What is the Difference Between XLPE and PVC in the Application？

XLPE the abbreviation of crosslinked polyethylene, is polyethylene (PE) generated by a crosslinking reaction, greatly improves the performance of polyethylene, a network structure, this structure has a strong resistance to deformation at high temperatures. It has the physical and chemical characteristics of temperature and pressure resistance. PVC is a polymer produced by free radical polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer. The application range is very broad.

What are the Advantages of XLPE and PVC？

Advantages of XLPE

1. XLPE has excellent electrical performance, and can effectively reduce the ground fault current. 

2. Small bending radius, easy to lay compared with other cables of the same type. 

3. It has good aging resistance, allowing XLPE cable to pass a large amount of current under normal operating temperature (90℃) and short circuit (250℃). 

4. Good acid and alkali resistance, can withstand corrosive liquid or acid rain corrosion. 

5. Has a strong creep resistance, will not reduce strength with the increase of use time, long service life. 

6. Excellent heat resistance. It will not decompose and carbonize below 300°C, the long-term operating temperature can reach 90°C, and the thermal life can reach 40 years.

Advantages of PVC

1. PVC has stable physical properties, insoluble in water, alcohol, and gas, with a certain corrosion resistance. 

2. Higher density, higher strength, improve safety and service life. 

3. The physical characteristics and texture are relatively uniform. 

4. Can be used with plasticizer or lubricant to expand the scope of use. 

5. Low manufacturing cost and cheaper price.

What are the Defects of XLPE Cables and PVC Cables in Use?

Defects of XLPE Cable

1. Not suitable for DC insulation, DC high voltage will reduce the insulation life. DC cables are mostly rubber-insulated. 

2. The insulation is related to its purity, and the high-voltage and ultra-high-voltage cables above 35KV should use cross-linked polyethylene with higher purity. 

3. After aging, partial discharge will produce subtle cracking, and if water or other liquid enters the medium in a humid environment, water branches will be formed, resulting in insulation defects.

Defects of PVC Cable

1. The density of PVC is higher, 1.5 times that of XLPE. 

2. The working temperature is low, and the normal working temperature is 70℃. 

3. Chlorides will be produced during production, and toxic gases will be produced during combustion, which is not conducive to protecting the environment. 

4. Affected by oxygen and ultraviolet light, it is easy to age 

5. Cold resistance is not high, easy to become brittle and crack at low temperatures, and not suitable for cold areas.

What are the Differences Between XLPE and PVC?

XLPE material and PVC material are the two most widely used insulation materials, understanding the difference between them can be a better judgment in product selection.

1. The current carrying capacity of crosslinked polyethylene cable is larger than that of polyvinyl chloride cable, and the current carrying capacity of crosslinked polyethylene cable under the same specification is increased by 30%, with a small surface area and high price. 

2. Different materials, the main material of crosslinked polyethylene is to cross-link polyethylene through chemical methods to improve heat resistance. 

3. The volume resistivity of the XLPE insulated power cable (20°C)≥ 1017Ω.cm, and the volume resistivity of the PVC insulated power cable (20°C)≥ 1014Ω.cm; The electrical strength of the cross-linked polyethylene insulated power cable is 30kV/mm, and the dielectric strength of the polyvinyl chloride insulated power cable is 20kV/mm. 

4. The corrosion resistance of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable is better than that of polyvinyl chloride, and the service time is longer. 

5. XLPE cable insulation is better than PVC insulation material because PVC will release toxic HCl smoke when burned. The ignition point of PVC is lower than 150 degrees, and the melting point of carbon black is lower than that of PVC.

XLPE and PVC Applications

Space Field

In the aerospace field, XLPE control power cables are a very important component. Crosslinked cable is widely used in satellites, space shuttles, rockets, and other aerospace equipment because of its high-temperature resistance, good fire resistance, strong radiation resistance, and other characteristics. For example, in avionics, cross-linked cables are used to transmit data, signals, etc., while in rocket propulsion systems, cross-linked cables undertake the important task of transmitting high-voltage electrical energy.

Rail Traffic

With the continuous development of urban rail transit, the requirements for cables are getting higher and higher. Due to its good fire resistance and excellent mechanical properties, crosslinked cable has become the preferred material for urban rail transit transmission and control cables. For example, the drive system, signal system, control system, and other aspects need to use cross-linked cables, which bear the important task of transmitting power and signals.

Electric Power Equipment

In power equipment and electrical installation, cross-linked cables are widely used in thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, wind farms, and other fields. Crosslinked cable has high insulation strength and low dielectric loss, which can ensure the stability and safety of power transmission. In addition, the cross-linked cable also has good corrosion resistance and rated voltage resistance and can adapt to complex environments and load changes.

Petrochemical Industry

Cross-linked cables are widely used in the field of petrochemical industry. For example, in oil refineries, chemical plants, natural gas plants, and other places, cross-linked cables are used to transport electrical energy, transmission signals, and other aspects. Due to the harsh environment in this field, cross-linked cables need to have excellent fire resistance, explosion resistance, and corrosion resistance.

Types of XLPE Cables and PVC Cables

Low and medium-voltage cross-linked cables, often used in residential buildings' power supply lines, can meet the daily use of the community, and can also be used for public facilities, such as billboards, street lights, and so on. This kind of cable adopts crosslinking technology, has the characteristics of high heat resistance, high tensile strength, etc., and can withstand a certain current load. 

High-voltage cross-linked cables are often used for power transmission and substations between power grids. It can carry large currents and high voltage and has strong anti-interference ability, which can ensure normal and stable work under the interference of electromagnetic fields. 

Aluminum copper conductor XLPE cable is mainly used in the chemical industry, machinery production, metallurgy, and other fields. 

XLPE Insulation Control Cable, often used in the connection between instruments and automation equipment, transfers electrical signals, to ensure the reliable operation of equipment.

 

 

ZMS is a manufacturer specializing in the cable industry, and its products comply with the standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the German Agency for Standardization of Electrical and Electronic Information Technology (VDE), and other standards. The main products are power cables, control cables, overhead cables, underwater cables, and so on. We can provide you with specialized cables according to your needs.