XLPE Vs PVC Cable

XLPE Cable
XLPE stands for Cross linked Polyethylene Cables 

In XLPE cross linking of polymer is done. Due to cross linking of polymers the molecular structure of polymers is changed and molecules are more tightly bound to gatherer. which provide better insulating property and more Resistant to heat. The cross linking can is done by adding a cross linking agent polyethylene(PE) polymer.  

PVC Cable

PVC Stands for Polyvinyl chloride cable. In PVC cables, the Insulating material is Poly Vinyl chloride. PVC is  made of normal polyvinyl chloride polymers. No Cross linking is done in PVC material. The bonding between molecules of PVC is not so stronger as XLPE.

Applications 

XLPE cable

XLPE cable are suitable for both HT and LT applications. They also can be used for extreme temperature conditions (Very Low and Very High temperature). These XLPE cables are not much affected by chemical, water and other hazardous substances which may present in surrounding atmosphere. XLPE cable can withstand  more mechanical stress as compared the PVC cables.

PVC cable

PVC Cables are suitable for LT applications. PVC cable are not suitable for extreme high  and low Temperature Conditions. These cables are comparatively low resistant to chemical  hazardous Material and  mechanical stress.

Current carrying capacity

XLPE cable

XLPE cable have Higher Current carrying capacity and they provide Longer service life  compared to PVC cables. Under short circuit condition XLPE cable can withstand up to  250 °C.

PVC Cables

PVC cable have lower current rating as compared XLPE cables. The Cable can Withstand up to 160°C under short Circuit Condition.

Long term working temperature

XLPE cable

The Long term working temperature of XLPE cable is very good.The long term working temperature of XLPE cable is around 90°C. The Expected Lifetime of XLPE cable is between 40 to 60 years at 90°C working temperature.

PVC cable

The maximum Working temperature of PVC cable is around 70 °C. Expected life time of Good  PVC cable is  around 20 years at maximum working temperature.

Overload conductor operating temperature

XLPE cable

The maximum overload conductor operating temperature of XLPE    cable is 130°C(Maximum emergency overload temperature shall not exceed 100 hours per year.)

PVC cable

Maximum overload conductor operating temperature is 90°C. 

Short circuit temperature

XLPE cable

The highest working short circuit temperature of XLPE cables is 250 °C

PVC cable

The Highest working short circuit temperature of PVC cable is 160°C.

Dielectric Constant

XLPE cables

XLPE cables has lower dielectric constant which make sure great insulation between wires or cores of cable. The dielectric constant of XLPE cable is 2.3 only.

PVC cables

The dielectric constant property of PVC cables are not so good as compared to XLPE cables. The Dielectric constant of PVC cable is 60.