Different Types of Voltage Cables Available: A Comparison 

Is everyone aware of the fact that how many voltage cables & their different types are important in any electrical system? Well, if not, then here is the detailed blog in which we will let everyone know about all these different things in detail. Not only this, but through this post, everyone will even get to know how aluminum armored cable is one of these different available options.

So, let’s have a look & learn more:

1. Low Voltage Cables

Overview:
Low-voltage (LV) power lines are the “low voltage” types of cables, which are used in power distribution with a voltage of up to 1,000 volts (1 kV). The European Union provided the majority of these, specifically in residential buildings and offices that contain electrical devices and lighting systems.

Types of Low Voltage Cables:

• PVC Insulated Cables: These cables have PVC insulation, which is the most widely used type of LV cable in the world (polyvinyl chloride). PVC is a well-known material that is very cheap and durable, resistant to wetness, and has a long life span. Despite its advantages, PVC is not suitable for extreme hot and cold weather because its properties deteriorate with time.
• XLPE Insulated Cables: Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) insulation is preferred in LV cables when it is mandatory that the cables will be able to function even in high-temperature environments. XLPE wires can perform better in high-temperature conditions than PVC options, which is an advantage for industrial sites where heat is really a critical factor.
• Armored Cables: These are the cables that have a superfluous outer coating of steel wire armour, which guarantees mechanical protection. Armoured LV cables are usually found in underground installations or in regions where the cable could easily be damaged by physical interventions.

Applications:

1. Wiring of houses and apartments
2. Power distribution in commercial structures
3. Hooking up industrial devices
4. Underground electricity distribution

2. Medium-Voltage Cables

Overview:
Medium-voltage (MV) cables are used for power transmission and distribution in the range of 1 kV to 35 kV. These cables are normally used in utility networks, industrial facilities, and large commercial complexes.

Types of Medium Voltage Cables:

1. EPR Insulated Cables: Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) insulation provides excellent flexibility and resistance to moisture and chemicals. EPR is widely used in places where conditions are dangerous and harmful.
2. Armoured MV Cables: The sheath of these cables is reinforced for higher resistance to mechanical stress; hence, they can be directly buried or installed in places where they may be subjected to physical damage.

Applications:

• Power distribution in industrial plants
• Substations and utility networks
• Large commercial buildings
• Renewable energy projects like wind and solar farms

3. High Voltage Cables

Overview:
HV Cable. Electric cables for high voltage (HV) are made for voltages that are higher than 35 kV. High-voltage cables are the vital link in the connection of electricity from the electrical power plants to the substations. Specialized HV cables are designed to manage large quantities of electrical energy without significant loss.

Types of High-Voltage Cables:

1. Gas-Insulated Lines (GIL): GIL is specialized HV cables that utilize a gas (e.g. sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)) as the insulating medium. GIL systems are extremely efficient and are used in situations where traditional cables may not be used, for example, in heavily populated regions of cities or hilly areas.
2. Oil-Filled Cables: These HV cables are stimulated with oil, which serves as an insulating and cooling medium. Once upon a time, when environmental concerns were not so prevalent, oil-filled cables were the common way of doing business. However, oil-filled cables are still used for specific power transmission applications where long-distance transmission is required.

Applications:

• Transmission of electricity from power stations to substations
• Large-scale industrial operations
• Interconnection of national power grids
• Offshore and underwater power transmission

4. Extra-High Voltage Cables

Overview:
EHV cables are used for voltages beyond 200 kV, and they are characterized by their high capacity for the transmission of electricity over a long distance. EHV cables, which are of highly specialized type, need the application of exact engineering to ensure efficiency and safety.

Types of Extra-High Voltage Cables:

1. XLPE Insulated EHV Cables: These cables ensure the electric insulation of a very high voltage, and at the same time, the insulation properties are preserved. XLPE insulation is used because it is very strong and can tolerate the thermal and electrical stress associated with an EHV transmission line.
2. GIL (Gas-Insulated Lines): GIL is similar to the case of HV cables, but EHV applications involve space limitations or environmental issues. Thus, traditional cable systems are not suitable. GIL systems are known for their excellent performance concerning both efficiency and reliability.

Applications:

• Long-distance transmission from remote power generation sites to urban areas
• Interconnection of national and international power grids
• HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) transmission systems
• Submarine power cables for offshore wind farms

Comparison of Voltage Cable Types

To summarize, the choice of voltage cable depends largely on the specific application, the environmental conditions, and the required voltage levels. Here’s a quick comparison of the different types:

Conclusion

The details about the different types of voltage cables give everyone the idea that everyone should know about these to know how & where they should utilize them to have profitable output. But if you still feel like taking more information before coming to a decision, then you can get in touch with our professionals now, as they will help you in all possible ways.

Also Read: Which Different Types of Cable Your House Needs? Have a Look!