PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, it is widely used in the building and construction industry in a variety of applications such as piping, tubing, wire and cable insulation.
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PVC is one of the most common thermoplastics because it can be so easily moulded. Thermoplastics are softened by heating and can be shaped &#; their shape is retained or frozen in, through cooling. Thermoplastics can be reused and recycled, and so the process can be repeated again and again.
PVC can be formulated to make it more robust, durable and resistant to mechanical problems including abrasion. PVC is also resistant to a wide range of chemicals. The infusion of additives by experts in the material can improve its temperature stability range, resistance to sunlight and its resistance to water. Additionally, PVC insulation or sheathing can be made to have limited flame retardant properties &#; an important feature for electrical cables in most applications.
As well as being cost-effective, PVC cable features excellent ageing properties. Cables with PVC insulation or sheathing often exceeds its 25-30 year service life.
What&#;s the difference between PVC and XLPE? PVC is a thermoplastic, which has a maximum working temperature of 70°C. This is the requirement for standard building cables. XLPE stands for cross-linked polyethylene and is a thermoset material, which has a higher working temperature of 90°C. XLPE cables can be run at higher temperature and allows more current or Amps.
A lot of everyday tasks such as washing our clothes and watching TV, would not be possible without cables insulated or sheathed with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The material was first discovered by German chemist Eugen Baumann in the late s when PVC accidentally appeared as a white and brittle solid inside a flask of vinyl chloride that had been exposed to sunlight. Despite its early discovery, PVC was not widely used commercially until the s, when it was originally used as a synthetic replacement for natural rubber, which was becoming expensive.
Plasticisers were incorporated into the base material PVC to help it become more stable, pliable and less brittle. A plasticiser is a low-volatility liquid or solid substance, which reduces melt viscosity during processing. Plasticisers embed themselves between chains of polymers, spacing them apart. This reduces the glass transition temperature and makes the plastic softer &#; making it more flexible, easier to shape and reduce friction on its surface.
The electrical industry began to use PVC insulation and sheathing on electrical cables in the late s and early s to replace rubber insulation and sheathing. PVC was found to be more practical, and versatile and could be produced in quantity as required. Millions of homes in the UK have been wired in PVC insulated and sheathed cables &#;providing a cost-effective installation and good service.
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The copper conductor is fed into an extruder, where it is coated in PVC to the required thickness. Prysmian designs different formulations, depending on the type of PVC cable. This is because it is an effective material for electrical and physical protection. For example, it is perfect for insulating and sheathing Prysmian Twin and Earth cable. It is worth noting that the compounds Prysmian use for the sheathing, are different from the compounds used in the insulation.
Prysmian T&E cables meet British Standard BS , which specifies the requirements and test methods for the construction and performance of cables that have PVC insulation of rated voltage 300/500 V. Prysmian twin and earth is ideal for both ring, radial and spur circuits for lighting, power and switching circuits. Prysmian are the experts when it comes to the design and manufacture of twin and earth cable. Our cables are manufactured in the UK and can be relied upon to deliver high quality cables that are readily available across the UK.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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