Distinguish Power Cables By Different Types

By voltage level

According to the voltage level, it can be divided into medium and low voltage power cables (35kV and below), high voltage cables (above 110kV), extra high voltage cables (275-800kV), and extra high voltage cables (above 1000kV). In addition, it can also be divided into AC cables and DC cables according to the current system.

by insulating material

1. Oil-impregnated paper-insulated power cables are power cables insulated with oil-impregnated paper. Its application history is the longest. Safe and reliable, long service life, and low price. The main disadvantage is that the laying is limited by the drop. Since the development of non-dripping paper-impregnated insulation, the problem of drop limit has been solved, so that oil-impregnated paper-insulated cables can continue to be widely used.

2. Plastic insulated power cables The insulation layer is extruded plastic power cables. Commonly used plastics are polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and cross-linked polyethylene. The plastic cable has a simple structure, convenient manufacturing and processing, is lightweight, convenient for laying, and installation, and is not limited by laying drop. Therefore, it is widely used as medium and low-voltage cables and has a tendency to replace viscous-impregnated oil-paper cables. Its biggest disadvantage is the presence of dendrite breakdown, which limits its use at higher voltages.

3. Rubber-insulated power cable The insulating layer is made of rubber plus various compounding agents. After fully mixed, extruded, and wrapped on the conductive wire core, heated, and vulcanized to shape. Soft and flexible for frequent movements and small bend radii.

Commonly used rubber materials for the insulation include natural rubber-styrene-butadiene rubber mixtures, ethylene-propylene rubber, and butyl rubber.

By voltage level

1. Low-voltage cables: suitable for fixed laying on transmission and distribution lines with AC 50Hz, rated voltage 3kv, and below for power transmission.

2. Medium and low voltage cables: (generally refer to 35KV and below): PVC insulated cables, polyethylene insulated cables, XLPE insulated cables, etc.

3. High-voltage cables: (generally 110KV and above): polyethylene cables, XLPE insulated cables, etc.

4. UHV cables: (275-800KV).

5. UHV cables: (1000KV and above).