Insulated Wire, What's Protecting Your Cable? - PWC

What is Insulated Wire? 

Insulated wire or cable consists of a non-conductive material resistant to an electric current. It surrounds and protects the wire or cable inside.

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What Are The Benefits of Insulated Wire? 

The obvious benefit of insulated wire is the color. While this may seem simple, it’s very important, especially in sophisticated wire and cable applications. Colored insulation can help you determine the difference between wires when there are many running together. Designated wires for different applications can help the wired network remain organized.  

Wires that are insulated are also corrosion and crush resistant. Ensuring your wire will last is essential to the longevity of your installation. 

What Causes Wire to Corrode? 

Chemical exposure, environmental pressure, weather, and flexibility issues can cause the wire to corrode.

Chemicals – For many household appliances and underground cable applications, there are harmful chemicals. 

Luckily, Performance Wire & Cable offers HALAR cathodic protection cable. This insulated wire is highly resistant to chlorine, hydrogen gases, and other chemicals that lead to corrosion. HALAR wire is commonly used directly in water and damp environments because of its properties.  

KYNAR insulated cables are also a good choice if you’re looking for chemical resistance.

Weather – There are insulated wires explicitly made to perform in high temperatures and those best suited for very fridged temperatures. Cross-linked polyethylene, also known as XLPE cables, are perfect for these types of applications. Additionally, insulated wire offers protection against wetness. 

Flexibility – If a cable is going to be bent frequently, it must have proper insulation to give it freedom of motion. If not, the wire will not last.

Pressure – It’s no secret that wires are also commonly used underground. There can be an incredible amount of pressure on the wire from the weight of the earth above it. To maintain maximum performance, wires cannot succumb to being crushed. 

Want more information on Polyvinyl Chloride Insulated Cables? Feel free to contact us.

HMWPE cathodic protection cables provide outstanding resistance to crushing and pressure. The wire insulation is a high molecular weight polyethylene material protecting your copper cables.

Why Choose Insulated Wire? 

Not only is insulated wire corrosion-resistant, but it is also cost-effective.  It’s better to buy insulated wire than wire that needs to be repaired or replaced. Replacement or repair of wire will lead to service disruption and cost, which is not ideal.  

Safety is essential in wiring applications. Wires carry current that can cause electric shock when touched or cause electrical explosions, shorted wire systems, and more.  Insulated wire is the safest choice.

Insulated Wire, What’s Protecting Your Cable? 

There are varieties of available insulations for wire and cable. Insulated wire or cable is coated with a non-conductive material that is resistant to an electric current, which surrounds and protects the wire and cable inside.

Cable and wire insulation prevents the wire’s current from coming into contact with other conductors, it preserves the wire material against environmental threats and resists electrical leakage. There are three major categories of wire insulation, each with a variety of styles.  These include plastic, fluoropolymers, and rubber.

Plastics

Fluoropolymers

Rubbers

Exploring PVC Insulated Cables: Understanding Their Features and Advantages

30th May | Written By: Rika Ash | Read Time: 4min | Last Updated: 16th September

In the vast landscape of electrical components, PVC insulated cables stand out for their versatility and reliability. These cables, encased in a durable layer of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), are a staple in both domestic and industrial settings. This blog post delves into the features and advantages of PVC-insulated cables, helping you understand why they are so widely used and how they can benefit your electrical installations.

What are PVC Insulated Cables?

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) insulated cables consist of copper or aluminium conductors covered with a layer of PVC. This insulation is designed to protect the conductors from damage and to prevent electrical leaks and short circuits. The choice of PVC as an insulating material is due to its excellent physical durability.

Features of PVC Insulated Cables

• Electrical Insulation: PVC provides excellent resistance to electricity, making it an ideal material for safeguarding against electrical hazards. Its insulating properties help maintain the integrity of the cables over a broad range of voltages.
• Chemical and Thermal Resistance: PVC is resistant to oils, chemicals, and water, making these cables suitable for use in a variety of environments, including those exposed to harsh chemical conditions. They can also withstand a wide range of temperatures without degrading. This feature is particularly important in applications where cables are exposed to varying climatic conditions.
• Durability and Flexibility: Despite its toughness, PVC remains flexible. This flexibility makes PVC cables easy to install, especially in tight spaces and around corners.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to other materials like rubber or Teflon, PVC is relatively inexpensive. This cost-effectiveness makes PVC insulated cables a preferred choice for many projects, balancing quality and budget considerations.

Advantages of Using PVC Insulated Cables

• Safety: The insulation prevents direct contact with the conductors, reducing the risk of electric shocks and fires.
• Longevity: PVC is not prone to rust or corrosion, which extends the life of the cables. This durability ensures that installations require less frequent replacements and maintenance, providing long-term reliability.
• Versatility: These cables can be used in a multitude of applications, from residential wiring to control cables in industrial machines. Their adaptability makes them an indispensable component in various fields.
• Ease of Installation: The inherent flexibility and durability of PVC insulated cables simplify the installation process. They can be easily bent and routed as needed in complex layouts without risking damage to the insulation.
• Environmentally Friendly: Recent advancements have led to the development of eco-friendly PVC that reduces environmental impact and enhances the recyclability of the cables.

PVC insulated cables are a robust, versatile, and economical choice for a wide array of electrical applications. From enhancing safety to providing reliable performance under challenging conditions, these cables offer a multitude of benefits that make them a go-to solution in the electrical industry. Whether for residential use or industrial applications, understanding the features and advantages of PVC insulated cables can help you make informed decisions for your wiring needs, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

Q1. Can PVC insulated cables be used outdoors?
PVC insulated cables can be used outdoors, but they require additional protection such as UV-resistant coatings or being placed in conduits to prevent degradation from sunlight and weather exposure. Direct exposure can cause the PVC to become brittle and crack over time.

Q2. Are PVC insulated cables suitable for underground installations?
PVC insulated cables are generally not suitable for underground installations due to their susceptibility to damage from moisture and soil chemicals. For underground installations, cables with additional protective layers like XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) insulation or armoured cables are recommended for enhanced durability and safety.

Q3. What is the maximum temperature rating of PVC insulated cables?
The maximum temperature rating for PVC insulated cables is typically around 70°C for continuous operation. However, it can tolerate short-term exposure to temperatures up to 160°C during overcurrent conditions.

Q4. How long do PVC insulated cables last?
PVC insulated cables can last for approximately 40 years. Their lifespan can be affected by factors such as environmental conditions, mechanical stress, and electrical load.

Q5. Are PVC insulated cables resistant to UV radiation?
PVC insulated cables generally have limited resistance to UV radiation and can degrade over time when exposed to direct sunlight. For applications requiring UV resistance, UV-stabilized or UV-resistant PVC or other materials like XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) are recommended.

Q6. Can PVC insulated cables be submerged in water?
PVC insulated cables can be submerged in water for short periods as they have good water resistance. However, prolonged submersion can lead to water ingress, which may cause insulation degradation and electrical failures. For long-term submersion, specially designed waterproof cables are recommended.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Control Cable.

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