Dec 28,2021

Classification Of Electrical Cables Based On Their Voltage

The use of electrical cables is pretty much known to all of us; they are just used to connect two or more electrical devices to enable them to send power signals to each other. Any power transmission is done through electrical cables, whether indoor or outdoor. As simple as their use sounds, they become complicated with each type. They are not like wires. A wire is made of only a single electrical conductor, whereas a cable is made of multiple wires itself; you see a big difference here. Cables are much more complicated than wires. All cables are used for the same purpose, but there is still a vast difference between one electrical cable and the other. The difference is mainly their voltage, structure, coating, insulation, material, and similar things. We can classify electrical cables based on their voltage to understand the differences and similarities that exist between electrical cables. 

Low Voltage Electrical Cables:

Electrical cables up to 750 volts to 1000 volts are classified as low voltage electrical cables. Any Electric Cable Distributor might classify low voltage cables as two, one up to 750v and the other up to 1000v, but you should not be confused; both are collectively low voltage cables. These electrical cables are used for a variety of applications. Their coatings are usually thermoplastic and thermoset coatings. These cables are included in this category:

·         Cables that are used for electric panels are low voltage cables. They are perfect for domestic uses like wiring the cabinets, installing in public places, switchboards, small appliances, etc.

·         Power cables are also low voltage cables used for industrial use and in public places. These power cables are usually used in applications that involve low voltage connections for power transmission. 

·         Armoured cables are also low voltage cables and are designed specifically to be used where there is a risk of mechanical aggression and fire. These cables are reinforced with aluminum or steel; therefore, they are called armored cables.   

·         Rubber cables are also low voltage cables and are installed for industrial connections and mobile service. 

·         Halogen-free cables are also low voltage cables and are suitable for the case of fire as they lower the emission of smoke and corrosive gas. These cables can be used for all public and individual places.

·         Fire-resistant cables are made to be used in case of extreme fires as they remain unaffected by any such thing. 

·         Control cables are also low voltage cables used for fixed or mobile connections.  

·         Instrumentation cables are designed to be used for enabling power transmission between equipment.

·         Solar cables are also low voltage cables that connect photovoltaic panels.

·         Aluminum cables are also low voltage cables used for fixed indoor and outdoor installations. 

Medium Voltage Electrical Cables:

These are electrical cables from 1 kV to 36 kV used for electrical and transformer stations and substations. These cables are included in this category:

·         RHZ1 with XLPE is a halogen-free medium voltage electrical cable and does not propagate fire. These cables are perfect for power transmission in medium voltage networks.

·         HEPRZ1 with HEPR insulation is also a medium voltage cable suitable for medium voltage networks. It is also halogen-free and doesn’t propagate flame.

·         MV-90 with XLPE insulation are medium voltage cables of American standard suited for all medium voltage networks.

·         RHVhMVh is copper and aluminum medium voltage cables for applications where there is a risk of oil or chemicals and their derivatives.