INTRODUCTION

Low voltage cables are most widely used among all cables. Low voltage power cables are used in electric power distribution and control cables carry signals from electrical devices, switchgears, etc to control room. LT Cables or Low Tension XLPE Cables are defined as per IS 7098 Part I having voltage grade up to 1.1kv. Cables of similar voltage range are also defined as LV Cables or Low Voltage PVC Cables as per IEC-60502 part 1 and BS-5467

XLPE insulated cables are generally manufactured up to 1000 sqmm(Single Core) and 630sqmm(Multi Core) conforming to IS, IEC & BS standards.

The XLPE insulated cables were introduced worldwide in mid sixties. These cables have overcome the limitations of PVC Insulated Cables such as thermal degradation, poor moisture resistant and thermoplastic in nature.

The advantages of XLPE Insulated cables in comparison to PVC insulated cables are as under:

Technical Advantage

• Higher current rating, higher Short Circuit Rating Approx 1.2 times that of PVC.
• Thermosetting in nature.
• Higher insulation resistance-1000 times more than PVC cables.
• Higher resistance to moisture.
• Better Resistance to surge currents.
• Low Dielectric Losses.
• Better resistance to chemicals.
• Longer service life.
• Comparatively higher cable operation temperature 90°C and short circuit temperature 250°C.