TECHNICAL WRITE-UP ON THE ADVANTAGES OF XLPE CABLES

COMPARED TO PVC CABLES

XLPE cables are found to give far better performance compared to PVC both in function
and economy. This is due to the fact that the XLPE is a thermosetting plastic while PVC
is a thermoplastic material.

XLPE is Cross-linked Polyethylene. Polythene is a thermoplastic material consisting of

long chain of hydrocarbon molecules. By a process similar to vulcanisation of rubber, the
polyethylene molecules are cross-linked. The process of cross-linking or vulcanisation
consists of producing chemical bonds at intervals between the long molecular chains to
give a “ladder” effect which prevents slippage between molecules. As a result of cross-
linking, the material becomes heat resistant and does not soften at high temperatures. It
develops resistance to stress cracking and ageing . With the change in structure, the
XLPE derives superior electrical properties.

XLPE Cables have higher current rating and longer service life compared to PVC
Cables. Under short circuit condition, this cable can withstand up to 250ºC temperature
compared to 160ºC for PVC cables. It also has higher overloading capacity under
emergency conditions.

XLPE Cables are ideal for transmission and distribution of power because it has high
corrosion resistance under polluted atmosphere along with better resistance power
against chemicals and corrosive alkalis.

Not only this it can withstand vibration and hot impacts. It also has 100 times more
moisture resistance capacity compared to PVC.

The low dielectric losses in XLPE Cables are a significant advantage.

XLPE cables has low installation cost because of light weight, dimension and flexibility.
The joining is far more easier and quicker. The flexibility can be retained even in sub
zero temperatures ( -40 ºC)

XLPE cables has insulation resistance of 1000 times compared to PVC cables.

The properties comparison chart “XLPE versus PVC” given below highlights the salient
advantages.
 XLPE Versus PVC – COMPARATIVE PROPERTIES SUMMARY

PROPERTIES XLPE PVC

1. Chemical Structure Thermosetting Plastic Thermoplastic

2. Polymer Structure Partial Crystalline Amorphous

3. Temperature Rating
( ºC)
a) Operating 90 70
b) Emergency overload 130 90
c) Short Circuit 250 160

4. Cable Installation Job Easy due to lesser

weight, less diameter and
lesser bending radius.

5. Current Carrying Capacity 30% Higher than PVC

6. Dielectric Strength (KV/mm) 550 350

7. Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm) 1014 1013

8. Thermal Resistivity 350 730

(ºC/cm/watt)

9. Dielectric Loss factor 0.0004 0.05 to 0.07

( at 50 Hz & 20 ºC)

10. Low Temperature -40 -15

Brittleness (ºC )

11. Moisture Resistance Excellent Good

12. Oil Resistance Excellent Fair

13. Solvent Resistance Excellent Poor

14. Acid Resistance Excellent Fair

15. Alkali Resistance Excellent Good