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Do you know the function of insulation and the difference between PVC, HERP and XLPE?

Do you know the function of insulation and the difference between PVC, HERP and XLPE?

The function of insulation is to confine electrical charges within the conductor, guiding them directly to the point of use (electrical equipment). Any failure in the insulation will create a path for the charges to escape from the conductor, causing a short circuit in the electrical system, as the current will find a path of lower electrical resistance than the conductor itself.

The main difference between insulating materials is the temperature they can withstand without degrading.

PVC is a thermoplastic material, as it softens when heated but retains its physical characteristics, with a normal operating temperature of up to 70°C on the conductor.

XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) and HEPR (ethylene-propylene rubber) are materials that have undergone a vulcanization (cross-linking) process, making them thermosetting. They do not soften with heat and can withstand higher operating temperatures, up to 90°C. In medium voltage applications, cables insulated with EPR 105 can handle temperatures of 105°C under normal operation.

The advantages of cables with thermosetting insulation are that they can carry more current than cables of the same cross-section with thermoplastic insulation. This is why you no longer find 1 kV cables insulated with PVC on the market. They have been replaced by cables insulated with HEPR, such as the Eproflex 90 from Induscabos.

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