Types of Power Electric Cables
Based on their intended use, cables are put into categories that determine their applications and functions. Here are some common types of electric power cable:
- Underground Electric Power Cable: Directly buried in the ground without additional protection, these cables need to be strong and resistant to water and chemical damage since they convey electricity for utility and industrial applications.
- Rubber Electric Power Cables: Flexible and resilient, these cables have rubber insulation and coverings that allow them to endure extreme factors like high heat, ozone, and mechanical pressure. Thus, they are ideal for portable equipment, construction sites, and outdoor applications.
- Armored Electric Power Cable: This cable is used for applications requiring extra protection. It has an outer layer of metal that shields the conductors from mechanical damage, moisture, and harmful substances. Armored cables are appropriate for industrial and utility applications, both above and underground.
- High Voltage Electric Power Cable: Engineered to convey electricity at voltages above 1000V, these cables are for industrial applications and utilities. They have specialized materials and construction features that ensure safety and reliability, such as insulation and shielding systems that mitigate stresses associated with high-voltage transmission.
- Low Voltage Electric Power Cable: These cables are the type most used in electrical installations and contain conductors conveying electricity up to 1000 volts. They come in various sizes, colors, and configurations and are ideal for powering residential, commercial, and industrial equipment and circuits.
- Coiled Electric Power Cable: These cables are designed for portable or flexible applications. They can extend and retract easily and avoid tangling or damaging them. Coiled cables convey electricity to power tools, machinery, and other devices requiring mobility or exposure to moving parts.
Functions and Features of Electric Power Cable
Power cables serve various applications in different situations. They include industrial electric power cables used in industries, underground cables for outdoor uses, and low-voltage C5 electric power cables for connecting devices.
- Transmitting Electric Current: Power cables are primarily designed to transmit electric current from one point to another. They deliver the power needed by homes, offices, and businesses to run electrical gadgets and lighting.
- Insulation: Electric power cables have good insulation. Insulation material surrounds the conductors of a cable. This enables safe current flow by preventing short circuits. The insulating material is thermoplastic or thermosetting. Different insulation types can tolerate various voltage levels and temperatures.
- Conductors: Electric power cables have more than one conductor. The number of conductors depends on the cable type. For instance, a single-phase and three-phase power cable have one and three conductors. Conductors can be copper or aluminum. They carry the electric current, and their size affects how much power the cable can transmit.
- Jacket: The outer jacket of electric power cables comes in different materials. It protects the insulation and conductors from impact, moisture, chemicals, and abrasion. The cable jackets make cables waterproof and increase their longevity. Some jackets also have fire-retardant properties.
- Voltage rating: Power cables also have different voltage ratings. The ratings indicate the maximum voltage the cable can handle without danger. High voltage cables transmit power across long distances, while low voltage cables are for electrical installations in homes.
- Modular Design: Many electric power cables have a modular design. This allows flexibility in upgrading and expanding systems as needed. Modular cables are increasingly becoming popular for data and AV connectivity.
- Ease of Termination: Cables with good ease of termination allow users to attach connectors, plugs, or lugs quickly and safely to the cable ends. This minimizes the time and effort needed to make cable assemblies.
- Environment-Friendly: Environment-friendly cables are known as green cables. They are made with renewable materials and are safer for the environment during use and disposal.
- Flame Retardant: Flame-retardant cables slow down the spread of fire. FR cables are made of materials treated with special chemicals that prevent cable combustion.
- Low Smoke and Halogen-Free: These power cables emit very little smoke when burning. LSHF cables do not produce harmful halogen gases during combustion. Rubber or cross-linked synthetic polymers are used to make halogen-free cables. Low smoke and halogen-free cables improve visibility and reduce toxic fumes in case of a fire outbreak.
Applications of Electric Power Cable
Wires and cables are essential to modern infrastructure and are used in various applications.
- Telecommunications: Various electric cables, such as fiber optic cables, are critical for telecommunications as they provide a fast and reliable Internet connection. They are also used in television and radio broadcasting to transmit signals.
- Construction: Power cables are essential for any construction project as they provide electricity to run tools and machines. Cables connect electric systems such as lighting, heating, and air conditioning in a building, thus setting up a functional building after construction. Electric wires are also used to erect temporary shelters in construction sites.
- Transportation: Many electric power cables are essential in building infrastructures such as roads, bridges, and railways. They power machinery during construction and provide electric systems for lighting, signaling, and communication. Once the infrastructures are completed, they transport goods and people, promoting trade and economic growth.
- Manufacturing: Power cables are used to power machines and equipment. Some manufacturing processes, like assembly lines, need electric power cables for electrical connections and to transmit power. They are also used to connect various parts of machines, which allows mobile and automated manufacturing.
- Energy distribution: Power lines transport electricity from generation stations to substations. After transforming and distributing the electricity, the power cables finally deliver it to homes and businesses.
- Utilities: Electric power cables are essential for utilities like water supply and waste management because they power pumps and machinery needed for transportation and processing. Cables also connect to treatment plants, which helps in keeping the water clean and safe for use. Electric cables are also necessary for electrical components in a waste collection truck.
How to choose electric power cable
Electric power cable is an important part of any power distribution or transmission system. When buying power transmission cables, it is important to consider thoroughly what specific applications they will be used for. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Know whether the cable will be used indoors or outdoors: Knowing where the cables will be used will help to decide the type of cable to purchase. Cables to be used outdoors will need to be resistant to sunlight, moisture, and abrasions. Power cables made for indoor use will not require these features.
- Understand voltage, current, and length: Find out the electric power cable's voltage and current capacity before purchasing the right one. Also, know the length needed for the installation. These specifications will help to choose a cable that can safely carry the required electricity without overheating or losing too much power.
- Consider cable flexibility: For applications requiring frequent cable movement or bending, choose a power cable with high flexibility. Flexible cables are built to withstand bending and flexing without damage, making them ideal for portable equipment or dynamic installations.
- Check cable coatings: The cable insulation is the first line of defense against environmental damage. Make sure that the cable has adequate insulation to protect it from moisture, chemicals, and physical wear in harsh conditions. Consider additional coatings like UV protection, abrasion resistance, or electrostatic discharge for extra durability and safety.
- Check for certifications: Good certified power transmission cables give assurance of quality and safety. Look out for certifications that show that the cables meet national and international standards. These certifications are proof that the cables have been tested and validated for their performance, reliability, and safety in specific applications and industries.
Q&A
Q1: What other materials are used to insulate electric power cables besides PVC?
A1: Thermoplastic elastomer (TPEE), polyethylene (PE), cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are other materials used to insulate electric power cables besides PVC. Other than XLPE and PE, which are thermoplastics, PVC and PVc do not burn easily, and TPEE can provide a fire-resistant grade in compliance with various international standards.
Q2: What is the difference between PVC and XLPE power cables?
A2: The difference between PVC and XLPE power cables is that XLPE cables can withstand higher temperatures than PVC cables. XLPE cables can carry a maximum conductor temperature of 250 degrees Celsius, while PVC can only tolerate 70 degrees Celsius. Hence, PVC cables are not suitable for industrial applications.
Q3: What are the commonly used materials in electric power cables?
A3: The commonly used materials in electric power cables are copper and aluminum. Both have excellent electric and thermal conductivity. However, copper power cables are more expensive than aluminum ones. Also, copper cables are denser, have a shorter bending radius, and are smarter.
