Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) is a copolymer of ethylene and propylene. This insulating material is utilized for high and medium voltage cable providing an excellent performance. It is one among the rubber insulated cables having outstanding flexibility in the temperature range.
Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) is a thermoset insulation material used in high voltage electrical applications due to different polyethylene chains linking together to prevent melting of the polymer at high temperature.
Both the electrical properties of XLPE and EPR are ideal for transmission and distribution of power cable.
The result shows that XLPE has 70% higher impulse strength than EPR. Cross-Linked Polyethylene losses are significantly 20 times less than that of EPR insulation making it a mechanically tougher and superior over other insulation.
The advantages of XLPE are its high thermal quality, low-priced material and routing preferably to be utilized for long runs of URD cable by industries. The operating temperature is between 90°C to 110°C. During the short circuit, this cable can remain undamaged up to 250°C temperature. The cable is resistant to moisture, heat, chemical, corrosive alkalis and stress cracking with the improved aging characteristics. Also, it has low dielectric losses than EPR.
On the other hand, Ethylene Propylene Rubber insulation is extensively used in industrial applications. Even with the presence of moisture, it has superior resistance to water-treeing. The temperature rating is up to 150°C. It also has reduced thermal expansion and more flame retardant compared to XLPE. Along with that, the insulating material has weather resistance and can withstand heat, oxidation, acid, alkali and many organic solvents. With the advantage of having extra flexibility, EPR is more easy to handle and install than XLPE.
