What properties should cable insulation have?

I have several different insulated cables types and would like to know some of their common characteristics.
about me
Richard Zi is the General Manager of ZW Cable and expert in cable industry for over 15 years. I would like to share my experience in cable field. ZW Cable is leading Chinese cable manufacturer. We can choose right size cable and solve all your cable problem. If you have any question, please feel free to contact me. I will try my best to give your cable solutions.

Learning electrical cable insulation characteristics is paramount in ensuring reliable and safe electrical connections. Regardless of the type of cable insulation, it shall have the following main properties:

  1. High breakdown strength: This refers to the ability of cable insulating material to withstand high voltage levels without experiencing electrical breakdown or discharge. High breakdown strength prevents arcing and ensures that the electrical wire can withstand voltage fluctuations.
  2. Low dielectric loss: Dielectric loss, usually measured in terms of dielectric constant or dissipation factor, indicates how efficiently an insulating material stores and releases electrical energy. Low dielectric loss is critical to minimizing energy waste and maintaining electrical efficiency.
  3. High insulation resistance:  This refers to the property of an insulating material to offer significant resistance to the flow of electrical current, minimizing current leakage and maintaining effective electrical insulation.
  4. Excellent discharge resistance: This means that insulation is able to withstand and resist various forms of discharges, such as partial or corona discharges, which is critical to maintaining the integrity and safety of an electrical system, especially in high-voltage applications.
  5. Certain flexibility and mechanical strength: Cable insulation should be flexible to accommodate bending and movement without cracking and have some mechanical strength to protect the conductors, maintaining the integrity of the cable.
  6. Long-term stability: Insulation would degrade due to a variety of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and chemical exposure, long-term stability is key to maintaining electrical and mechanical capabilities over the life of the electrical cable.

Regular cable insulation test is essential to extend the service life of cables. In addition, using heat shrink tube is also an effective cable insulation and protection solution, providing an extra layer of safety and reliability in a variety of electrical and electronic applications.

 

Browse More Content

why you can trust centralwires

Centralwires is leading Chinese cable manufacturer. We can choose right size cable and solve all your cable problem. Get A Quick Quote Now

What Others Asking

Scroll to Top
Get in touch with us today and see how we can help you reach your goals!