Benefits of choosing XLPE cable for Fire

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.