Electrical Power Cables Information

01.04.2011 | Author: Vivek Gupta | Posted in Other Bus & Industry Opportunities
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An electric power cable is an assembly of two or more electrical conductors which is used for transmission of electric power. The conductors of the power cable are held together with an overall sheath. The early telegraph systems used the first forms of electrical cabling so its history can be traced back to the 1800s period. These maybe installed as permanent wiring within buildings, buried in the ground or may run over head or exposed. Flexible power cables are also available these days which are used in portable devices, mobile tools and machinery.

The electric power cable consists of three major components- conductors, insulation and protective jacket. The makeup of individual cable varies according to application. The construction and material are determined by the working voltage, which determines the thickness of insulation, current carrying capacity determining the cross sectional size of the conductors and environmental conditions determining the form and composition of the outer cable jacket. Modern power cables come in different sizes, materials and types depending on their usage.

Electric power cables are used in almost every electrical appliance. Also, construction of different power cables is different. Cables for direct burial or exposed installations may include metal armor, made of either steel or aluminum, in the form of wires spiraled around the cable. Power cables generally use stranded copper or aluminum conductors, small cables may however use solid conductors. The shape of the assembly maybe round or flat with non-conducting filler strands added to maintain its shape. The materials for the sheath of a cable is selected such that it is resistant to water, oil, sunlight, underground conditions, chemical vapors, impact or high temperatures. If the cables are installed at places where they might be exposed to mechanical impact damage they might be protected with flexible steel tape or wire armor, which may also be covered with water resistant jacket.

Advantage


The advantages which the electric power cables offer are both technical and commercial.
The Technical advantages are:

  • Higher current rating and higher short circuiting rating.
  • Thermosetting nature.
  • Lower dielectric losses.
  • Better resistance to surge current and higher resistance to water.
  • These are also better resistant to corrosion and chemicals and offer a longer service life.
  • It has a higher cable operating temperature and short circuit temperature.
  • The insulation resistance offered is 1000 times more than PVC cables.

    • Commercial Advantages

  • Since the diameter of cable is small and lighter in weight the cost of laying these cables is low.
  • The density of XLPE is also lower than PVC.
  • It requires less size of cable trays or supports.

    • The most commonly used cables are the copper and aluminum ones. While selecting these wires one should keep in mind the maximum operating voltage, insulation level, frequency, load to be carried, possible overloading duration and magnitude, route length and voltage top and the mode of installation to transport electrical energy from one end to another. Therefore, electrical power cables are user friendly and an effective solution for all your power needs.

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