Translation


+86-371-67829333

Nūhou

The Most Complete Explanation Of The Types Of Wire Insulation And Their Applications

What is insulation?

The cable insulation is an important part of any cable. It is made of a non-conductive material that covers the wire. It is also known as electrical insulation.
The purpose of insulation is to separate the current from the rest of the cable, keeping it inside the wire and preventing it from entering the surrounding environment.
At the same time, the insulation protects the wire from the harsh conditions in the installation environment and ensures its proper operation.
Insulation can be made of different materials, depending on the wire’s target application.
But overall, plastic, rubber, and fluoropolymers are the most common types of wire insulation.

Plastic Insulation

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride is resistant to moisture, fire, and abrasion and can be used in many environments. ʻo kahi laʻana, acids, solvents, and ozone.
PVC insulated cables also have no taste or odor, so they are not toxic. The allowable temperature range for this material is -55°C to 105°C.

Semi-Rigid (SR) PVC

SR-PVC has similar resistance characteristics to PVC insulation, but this material is better when maximum abrasion resistance is a priority.

Leaded PVC

Plenum PVC is also made of PVC, but is best suited for installation in interior areas with air circulation, such as raised floors or dropped ceilings.

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene is a rigid material used when high transmission speeds and low capacitance are required.
Polyethylene is also the preferred choice for coaxial cable insulation. This material is resistant to soldering, cracking, and solvents, and operates at temperatures between -65°C and 80°C.
XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) insulation is a common subtype of polyethylene insulation.

Polypropylene (PP)

PP has similar properties to PE but is mainly used in indoor environments. The allowable temperature range for this insulation is 30°C to 80°C.

Polyurethane (PUR)

PUR is a flexible material mainly used for cables in low-temperature and marine environments. It is resistant to moisture, chemicals, and abrasion and has an operating temperature range of -60°C to 90°C.

Rubber Insulation

Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR)

TPR is resistant to high temperatures and harsh weather conditions and is the best choice when high processing speeds are required.

Neoprene (Polychloroprene)

Neoprene is resistant to abrasion, oil, and solvents. This insulating material makes wires durable.

Ethylene-Propylene Rubber (EPR)

EPR is widely used in high-voltage cables – it is flexible and resistant to most irritants. the allowable temperature range for EPR cable insulation is -50°C to 160°C.

Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM)

EPDM is resistant to harsh weather conditions, heat and abrasion, as well as being a strong dielectric and flexible. Its operating temperature range is -55°C- to 50°C.

Silicone

Silicone is a widely used flexible synthetic rubber insulation material. This material is particularly useful in high-heat areas as it can withstand temperatures of up to 180°C.

Fiberglass

Glass fiber is resistant to moisture and chemicals.
This glass insulation has a maximum operating temperature of 482°C and is often used in kilns, aluminum processing, and heat treatment.

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)

SBR has similar properties to neoprene but is mainly used in Mil-C-55668 cable.

Fluoropolymer Insulation Materials

Perfluorinated alkoxy (PFA)

PFA is a robust and, therefore, durable insulating material that can be used in extreme temperatures (from -65°C to 250°C).

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Polytetrafluoroethylene is a flexible thermoplastic material that is heat, oil, moisture, and chemical resistant.
The allowable temperature range for this material is -70°C to 205°C.

Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP)

FEP is typically used in down jackets and military cables due to its high flame resistance and excellent data transmission capabilities.

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)

PVDF is also known as Kynar – it is resistant to most irritants, including flame. It is also flexible and not heavy, which makes it well suited for airy indoor environments.

Choosing the right cable insulation

The type of insulation you choose depends on the application scenario of your cable. At Veri Cables, we have various types of cables with aluminum and copper conductor insulation. ʻo kahi laʻana, some of our most popular products are low-voltage aluminum wires with PVC insulation and copper medium and high voltage cables with XLPE insulation. Contact us to get our latest catalog, see more products and find the wire and cable you need for your project.

ZMS Cable F

Recent Posts

Strong Demand Trend for Medical Fiber Optics Market in Europe

The European medical industry has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, driven by the integration

3 weeks ago

What Industry Cables Are Used in a Rocket Launch from Start to Finish?

The successful launch of a rocket involves one of the most complex engineering feats imaginable,…

1 month ago

What Fiber Optic Materials Are Used to Produce a Fiber Optic Cable?

Fiber optic cables have become the backbone of modern telecommunications, offering high-speed data transmission over

1 month ago

How Many Cores are the High Voltage Copper Cables Normally? What Are the Applications?

High voltage copper cables are essential components in the distribution and transmission of electrical power,…

2 months ago

What Are the High Voltage Lines Used in the Railroad System?

Railroad high voltage lines play a vital role in powering the railway systems that transport

3 months ago

What is the Difference Between Single-Mode and Multimode Fiber Optic Cables?

Fiber optic cables are critical components in modern communication networks, enabling high-speed data transmission over

3 months ago