In this article, you will learn the difference between PVC, XLPE, and Insulated Cables, and their features and characteristics.
A Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) cable is an electrical cable coated with PVC that provides superior insulation and protection to the main wire. They don’t have chemical properties and can thus be widely used in a variety of chemical industries. They are waterproof in nature & they are suitable for both high and low temperatures.
PVC-insulated cables offer the following benefits:
XLPE stands for cross-linked polyethylene. It is named because polyethylene is insulated with it.
They also provide several advantages such as
Heat Resistance:
Insulation Properties: XLPE retains its original good insulation properties while increasing insulation resistance.
Mechanical Properties:
Chemical Resistance:
When deciding the appropriate cable type for the required industrial project conflicts arise between installing PVC insulated cable and XLPE cable.
We must select a type of low voltage of 0.6/1kv cable for our industrial project. Generally, we go for PVC insulated cable and XLPE insulated cable.
But we must know the differences between these two cables which are popularly used. XLPE cable is similar to the improved version of Poly Vinyl Chloride cable.
XLPE insulated cable has some benefits that PVC doesn’t
The maximum working temperature of:
Maximum short temperature below 5 seconds:
Service life: XLPE insulated cable has better service life compared to PVC insulated cable.
Cost: The price of XLPE insulated cable is higher whereas PVC insulated cable is cheaper.
WaterProof Performance in Application Environment: PVC insulated cable exhibits better Water Proof Performance compared to XLPE insulated cable.
Environment Protection:
When compared to PVC insulated Cable, XLPE insulated Cable is more environmentally friendly since XLPE doesn’t contain chlorine that liberates toxic gases on burning.
Life span with good Performance:
Factor | PVC Cable | XLPE Cable |
Electric Load | Suitable for Regular Loads | Suitable for Greater Loads |
Installation | Easy to Install | Hard to Install |
Heat Resistance | Average | Good |
Chemical Resistance | Good | Very Good |
Max Operating Temp. | 70 Degrees C | 90 degrees C |
Short Circuit Temp. | 160 Degrees C | 250 degrees C |
Min Operating Temp | -15°C | -400 C |
Health | Toxic | Neutral |
Toughness | Good | Poor Compare to PVC |
Cost Saving | Costlier than XLPE | Cheaper than PVC |
Generally, XLPE cables are constructed with large dielectric grade cross-linked polyethylene for insulation.
Red, Yellow, Blue, and a reduced neutral core in Black are the three half-core colors.
Observe the cable clearly for legend marking, these markings are Australian standard codes used for installation.
When compared to PVC, XLPE has higher tensile strength, elongation, and impact resistance.
This cross-linking process also improves the material’s resistance to oil and chemicals at high temperatures, making XLPE a popular choice for LSZH Flame Retardant or Fire Resistant cables.
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