What are the various electrical cable types and what dictates their construction?
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There are many different types of electrical cable used for applications across power distribution, control or signalling, and data transmission, and used in industrial, commercial and domestic installations. Electrical cables can be categorised in several different ways including by voltage rating, application, environment, industry, and material type, and determining any of these will help narrow down the search for the correct cable for any given purpose.
Typically, voltage rating categories for cable types include the following:
- Extra Low Voltage for supplies below 70V
- Low Voltage cables include voltages up to 1000V
- Medium Voltage Cables from 1000V to 35kV
- High Voltage cables from 35kV to 230kV
- Extra High Voltage above 230kV
The insulation layer is designed to withstand the electrical performance demands of the cable, so the choice of material type and thicknesses may vary. In some cases a higher voltage may require additional cable layers as determined by local specifications and national or international standards.
The materials used in cable construction are chosen for their electrical properties such as conductivity and insulation resistance. These materials and the precise construction may also influence reactance, impedance, capacitance and inductance values of the cables.