You may find PVC cables ubiquitous in modern infrastructures. From powering domestic appliances to enabling large-scale industrial operations, these versatile cables are essential. Imagine a world without reliable wires – inefficient and full of safety hazards.
In our blog content below, we’ll explore the benefits of PVC jacket cables, their applications and a comparison of different jacketing materials. By understanding these key factors, you can make informed decisions to optimize performance and safety for your electrical needs.
What is PVC cable?
PVC cables meaning in electrical refer to cables that use polyvinyl chloride as an insulating material. Polyvinyl chloride is a versatile thermoplastic polymer known for its excellent properties that make it widely used in electrical cables. Notable for its durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, PVC stands out as an ideal choice for insulation.
PVC Cable-Basic Features
- PVC provides excellent low voltage insulation to ensure the safety and reliability of electrical systems.
- PVC coated cables are available in two voltage types: 450/750V 300/500 V.
- The conductors can be described as solid or stranded.
- You can find the conductor material in copper wire or tinned copper.
- The major standards that PVC follows include- BS EN 50525-2-11, AS/NZS 5000.2, and IEC 60227.
- The main types of PVC cables are Single-Core PVC Cables, Multi-core PVC Cables, PVC flexible cables and PVC armored cables.
PVC cables-Key Advantages
- Easy to install and handle
PVC cables are highly flexible and therefore easy to install and handle. It works effortlessly even in tight spaces.
- Better flame retardant properties
Safety always comes first with PVC wires. Cables are self-extinguishing and meet the highest safety standards. Cables will not easily catch fire or spread, providing additional protection in environments ranging from residential to commercial buildings.
- High environmental friendliness
PVC cables are recyclable and contain no harmful chemicals. With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, it is more important for all types of products to keep pace. PVC sheathed cables are produced using eco-conscious materials and processes, which helps to achieve sustainable development in the production process.
- Resistant to high temperature
PVC insulated cables have excellent dielectric strength. They can withstand high electric fields without compromising on their insulating properties. As a result, they are highly resistant to extreme temperatures and can perform in a variety of challenging environments.
- Versatile use
The versatility and different types of PVC cables have brought about a wide range of applications in various industries. Whether it’s for home renovations, industrial projects or commercial installations, these cables meet a variety of electrical needs.
So let’s take a detailed look at what are the applications of PVC cables?
PVC cable–broad applications
PVC cables are usually the object of choice for most people thus seeing the breadth of coverage of the use, we can commonly from the following four areas:
- Residential wiring
PVC cables are most commonly used for residential wiring. They are a suitable choice for electrical installations such as home lighting, power outlets and household appliances.
e.g. a typical home might use polyvinyl chloride wires to connect light fixtures in the living room or to power kitchen appliances such as refrigerators and microwave ovens. The insulating properties of PVC increase safety by preventing electric shocks and fire hazards.
- Commercial buildings
In commercial buildings such as offices, shopping centers and hotels, PVC cables play a vital role in supplying power to a variety of electrical systems. The versatility of cable PVC is beneficial in managing the complex electrical needs of large commercial spaces.
e.g. PVC cables are used to support the electrical network of an office building. Essential services are reliably supplied with electricity.
- Industrial applications
Industries often require cables that can withstand harsh conditions, and PVC for wires fulfill these requirements with their superior durability, chemical resistance and oil resistance. In industrial environments, PVC cables power machinery, control systems and data transmission.
e.g. In manufacturing plants, PVC cabling is used to connect automated assembly lines, ensuring that production processes run smoothly while withstanding the rigors of the industrial environment.
- Underground cabling
PVC cables are also preferred for underground cabling because of their excellent insulation, moisture resistance and corrosion resistance. They are used to transmit power from substations to various end-users including residential, commercial and industrial areas.
e.g. The use of polyvinyl chloride cables for underground distribution in urban areas, for example, ensures a stable and reliable power supply while minimizing the risk of physical damage and environmental exposure.
Please follow us as we look at the different sheathing materials so that we can pick the right one for you!
More jacket material comparisons
PVC Cable VS PUR Cable
Read more about the comparison of polyurethane cable jackets: PUR Cable: Benefits And Differences
Both PVC cable jacket and PUR cable material are flexible and durable thermoplastics, but what are the differences in performance?
Chemical resistance and environment:
PVC cables have excellent resistance to heat, oil, moisture, abrasion and common cleaning agents, making them ideal for chemical washdown applications, especially in the food industry. In contrast, PUR cable jackets have excellent resistance to oil and other harsh chemicals, but do not have the same heat resistance as PVC.
Flexibility and applications:
PVC electrical cables are rigid and durable in high-temperature, high-pressure washdown environments, but they can crack in cold temperatures; Polyurethane cables are highly flexible with a small bend radius. So PUR jacket cables are perfect for applications like robotics and medical equipment that require frequent movement. Additionally, they remain flexible even in colder conditions.
In addition, we focus on another commonly used insulating material in the cable industry-XLPE
PVC Cable VS XLPE Cable
Operating Temperature – While PVC wire insulation temperature rating is up to 70°C, XLPE insulation can handle higher temperatures up to 90°C. As a result, XLPE cables can withstand higher current loads than PVC cables with the same conductor size.
Material Durability – XLPE is a stronger material due to its cross-linking process. It has higher tensile strength, elongation and impact resistance as compared to PVC.
Chemical Resistance – The cross-linking in XLPE increases its resistance to oils, chemicals and environmental stress cracking (ESC), even at high temperatures. In contrast, PVC has limited resistance to these factors.
Installation Flexibility – PVC cables have a small bend radius and are easier to install in tight spaces. While XLPE is more durable, it may not provide the same flexibility during installation.
Range of applications – PVC cables are mainly used in general low voltage applications where they provide cost effective electrical and physical protection. XLPE cables have superior thermal and mechanical properties. They are widely used in more demanding applications, including LSZH flame retardant and fire resistant cables, as well as medium and high voltage applications.
Conclusion-Manufacturer Selection
Above we have learned more about the versatility of PVC cables and the different sheath materials. So when it comes to choosing the right product and brand for your purchase, ZW Cable as a leading manufacturer offers a wide range of low and medium voltage series cables to best meet your needs.
Do you want to buy high quality PVC cables at competitive prices? ZW cable welcomes your inquiry.
