How Cross Linked Polyethylene Jacketing and Insulation Improve Cable Performance
Insulation and jackets are common terms in the area of cable installations. These are things that electricians and cable installers will critically examine when they are installing or using cables. Different cables are designed with different jacketing and insulation materials. The materials depend on the applications and the environments the cable is subjected to. For example, if you are doing wiring for a nuclear generating plant or for oil refinery plant, these are areas experiencing high temperature. You want a cable that is jacketed and insulated with a material resistance to elements like flames and heat. The Power Cable 3 or 4 Conductors with Ground 600V VW-1 UL Type TC-ER ULTROL 60+ is made using a tin-coated, soft annealed copper wire.
The wire is classified as class B stranding in regard to ASTM B8 standards. This cable is protected using a cross-linked polyethylene (FR-XLPE) material in both the insulation and jacketing. But, how does the cross-linked polyethylene help improve the performance of the wire?
Protects the wire against moisture
Moisture is one element that takes its toll on wires and cables. This is because it is a condition for causing corrosion on metals. Copper material used in power cables type TC-ER, in itself, has high conductivity, but it still corrodes. Although copper does not corrode easily like other metals such as steel, it however corrodes when subjected to the harsh environments.
In fact, the corrosion may not be easily seen unless a professional inspects the copper cable. A cross-linked polyethylene insulation and jacketing provide a barrier against moisture ensuring the wire performs well.
Protects the wire against flame
In environments where there are high temperatures, it may result in damage of the cables. Jackets and insulation are designed to help offer more protection on the wire against elements like flames and heat. That’s why you have cables that can be installed in environments experiencing flames because the jackets and insulation are flame-retardants.
Protects the wire from chemicals
Chemical substances not only react on wires but also cause short-circuiting in wiring. If you are going to use a cable in an oil refinery plant or in a nuclear generating plant, these are areas where spillage of chemicals is likely to occur. As such, you need to protect the cables from such substances.
The jackets and insulation materials should be able to provide a shield against liquid, gaseous, or solid chemical substances that could result in short circuits and electrical supply interruptions. The cross-linked polyethylene is a thermoset that has excellent anti-chemical properties.
When choosing cables to install in areas such as oil refineries, nuclear generating plants, or other areas susceptible to chemicals, you want to ensure the wires are protected using an appropriate material. A cable like Power Cable 3 or 4 Conductors with Ground 600V VW-1 UL Type TC-ER ULTROL 60+ is ideal for such environments where heat, radiation, moisture, chemicals, and UV light are of critical considerations.