PVC Cable Vs XLPE Cable

XLPE cable is produced through a process of vulcanisation or cross-linking of molecules, that results in changes to the structure of the materials which produce XLPE wire.  This molecular structural change gives XLPE electrical cable superior electrically conductive qualities. When you compare XLPE vs PVC cable, several immediate factors stand out:

1. Longevity: Compared to a PVC cable, an XLPE power cable has a much longer service life. That’s primarily because of the strengthening qualities that the Cross-linked Polyethylene process creates.
2. Power rating: Secondly, and more importantly, an XLPE table inherits qualities, during the production process, that makes it eligible for higher rated current applications.
3. Heat resistance: When we compare XLPE vs PVC cable for heat resistance, an XLPE power cable can typically stand up to 260o Compared to that, a PVC cable can withstand maximum temperatures of 160oC. So, when it comes to high-power transmission projects, this would make an XLPE insulated cable a more suitable product compared to an equivalent PVC cable.
4. Also, XLPE cable means a cable that has better tensile strength, impact resistance and elongation qualities than PVC cables.

Compared head-to-head, and depending on an equivalent PVC and XLPE insulated power cable specification, if there is a short-circuit situation in the application, the XLPE wire is better able to handle the condition than PVC cable.  Also, when reviewing XLPE vs PVC cable, the high corrosion resistance quality of XLPE cable, in comparison to PVC wire, is yet another differentiator between the two.

Finally, using an XLPE cable means that the application is more moisture resistant than if a PVC cable is used. In fact, XLPE electrical cable has more than 100-times moisture resistance capacity than a PVC cable of equivalent specifications.