Panama Metro Line 3 Project in Panama

Project Background

Panama Metro Line 3 is one of the most iconic transit infrastructure projects in Central America, connecting important residential and commercial areas across the Panama Canal region. Built between 2023 and 2025, this urban rail project includes underground tunnels, elevated sections, passenger stations, power distribution rooms, signaling systems, and ventilation facilities. The construction environment is complex, with high humidity, confined tunnel spaces, frequent mechanical vibration, and strict requirements for fire safety, electromagnetic interference resistance, and long-term reliability.

As a professional wire and cable supplier for global infrastructure projects, Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd. provided a full set of stable and certified cable solutions for this project. Our products helped the construction team overcome environmental and technical challenges, ensuring safe and stable operation of the metro’s power and control systems. The project officially entered commercial operation in 2025, greatly improving urban transportation efficiency in Panama City.

Challenges

The EPC contractor for Panama Metro Line 3 faced several critical pain points during the electrical construction phase. First, the tunnel and underground sections had persistent high humidity and moisture, which caused ordinary cables to age quickly and risk short circuits. Second, the metro’s signaling and control systems required highly stable cables that could resist strong electromagnetic interference to ensure train operation safety. Third, all electrical materials needed complete UL certification to meet Panama’s industrial and construction safety standards and pass official inspections smoothly.

In addition, the project had a tight construction schedule, requiring fast production, on-time delivery, and easy-to-install cables to reduce on-site labor time. The client hoped to cooperate with a supplier with rich experience in rail transit projects, reliable product quality, complete certification, and strong delivery capabilities.

Cable Solutions for Metro Engineering

Based on the project’s design requirements and actual working conditions, GERITEL provided a targeted cable combination including AC Cable, PLTC Tray Cable, and USE-2, all with complete UL certification. These products were carefully selected to match different application scenarios and solve the client’s core problems efficiently.

AC Cable, certified under UL 1924, was mainly used for main power transmission in tunnel sections and station power distribution systems. We supplied sizes including 3/C 6 AWG, 3/C 2 AWG, and 3/C 1/0 AWG, with armored structure, XLPE insulation, and high-strength outer sheathing. Compared with ordinary non-armored cables, AC Cable provides excellent mechanical protection, resisting vibration, extrusion, and physical damage during construction. Its moisture-resistant performance ensures stable power transmission even in long-term humid tunnel environments. In addition, the armored design eliminates the need for additional conduits, significantly improving installation efficiency and reducing construction costs for the client.

PLTC Tray Cable, certified to UL 13, was applied to the metro’s signaling systems, control loops, fire alarm circuits, and ventilation equipment connections. We provided multi-core shielded types such as 8-core, 12-core, and 16-core 18 AWG and 16 AWG. The dual-shielded structure effectively blocks electromagnetic interference generated by train traction systems, ensuring accurate and stable signal transmission. This cable uses flame-retardant and low-smoke materials, which meet strict public transit safety standards. Unlike ordinary control wires, PLTC Tray Cable supports long-distance tray laying, has strong anti-aging performance, and reduces failure risks in complex metro environments.

USE-2 cable, certified under UL 44 and UL 854, was used for outdoor elevated sections, station exterior power supply, and direct-buried lines. Available in 8 AWG, 6 AWG, and 4 AWG sizes, it features UV resistance, moisture resistance, and salt-corrosion resistance. Compared with standard building wires, USE-2 is specially designed for outdoor and damp environments, with outstanding weatherability and the ability to be directly buried underground without additional protection. This characteristic made installation faster and more convenient, helping the construction team meet tight deadlines for elevated sections.

Quality & Safety Assurance Supported by UL Certification

UL certification became the key reason why the client chose GERITEL. All cables provided for Panama Metro Line 3 have complete and valid UL certificates, fully complying with Panama’s electrical safety regulations and international rail transit standards. This ensured smooth customs clearance, on-site acceptance, and grid connection without any certification-related delays.

Every batch of cables passed strict laboratory tests, including humidity aging, UV radiation, vertical flame retardancy, and mechanical strength tests. High-purity oxygen-free copper conductors reduce power loss and improve energy efficiency. The insulation and sheath materials are specially formulated to resist moisture, corrosion, and high temperature, greatly extending service life and lowering later maintenance costs. Our complete quality traceability system allows full record checking from raw materials to finished products, giving the client full confidence in product safety and stability.

Efficient Support

To support the tight construction schedule of Panama Metro Line 3, GERITEL set up a special project team to quickly respond to technical confirmation and order arrangement. After the final specification confirmation, our production workshop arranged priority production and completed the entire order within 25 days.

We used professional moisture-proof and shockproof packaging suitable for long-distance ocean transportation. Through optimized logistics routes, all cables were delivered to the project site on time without any delay. Our technical team also provided remote guidance for cable laying and installation, helping the construction team solve on-site problems and ensure smooth progress of electrical construction.

Results & Feedback

Since its official operation, the cable system provided by GERITEL has maintained stable performance in the Panama Metro Line 3 project. AC Cable operates reliably in humid tunnels with no faults caused by moisture or vibration. PLTC Tray Cable ensures accurate signal transmission and stable operation of the train control system. USE-2 shows excellent weatherability in outdoor elevated and direct-buried sections.

The entire electrical system passed official inspection smoothly, and the client was highly satisfied with our product quality, certification completeness, and delivery efficiency. They recognized that our professional cable solutions effectively solved environmental adaptation, safety compliance, and construction efficiency challenges, providing solid support for the project’s on-time completion.

Long-Term Partnership

The application in Panama Metro Line 3 further demonstrates GERITEL’s professional capability in providing UL-certified cable solutions for global rail transit and infrastructure projects. With complete certification, reliable quality, efficient delivery, and professional technical support, we help customers reduce project risks, lower construction costs, and ensure long-term stable operation.

For metro, tunnel, station, and other infrastructure projects in Central America and around the world, we can provide customized cable solutions according to local standards and environmental conditions.

Contact Us

If you are looking for reliable UL-certified cables for rail transit, infrastructure, or construction projects, welcome to contact Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd. We provide stable quality, complete certification, on-time delivery, and professional technical support to help your project succeed.

Tel/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 135 1078 4550 / +86 136 6257 9592

Email: manager01@greaterwire.com