Medium voltage XLPE insulated cable​

XLPE cable

XLPE cable uses XLPE or cross-linked polyethylene, which is a thermosetting insulating material. Cross-linking a polymer is a process of changing the molecular structure of polymer chains to make them more tightly bound together, and the cross-linking is performed by chemical or physical methods. Chemical crosslinking involves the addition of chemicals or initiators (such as silanes or peroxides) to generate free radicals that form the crosslinks. Physical crosslinking involves subjecting the polymer to high energy sources, such as high energy electrons or microwave radiation.

Polyethylene (PE) material itself has excellent dielectric strength at all frequencies, high insulation resistance and low dissipation factor, making it an ideal insulator, but its temperature range is limited. Cross-linking PE into XLPE can increase the temperature range of the insulator while maintaining electrical properties.

Physical and Electrical Characteristics