Today, we all know the vast range of cables. LT Power Cable, Fire
Survival Cable, Submersible flat cable and much more. The names can
vary but almost all of these cables have one thing in common. A Conducting
metal, an insulation material, and a sheath.
XLPE or
better known “Cross-linked Polyethylene” have the feature of excellent
insulation.
Basically, it is polyethylene. Polyethylene has crosslink’s
which join the individual polymer chains together. Polythene has several
applications in the modern world.
However, it has a low melting point.
This low melting point is covered by the cross-linking polymer
chains. The cross linking’s helps in increasing the melting point. This and
other cross-linked synthetic materials, of which EPR (ethylene propylene
rubber) is a notable example, are being increasingly used as cable insulants
for a wide range of voltages.
XLPE has many
qualities which make it extremely useful for cable insulation. It is flexible
permitting smaller bending radius for the cables. It is light weight and water
proof. It is also tough which minimizes the need for armoring.
Cross-linking is the effect produced in the vulcanization of
rubber and for materials like XLPE the cross-linking process is often described
as ‘vulcan- ization’ or ‘curing’. Small amounts of chemical additives to the
polymer enable the molecular chains to be cross-linked into a lattice formation
by appropriate treatment after extrusion.
It is easier to handle and store compared to cables with paper
insulation or lead insulation.
XLPE is
considered to be the material of choice due to its ease of processing and
handling, although paper / oil systems have a much longer history of usage and
much more information on reliability exists.
Benefits of XLPE Cables
1.
Electrical and Physical Properties
XLPE cable is known for providing an excellent electrical &
physical property. It makes these cables best to use in transmission &
distribution lines.
2.
It can carry large current
Electricity travels in cables & wires. XLPE cables provide
better thermal and aging property.
These special properties make any cable to carry currents
under different temperature for long period of time.
3.
Ease of Installation
Besides having the ability to stand under different
temperature. It is very easy to install too.
As these cables are flexible and light in weight.
4.
No need to stress over height and maintenance
Better insulation, better conductive metal provides these types
of cable durable and flexible.
Now, it is easy to install these cables anywhere without
stressing over height & route issues.
These type of cables do not possess oil, so it needs low
maintenance.
5.
No Need of Metallic Sheath
Sheath protects cables from external and internal forces at
times.
However, In the case of XLPE cables, you need not worry about
any metallic sheath or protection.
6.
Excellent Protection
An XLPE cable gives an excellent mechanical, electrical,
waterproof and radiation resistance.
It is best to use the XLPE insulated cables for electrical
connection in line, lead wire of the motor, signal control line, locomotive
wire, mining environmental protection cable, subway with shipping, nuclear
power laying cable, firing X – ray high voltage line, TV high-voltage wire, and
power transmission.
BS 5467 specifies
construction and requirements for XLPE and EPR-insulated wire-armoured cables
for voltages up to 3.3kV. The construction is basically similar to that of PVC
cables to BS 6346, except for the difference in insulant. Because of the increased toughness of XLPE the
thicknesses of insulation are slightly reduced compared with PVC.
The
standard also covers cables with HEPR (hard ethylene propylene rubber)
insulation, but XLPE is the material most commonly used. From 3.8kV up to 33kV,
XLPE and EPR insulated cables are covered by BS 6622 which specifies construction,
dimensions and requirements.
Conclusion:
Be sure to choose quality products, as choosing quality wires
can help in the continuous flow of electricity.
·
Higher Current Rating.
·
High Short Circuit Rating.
·
Longer Service life.
·
For a short time it can withstand maximum 130°C and is
favourable to endure short Circuit stresses.
·
It is less sensitive to the setting of the network protection.
·
Because of the thermosetting process taking place due the effect
of cross linking, the crack resistance is increased.
·
Due to the chemical cross-linking internal stresses are reduced.
Consequently the material is less sensitive during manufacturing process to the
setting of the cooling gradient.
·
The thermal resistivity of cross linked material is favorably low, compared to the thermoplastic material.
·
The low dielectric loss is significant advantage.
·
The excellent mechanical features of the insulation improve the
protection against external effects.
·
The resistance of the XLPE to acids, alkalies is outstanding and
is often compensating the adverse environmental influences.
My recommendation, your application is Low / High always approve XLPE Cable in place of PVC.
