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Feature
Power cables
(medium to extra-
high voltage)
W
ith the possible exception of “SHARKS!” no other danger warning commands more immediate
attention than “HIGH VOLTAGE!” In fact, voltage in any strength is a bracing concept; and the
engineers engaged in the manufacture of high voltage power cables are as respectful of electrical
transmission as those who know little about it – if not for the same reasons.
Power cable technology demonstrates that the industry is more than equal to the challenge of transmitting medium
to extra-high voltage, safely and reliably. Superior flex and continuous-flex properties have become the norm, together
with advanced jacketing, shielding, and conductivity values. When higher electrical code and other industry standards
for abrasion and chemical resistance were mandated, cable designers began to incorporate jacketing formulated with
polyurethane and TEP. Where insulation properties are paramount, FEP and Hytrel thermoplastic polyester elastomers
are available, and the installation of MC (metal clad) cable, in feeder circuit sizes, no longer presents the morale breaking
challenge it once did.
An XLPE extra high voltage cable is a superb product – one of many that abound in the power cable sector of
our industry. A number of these will be found among the products and services reviewed in this section of EuroWire.
EuroWire – November 2009
Photo courtesy of Nexans Deutschland GmbH
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