Abstract: Shielded electrical cable of the high voltage type having a central conductor with a semiconducting coating surrounded by polymeric insulation, has a shielding assembly that includes a semiconducting layer around the insulation and a multiplicity of aluminum wires which can be grounded, which are individually coated with semiconducting material, and which are arranged in a long helical wrapping around the coated insulation in relatively close spacing to each other. This structure, especially useful underground, provides very effective shielding and fault-current return paths, with a relatively inexpensive aluminum structure that is nevertheless protected from corrosion. There are also advantages of better mechanical protection and less likelihood of cable damage by differential temperature expansion effects.