MIL-DTL-915/48 Type 2SWF Shipboard Cable

Mil-Spec Military part number MIL-DTL-915/48 is comprised of one cable-type designation: 2SWF. The cable is rated for 300 volts and can be categorized by the Standard Identification Code using Method 2. All 915/48 cords are constructed with two shielded conductors. Each conductor is insulated with polyethylene insulation and is then enclosed in a 34 AWG or 36 AWG uncoated copper braided shield, which is then wrapped in either two polyester tapes or a polyester tape and a clear polyamide coating. The two shielded conductors will then be cabled together with the required number of pairs, using nonfibrous fillers, with a silicone rubber compound-filled binder tape applied helically around the assembly. The cable will then be jacketed with arctic-type polychloroprene (neoprene). This cable is watertight and offers flexing service. Watertight cables can operate in a wide variety of situations, including through bulkheads and between decks.

What does the cable designation 2SWF mean?

In the cable designation for 2SWF, 2 refers to two conductors in pairs, S shielding, W signals the watertight nature of the cord, and F indicates flexing service.

M915/48 Construction:

• Conductors: Uncoated copper in accordance with ASTM 286, size 22-7
• Insulation: Natural polyethylene, Type II, Class L, Grade 3 according to L-P-390
• Shielding: Either AWG 34 or AWG 36 uncoated copper braided shield
• Jacket: Arctic-type Polychloroprene (Neoprene)

M915/48 Ratings and Approvals

• Mil-Spec 915/48
• MIL-DTL-915
• Navy Shipboard Spec: 2SWF
• ASTM B 286
• L-P-390
• NEMA FI 4
• ASTM D 4066
• 300 volts

Features and Benefits of M915/48 Cords

• Watertight cables can operate in a wide variety of situations, including through bulkheads and between decks.
• Polyethylene is valued as an insulation material due to its impact resistance, resilience, and low thermal conductivity. It is soft, resistant to degradation and tearing, and non-abrasive.
• Polychloroprene (also referred to as Neoprene) is valued in shipboard cabling due to its inherent resistance to oil, grease, acids, and acetonic solvents, its ability to resist damage from abrasion, flexing, and twisting, as well as its ability to withstand temperatures as low as −50°C, exposure to weathering, ozone, and water immersion.
• 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.
• Portable cords with flexing service permit use in applications where repeated use may require flexing without damaging the cord’s internal conductors