Insulation & Sheath Material Polyvinylchloride (PVC) for Cables and Wires
What are PVC cables? What are the characteristics and advantages of the different PVC compounds and where are PVC cables used?
Polyvinylchloride (PVC) - thermoplastic material
PVC stands for "Polyvinylchloride" (VDE designation “Y”).
The areas of application for this thermoplastic material in the plastics processing industry are diverse. In the cable industry, there are various PVC mixtures for the respective areas of application of cables and wires. National (e.g. VDE) and international (e.g. IEC) standardization bodies have specified compound types with very specific properties for a wide range of applications, thus creating suitable basic types for standard applications.
The characteristics of standardized PVC mixtures for the cable industry are defined under the following VDE standards, for example:
- PVC - Insulation mixture EN 50363-3, VDE 0207-363-3
- PVC - Sheath mixture EN 50363-4-1, VDE 0207-363-4-1
Which additives are used for PVC cables and wires?
PVC that hardens after polymerisation is not suitable for insulating and protecting wires and cables. The necessary mechanical, thermal, and electrical levels can only be reached with the addition of complements such as:
- softeners
- stabilisers
- filler materials
- slip additives
Which PVC mixtures or PVC types are used for the production of electrical cables?
Special PVC (Y) - characteristics and advantages
Our special PVC (YA and YM) are used for insulation and sheathing purposes. PVC type YA is used for core insulation and is particularly flexible and has very good electrical characteristics. PVC type YM sheath material has good mechanical characteristics and high flexibility.
Technical data and features of PVC as insulation material or sheathing material | |
|---|---|
VDE abbreviation of PVC: | Y |
| Temperature range of PVC (flexible): | +5°C /+70°C |
Temperature range of PVC (fixed laying):: | -40°C /+70°C |
Flame retardance of PVC: | good |
PVC tensile strength: | 15 N/mm² |
| Elongation at break of PVC: | 250 % |
| PVC shore hardness A/D: | A88 |
Abrasion resistance of PVC: | medium |
PVC Dielectric constant:: | approx. 4,0 at 800 Hz |
Specific resistance of PVC: | 1013 Ohm x cm |
PVC Break-down-voltage: | 12 kV/mm |
Radiation resistance of PVC: | 8 x 107 cJ/kg |
Halogen-free | no |
Cold resistant PVC (YK) - characteristics and advantages
Electrical cables with a cold-resistant PVC sheath (outer sheath) still have good flexibility and mechanical strength even at sub-zero temperatures down to -40°C. This PVC type (YK) can be exposed to a wide range of weather conditions.
The temperature range is as follows:
| fixed laying: | -40°C up to +70°C |
| flexible application: | -20°C up to +70 °C |
Heat resistant PVC (YW) - characteristics and advantages
Heat resistant PVC can resist temperatures up to +105°C. The insulation and sheath materials possess good electrical and mechanical values and have very good heat resistance. The highest valid operational temperature on the conductor itself according to VDE 0207 is +90 °C. Any application above this temperature reduces the usable life.
The temperature range of heat-resistant PVC cables is:
| fixed laying: | -40°C up to +90°C |
| flexible application: | + 5°C up to +90 °C |
| short time use: | up to +105 °C |
Oil resistant PVC (YOE) - characteristics and advantages
Oil-resistant (YOE), TM5 in accordance with EN 50363-4-1 + VDE 0207-363-4-1. This PVC variant (YOE) is often only used as a sheath material, but this material can also be used as an insulation material.
The temperature range is as follows:
| fixed laying: | -40°C up to +70°C |
| flexible application: | + 5°C up to +70 °C |
PVC is a flame-retardant material due to its chemical composition. PVC compounds from SAB meet the requirements for fire behavior according to IEC 60332-1-2 + VDE 0482-332-1-2), UL VW1, CSA FT1 and FT2. However, in the case of fire, halogens are released which can pose a risk to people, nature, buildings and machinery. In addition, PVC cables (control cables and data cables) are not suitable for outdoor installation.
Application fields of PVC insulated cables
PVC cables are often used for control devices, e.g. Machine tools, flow and assembly lines, conveyor systems, production lines and plant construction, switchgear cabinet construction, communication technology equipment, household appliances, generators, transformers and mechanical engineering, switchgear and control engineering, electrical engineering, installation and packaging technology, textile, woodworking electrical and data processing, in cleaning equipment, automotive industry, automation technology, press and mold making, printing and paper machine construction, surface technology, iron and steel production industry, beverage filling plants, chemical industry, intrinsically safe circuits, control units in explosion- CNC machining centers, lamps and lighting technology, ...
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