Power Cables: A Brief Intro

by Vinni S. SEO Executive

The power of electricity can be distributed by using underground cables or through overhead transmission systems.

Power Cables:

Cables are designed and placed as the situation demands. Power cables are used for distribution and transmission of power supply. It is commonly known as an assembly of electrical conductors which remain individually insulated. A complete sheath is used to hold them together. It is then used for distributing the electrical power supply.

Uses of power cables:

The installation of a power cable is performed as a permanent wiring in the building, which can be run exposed or buried somewhere under the ground.
Flexible power cables can be used in various machinery, mobile tools and portable devices. The manufacturing and designing of the cables is done according to the current and voltage to be carried, motive of applications and maximum operating temperature.

Applications of power cables:

For mining applications, added mechanical strength and double armouring is applied to the cables.
For wind power plant, cables require to be UV protected and flexible enough besides having a tough mechanical sheath.

Advantages:

Power cables which remain buried under ground have some added advantages including protection from damage in stormy conditions, lightning, minimum maintenance cost, lower chances of faults, less chances of voltage drop and better appearance.

Construction of power cables:

If its construction part is considered, electrical power cable manufacturer companies mainly construct it with

1. Conductor – it is the only part of a power cable which can carry power supply. Conductors can be made of different materials. Though power cables are made up of different materials but in the cable industry, conductors are usually made up of aluminium and copper. The resistance parameter of the conductors defines the size of the conductors.

2. Insulation

The conductors of a power cable remain insulated by rubber, XLPE (crosslinked polyethylene) and PVC (poly vinyl chloride). Actually the choice of material happens based on the operating temperature.

3. Beading

Beading is the inner sheath part of a power cable. Generally it remains in the multi core cables. It actually acts as a binder that helps to keep the multi-core power cables together with insulated conductors. It also offers bedding for the braids. Inner sheath part is generally made up of rubber or PVC.

4. Armouring

This process is done mainly to provide an earthing shield for the conductors carrying current. It is also used to offer safety to the cables during earthing. With proper earthing, if any failure happens in the insulation program of the conductor, the faulty current easily finds path into the armour. As the name suggests, it offers an added strength and mechanical protection to the power cable.

5. Outer sheath

This is the most external cover of the power cable which is normally made up of rubber or PVC or with the similar material of the beading. It remains as a shield for the weather, mechanical, electrical and chemical protection. The protection offered by the outer sheath is more mechanically and less electrically.

Power cable manufacturers in India provide cables of different sizes, materials, and capacities. Buy according the demand of your application.