Energyzee Cabled at Sierra

Conductor Selection is a task of major importance in design of electrical installations and distribution systems. In doing so, initially the designers have to determine whether to use Copper or Aluminum as the conductor material, depending on the design requirements and considering the availability of such conductors from the suppliers. After that, proper sizes of the conductors to be used are selected by considering the installation method, Insulation material, required current carrying capacity, required mechanical strength, Maximum operating temperature and the ambient temperature of the operating environment. Maintaining the voltages within the statutory limits is also a must and designers of electrical installations and distribution systems have to keep that in mind while selecting conductors.

Team Energyzee paid a visit to the factory premises of Sierra cables, with the intention of observing the manufacturing process. The production line from a row copper rope to a well finished cable is well explained during the process.

Sierra Cables PLC is one of the prominent pioneers in cable manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka. It is a subsidiary of Sierra Holdings (Private) Limited. The company is a leader in catering for the cable needs of Institutional organizations, construction companies and the Ceylon Electricity Board.

Sierra Cables was established in 1978 and later they acquired “Alucop cables” to serve as their manufacturing arm. In 2006 the Sierra Cables became a public company (PLC). In 2010 the “Alucop” name was left behind and today the company operates under the one name “Sierra Cables PLC”. ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced) conductors, ABC (Aerial Bundled Cables), AAC (All Aluminum Conductor) and Copper cables, Antenna wires, Drop wires, Telecommunication Distribution cable, Low power flexible cords, Low power light flexible cords, Earth wire and  Motor vehicle general wiring cables are some of domestic and industrial cables that coming out from Sierra factory.

Most of those products are manufactured to the Sri Lankan Standard (SLS) but the ABC are manufactured according to the French Standard.

Sierra Cables manufacture power cables single core up to 1000 mm2, four core up to 300 mm2, Enameled winding wire from 0.1 mm to 4.00 mm and their total production capacity is more than 6000 MT per Year

Mr. Panditha | Managing Director
Sierra Cables PLC

During the brief interview we had with Mr. Panditha, (Managing Director of Sierra Cables PLC) mentioned that Sierra Cables considers upholding the quality of its products as the most important objective. As proof for this they have been awarded with the Engineering excellence 2011 award from IESL (Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka) and ISO 14000 quality standards recently. Sierra Cables also carries the “Surya Singha” designation for being a Sri Lankan company.

The ability of Sierra Cables to deliver large quantities of cables at short notice has won the appreciation among their customers.

IESL Engineering Excellence 2011

The company uses the qualitative material, high quality copper from Australia and Korea, enamel solution from France and Germany. Also their factory consists of latest cable manufacturing machinery from Germany, Australia, France and Taiwan.

Sierra Cables PLC is a fast growing dynamic company in the cable industry which has won not only the local market but also the foreign market with high quality products and it has already carved a good name among its customers. Mr.Panditha also mentioned that Sierra Cables is currently showing interest engaging in hydro power sector projects.

Article By: Bhashantha Munasinghe & Hansa Nanayakkara

Posted in: Electrical Industry