Imagine an industrial facility in full operation. Within the same complex, electrical power may travel through different voltage levels before reaching panels, motors, machines, and other equipment used in the operation.
In some sections, distribution takes place at low voltage, using cables designed to supply circuits and equipment. In others, especially when dealing with larger internal distribution systems, substations, and the supply of more significant loads, medium-voltage systems come into play.
This change in voltage level does not only affect the electrical capacity of the system. It also requires a different cable construction.
How is a low-voltage cable constructed?
At low voltage, a solution such as the Eproflex 90 0,6/1 kV combines characteristics focused on flexibility, safety, and ease of installation.
Its construction uses a flexible copper conductor, HEPR insulation, and a protective outer sheath. The insulation allows continuous operation at temperatures of up to 90 °C, an important characteristic for industrial applications where current-carrying capacity, operating temperature, and installation conditions must be considered during cable sizing.
Eproflex 90 can be used in power supply and distribution circuits and with different installation methods, such as trays, cable trays, channels, and conduits.
At this voltage level, the main function of the insulation is to prevent electrical contact between the energized conductor and the other elements of the installation, maintaining circuit performance and safety.
What changes when voltage increases?
When we move into medium voltage, the electrical behavior around the conductor becomes more critical.
Simply increasing the insulation thickness is not enough. The distribution of the electric field along the cable must be controlled more precisely.
For this reason, cables such as the Epronax Slim 105 feature a more complex construction.
In addition to the conductor and EPR insulation designed for operation at 105 °C, specific elements are introduced, such as semiconductive layers.
One of these layers is applied over the conductor and another over the insulation. These layers help make the electric field more uniform and prevent localized voltage concentrations that could increase stress on the insulation system.
What is the function of metallic shielding?
Another important difference in medium-voltage cables is the presence of metallic shielding.
In Epronax Slim 105, this shielding is formed by copper wires and is part of the system responsible for the cable’s electrical behavior and overall safety.
It helps keep the electric field confined within the cable structure and also contributes to the grounding system and the conduction of certain currents under specific operating or fault conditions.
After the shielding, the cable also receives separation layers and an outer sheath, which help protect the assembly against mechanical stresses and environmental conditions.
Why does the construction become more complex?
The answer lies in the voltage level itself.
At low voltage, the construction can be relatively simple: a conductor, insulation, and outer sheath already meet a large part of the application’s requirements.
At medium voltage, controlling the behavior of the electric field becomes essential. For this reason, specific layers are added to ensure that the insulation system operates properly throughout the cable’s service life.
This difference demonstrates why there is no single type of cable capable of meeting the requirements of every installation.
From low to medium voltage, every application requires the right solution
In an industrial plant, solutions such as Eproflex 90 may be used in low-voltage circuits responsible for power supply and distribution.
In medium-voltage sections, especially internal networks, substations, and distribution circuits, a solution such as Epronax Slim 105 incorporates more advanced construction features, including semiconductive layers and metallic shielding.
Therefore, selecting the right cable involves much more than considering only its nominal cross-sectional area.
Factors such as operating voltage, electrical current, temperature, installation method, environmental conditions, mechanical stresses, and system characteristics must be evaluated.
Understanding how cable construction changes from low to medium voltage helps designers, installers, and maintenance professionals understand why each application requires a specific solution.
At Induscabos, product lines such as Eproflex 90 and Epronax Slim 105 serve different stages of power distribution, with constructions developed to meet the requirements of each voltage level.
Need to specify low- or medium-voltage cables with technical confidence?
Choosing the right cable directly influences system reliability, equipment protection, and the performance of the industrial installation. If your project requires precise specification for low voltage or more complex applications, Induscabos can support your needs with a focus on the B2B market and proper cable selection for each application.
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