Ratings and Approvals

• Mil-Spec: MIL-DTL-24640
• Navy Shipboard Spec:
  • MXSO is non-watertight
  • MXSOW is watertight
• SAE-AS81044/12 except that the identification will be according to MIL-STD-24640
• Voltage Rating: 600V

Features and Benefits of M24640/10 Cords

• Cross-linked polyalkene/polyvinylidene fluoride insulation provides protection in environments with ultra-high vacuum, high temperatures, and ionizing radiation.
• LSZH jacket is fire resistant and emits low smoke, which is ideal for shipboard settings which often have restricted ventilation
• LSZH jackets also emit low acid, gas, and toxicity when subjected to fire, maintaining circuit integrity
• Braided shielding is heavier than foil shielding and provides additional protection against EMI/RFI as well as protecting the cable in rugged environments. The braided shield also provides better grounding than foil shields.