XLPE or Cross-linked polyethylene is a thermoset insulation material. Crosslinking polymers is a process which changes the molecular structure of the polymer chains so that they are more tightly bound together and this crosslinking is done either by chemical means or physical means.
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What is the difference between PVC and XLPE?
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride insulation. The main difference between the two is that XLPE can be used for both high and low tension applications. Its structure provides great resistance to abrasion, stress, and other wear and tear.
Where is XLPE cable used?
XLPE cable is made suitable for high voltage and extra high voltage application puto 132 kV. This cable can be used for long cable routes in high voltage transmission where the dielectric losses play a major role. This cable can easily be hadled due to lighter in weight than any other high voltage cable.
What does XLPE cable mean?
cross linked polyethylene
XLPE is an acronym for cross linked polyethylene. XLPE is a thermosetting polymer meaning that the material (polyethylene (PE)) is cured under heat and in that process forms bonds in all directions forming a three dimensional matrix. Within this XLPE matrix there is space between the individual molecules.
What is XLPE made of?
Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is a thermosetting resin with three types of cross-linking: peroxide cross-linking, radiation cross-linking, and silane cross-linking. The polymer can be effectively recycled if only the cross-linking points are decomposed.
Is XLPE waterproof?
In order to prevent the penetration of moisture and also to extend the duration of life, the XLPE insulated medium voltage cables are designed with longitudinally waterproof shielding including an additional swell tape and PE outer jacket.
What cable is better PVC or XLPE?
Water Proof Performance in Application Environment: PVC insulated cable is better than the XLPE insulated cable. Environment Protection aspect: For XLPE is not containing chlorine which will release toxic gases once burn, so XLPE insulated Cable is environment friendly compared with PVC insulated Cable.
How can you tell an XLPE cable?
So let’s see the differences in the following aspects:
- Maximum working temperature of conductor: PVC insulated Cable is 70 Centigrade, XLPE insulated Cable is 90 Centigrade.
- Maximum short (lasting less than 5 seconds) temperature: PVC insulated Cable is 160 Centigrade, XLPE insulated Cable is 250 Centigrade.
Is XLPE cable double insulated?
They are XLPE insulated with a semi conductive layer and copper wire screen, various sheath options are available including PVC only or HDPE/PVC.
What are the specific advantages of PVC and XLPE insulation?
XLPE provides greater tensile strength, elongation and impact resistances compared with PVC. This cross linking process also enhances the material’s resistance to oil and chemicals even at elevated temperature; this makes XLPE a popular pick as insulation for LSZH Flame Retardant or Fire Resistant cables.
Is XLPE fire retardant?
In such applications, flame-retardant additives are introduced in a fully formulated composition. Common applications requiring flame-retardant (FR) XLPE include building and construction, military, shipboard and other transportation, electronics and appliances.
Is XLPE cable flexible?
Application: Flexible single core cables, low smoke zero halogen, low toxic and corrosive emission, flame retardant; Suitble for mains. Independently tested and certified to IEC 60332-3 and BS6387.
Is XLPE a plastic?
Both linear polyethylene and XLPE tanks are made with heated resins to create a cured plastic. However, the differences in their production create very different polyethylenes with very different structural strength. Cross-linking is simply the formation of bonds between the polymer chains.
What is the melting point of XLPE?
With the increase of temperature, the characteristic peaks shift to small degree slightly, and the area corresponding to the amorphous phase (18°–19°) increases gradually. XLPE shows no obvious crystallization peak at 130 °C, indicating that XLPE has completely melted at this temperature.
Can XLPE cable be buried?
Excellent heat, ozone, oil and chemical resistance. Resistant to tear and abrasion. Suitable for direct burial.
Is XLPE cable UV resistant?
XLPE requires protection from UV but if the cores are inside the cable they are protected. The oversheath is usually UV safe. If XLPE cables are terminated out doors the cores should be oversleaved to protect them.
What is tree retardant XLPE?
Additive tree-retardant crosslinked polyethylene (TR-XLPE) has been utilized as medium-voltage power cable insulation for over 25 years, and has been recognized for excellent performance in retention of breakdown strength in both accelerated aging and field-service conditions.
Is XLP and XLPE the same?
CROSS-LINKED POLYETHYLENE(XLP) is a material which has greater resistance to environmental stress cracking, cut-through, ozone, solvents and soldering than either low or high density polyethylene. Sometimes designated as XLPE. Can be cross-linked either chemically or irradiated.
Is XLPE the same as XHHW?
XHHW is an alphabetism or initialism which stands for “XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) High Heat-resistant Water-resistant.” XHHW is a designation for a specific insulation material, temperature rating, and condition of use (suitable for wet locations) for electrical wire and cable.
What type of cable is fire grade?
Fire resistant or fire rated cables are designed to maintain circuit integrity and continue to work for a specified period of time under defined conditions. The distinction between the two is crucial when it comes to maintaining critical circuits required for life safety or for a safe and immediate plant shutdown.
Is XLPE halogen free?
XLPE Cable Advantages:
Does not contain chlorine nor release toxic gases. Halogen-free.