What Are The Differences Between Wire And Cable Polyethylene Insulation?

Gone are the old people who could accept bare copper wire. While copper wires are very effective, no matter how they are used, they need insulation to maintain this effectiveness. Think of wire and cable insulation as the roof of your house. It doesn't look like much, but it protects everything inside. Valuables, then it's time to learn the difference between the various wire insulators. It is important to understand which materials are used for each insulator and for which applications they are best suited.

High molecular weight polyethylene

High molecular weight polyethylene is the most commonly used thermoplastic wire insulation material for cathodic protection. Ideally, high molecular weight insulating materials are suitable for direct burial applications. Thanks to its high molecular weight composition, this cable insulation resists crushing, abrasion, disfigurement, etc. Caused by a lot of weight and pressure， the polyethylene coating provides strength and flexibility, which means the insulation can take a lot of abuse without damaging the actual cable. Commonly used in pipelines, storage tanks, underwater cables, etc.

XLPE

Cross-linked polyethylene insulation is one of the most versatile options on the market. XLPE insulation is resistant to most chemicals involved in the cable industry, works at high and low temperatures, is waterproof, and allows internal cables to transmit and receive large amounts of voltage. As such, insulators like XLPE are popular in the heating and cooling industry, water piping and systems, and any application that requires high-voltage systems. Best of all, XLPE insulators cost less than most wire and cable insulators.

High-density polyethylene

HDPE insulation claims to be the toughest and strongest form of cable insulation. High-density insulation isn't as flexible as other insulation materials, but that doesn't mean it can't function when placed in the right application. In fact, many applications such as cable installations, pipes, etc. require non-flexible insulation. The high-density insulation is non-corrosive and very UV-resistant, which means it's ideal for straight-line outdoor use.

PVC insulation can also be found in the wire and cable industry, especially in PE wire and similar products. TW, THW, TWU, UV products can use PVC insulation.

Summarize

Wire and cable insulation can be the difference between a safe, effective wire and a faulty wire that causes a dangerous situation. Choosing the right wire insulation is undoubtedly an important part of the process. You wouldn't buy the wrong size roof for your house, would you?