Are you trying to choose high-quality cables for a project? If so, you need to do your research well. Before you order and pay for them, you should first understand what sets low-voltage (LV), medium-voltage (MV), and high-voltage (HV) cables. They each offer different properties that make them ideal for certain applications and setups.
Cables are produced in different designs and with different configurations. The variety is helpful in meeting the wide range of needs across different industries. In general, they are most commonly categorized based on their voltage capacity. Allow us to talk about the three kinds and how they are different:
This refers to cables that have a voltage capacity of as many as 2,000 volts, depending on the current type. They are most commonly used in consumer products, electrical devices, household electronics, solar farms, and industrial settings.
Common applications include security systems, automation equipment wiring, sound systems, interior building wiring, and lighting. In this type of wire, the conducting wire is usually pure copper, aluminum, or a blend of tin and copper. The jacketing materials and insulation may be rigid or flexible, depending on the desired application. LV cables are typically covered in thermoset material or thermoplastic material, such as XLPE or PVC.
On the other hand, MV cables have a voltage capacity between 2,000 V and 35,000 V. They are suitable for use in various applications, so they are typically available in common voltage ratings like the following:
MVs are commonly used for the distribution of power in equipment used in industrial and mining applications. They are also common in mobile workstations involved in repairing and maintaining power lines, substations, and transformers.
They are equipped with both aluminum and copper wires. Insulation is likewise critical, typically coming in the form of neoprene, EPR, XLPE, or TL-XLPE. The material for the jacket and insulation will depend on application, voltage, and environment.
Lastly, HV cables have been designed to accommodate voltage exceeding 35,000 V. They are typically used in high-energy applications, such as municipal electrical grids, power plants, and power transmission.
In terms of extruded power transmission cables, they require materials that have a high-temperature resistance as well as high ampacities. These include Milliken copper, Milliken enameled copper, and enameled copper. Their high power calls for very durable insulation since they are often used in a wide array of underwater, surface, and underground applications. Aside from this, they also require structurally reinforced joints and cables that ensure tightly controlled voltage and intact insulation.