Dây điện XLPE: Cấu tạo, lợi ích và ứng dụng

XLPE electrical wire is the optimal choice for power transmission in high temperature environments or where the electrical conductivity of emergency power systems is required to be maintained. In this article, join Trường Chu Văn An to learn about the structure, characteristics and practical applications of XLPE electric wires.

Learn about XLPE electrical wire

What is XLPE?

To understand the concept of XLPE electric wire, first you need to learn about XLPE – an insulating material with heat resistance properties many times better than PVC.

XLPE (abbreviation for Cross-Linked Polyethylene) is a type of polyethylene that contains organic peroxides. In essence, XLPE has the same properties as regular PE plastic, but the cross-linking process under conditions of high temperature, high pressure and inert gas, peroxide chemically reacts with polyethylene has changed the molecular structure of PE from an individual chain form into a solid 3-dimensional mesh structure, allowing it to resist mutations at high and very high temperatures. Correspondingly, PE from thermoplastic will turn into thermosetting plastic, also known as XLPE.

Outstanding characteristics of XLPE:

• Withstands temperatures that are too high or too low for a long time without deformation.
• Resists corrosion from many chemicals.
• No toxic gases are generated when a fire occurs.
• High insulation resistance minimizes the risk of electric leakage.
• Some types are also oil resistant.

What is XLPE electrical wire?

XLPE electric wire is a type of electric cable insulated with XLPE material, has high heat resistance with a thermal life of up to 40 years, and is resistant to moisture and chemicals. This type of wire not only has a higher standard temperature than PVC wire but also maintains excellent insulation even when heated. Therefore, XLPE electric wire is the optimal choice for many civil, industrial, and commercial applications, especially suitable for installation in harsh environments.

Technical characteristics of XLPE electric wire:

• Operating voltage range: 0.6 – 500kV
• Rated temperature: 90 degrees Celsius
• Temporary short circuit temperature: 170 – 250 degrees Celsius
• Longevity: 40 – 50 years.
• Characteristic color: Black, orange

Structure of XLPE electric wire

The structure of XLPE electric wire is much more complex than PVC electric wire with the following main components:

• Conductor: Is a collection of many copper or aluminum fibers that are compressed into a circle or twisted into a circle. The circular twist type is applied to cores with cross-sections >800mm2 to limit the increase in AC resistance.
• Insulation class: The insulating material is XLPE, shaped by extrusion with heat, moisture and chemical resistance properties. Especially not deformed when heated.
• Screen: For power cables operating from voltage levels of 3.5kV or higher, design standards require an additional layer of semiconductor (non-metallic) shield inside the insulation layer to increase the ability to distribute the electric field and reduce the risk of electric discharge.
• Inner shell: Usually made of PVC, which protects the insulation and components inside the cable.
• Class protective armor: The main material is galvanized steel or aluminum, in the form of round wire wrapped around the conductor or aluminum tape – steel tape. As for the 1-core cable, this protective armor layer will be made of aluminum.
• Outer cover: Made up of many materials such as PVC plastic, polyethylene… and usually has a characteristic black color. This color will be different depending on the type of fireproof and flame retardant electrical wire.

Benefits of using XLPE electrical wire

The cross-linking process has completely changed the material structure of XLPE, creating an excellent insulating layer, contributing to increasing the performance and longevity of electric cables and many other advantages in the power transmission process.

Outstanding heat resistance

The standard temperature of XLPE electric wire is 90 degrees Celsius, some types can even withstand operating temperatures from 120 – 150 degrees Celsius without melting, much higher than PVC. This insulation layer also has the ability to protect neighboring cables from heat generation from electric current flowing through the copper core, so it is very suitable for installation in harsh industrial environments.

Effective transmission capacity

XLPE cables have very high dielectric strength but very low dielectric loss, helping to transmit power efficiently and limit energy loss.

High stress tolerance

XLPE electric cables can be bent and stretched without damage, allowing installation in many different locations. In particular, XLPE has the ability to disperse electrical stress – the phenomenon of creating hot spots in the conductor core due to high voltage, limiting the formation of hot spots, thereby extending the life of the cable.

Moisture resistant, chemical resistant

XLPE is almost non-hygroscopic, so it is especially popular in applications that require underground or underwater wiring to improve the possibility of insulation degradation due to moisture of some other types of cables.

Besides, XLPE also has chemical resistance properties, suitable for installation in environments with direct contact with chemicals.

Safe for humans and the environment

Many types of XLPE cables are produced in the form of LSZH (low smoke, zero halogen), which means that when burned, they will not produce toxic gases like PVC, safe for humans and the environment.

Long lifespan

XLPE electric wire has an average lifespan of up to 40-50 years, and is resistant to abrasion and impact, so it saves on maintenance costs or regular replacement. The cost of this type of cable may be higher than that of PVC cables, but in terms of long-term value, investing in XLPE will optimize economic benefits, especially in industrial environments.

How to classify XLPE cables

There are many criteria to classify XLPE electric cables.

According to voltage level

• High voltage cable: Operating at voltages from 35kV – 500kV, mainly used for national transmission lines, connecting power plants with large transformer stations.
• Medium voltage cable: Voltage level from 1-35kV, popular in electrical systems of industrial parks, factories, urban areas, and commercial centers.
• Low voltage cable: Operating at voltage levels below 1kV, suitable for power transmission in residential, commercial or light industrial power systems.

According to the protection structure

• Unarmored Cable: This type of cable does not have metal protection, so it is recommended to be installed in protected environments such as pipes and ladders.
• Armored Cable: Equipped with an additional protective layer of aluminum tape or steel tape under the outermost protective shell. Thanks to an additional layer of mechanical impact resistance, this type is suitable for going underground or installing in places with strong vibrations.

According to special uses

• Fire-resistant and fire-retardant cables: Designed to maintain electrical conductivity even in the event of a fire, essential for emergency power systems of high-rise buildings, tunnels or applications requiring high fire safety.

• Cables used in measurement: A specialized cable for measurement and control systems, ensuring reliable signal transmission thanks to low capacitance and high insulation resistance.
• LSZH Cable: This type causes less toxic smoke when burned, so it is commonly installed in some specific locations such as airports, hospitals, train stations, shopping centers…

Application of XLPE electric wire

Due to its many outstanding advantages in electrical conductivity, insulation, moisture resistance, and chemical resistance, XLPE electric wire is the ideal choice for many applications with harsh operating conditions, affected by chemicals – water, mechanical factors or operating at high voltage levels.

Specifically, applications of XLPE electric wire include:

• Water pump system: XLPE is resistant to insulation degradation due to the impact of water vapor, so today, XLPE electrical wires are very popular in water pumping systems, ensuring the ability to transmit energy in wet environments.
• Mining: In harsh environments such as mining, XLPE electric wire will overcome problems related to humidity, temperature, mechanical impact, especially in conditions of strong vibration.
• High voltage transmission: XLPE cables are the top choice for the national power transmission grid, whether installed overhead or buried underground.

• Chemical industry: Chemical resistance properties have helped XLPE electrical wires be commonly installed in environments where there is a possibility of direct contact with chemicals.
• Air conditioning system: In some countries that still prefer whole-building heating systems, XLPE electrical wires are more suitable for installation than PVC.
• Automotive industry: XLPE electrical wires are not only more heat-resistant but also lighter than PVC wires, so they are suitable for installation in car engine compartments.

Distinguish between XLPE and PVC electrical wires

XLPE and PVC are two types of materials that are often compared on many criteria. Basically, these are all common insulating materials for electric cables with the following advantages: good insulation, resistance to mechanical impact, corrosion resistance and long life.

However, XLPE has many superior properties that make this type of wire the optimal choice for many specific applications. Follow the comparison table below to learn about the differences between XLPE and PVC electrical wires.

Criteria	XLPE electrical wire	PVC electrical wire
Material	Thermosetting plastic (Thermoset)	Thermoplastic
Rated voltage	0.6/1kV	Diverse, from 0.6 – 500kV
Standard temperature (continuous)	90°C	~70°C
Short circuit temperature	250°C	~160°C
Mechanical durability	Very high	Medium
Flexibility	Medium	Tall, flexible in many terrains
Moisture/chemical resistance	Very good	Good
Longevity	40-50 years	Shorter
Environmentally safe	LSZH cables have little smoke and almost do not emit toxic gases when burned	There is a risk of releasing toxic gas (HCl) during fire
Price	Higher	Lower
Installation environment	Suitable for installation in harsh environments, with chemicals, strong vibrations, buried underground or underwater…	Indoors or in a stable area

Buy genuine XLPE electrical wire with high discounts at Trường Chu Văn An

At Trường Chu Văn An, we are currently distributing many lines of XLPE electric wires such as copper cables, aluminum cables, galvanometer cables, fireproof cables, fire retardant cables… from many reputable brands such as Cadisun, Cadivi, GoldCup, Tran Phu.

As a leading distributor and importer of electrical equipment in Vietnam, we are committed to providing genuine products, imported directly from the factory with the most attractive prices and discounts on the market. In particular, we own a team of professional, enthusiastic consultants and experts with many years of cooperation with Electricity units, so we are capable of providing technical support for each specific project and construction.

If you need to buy genuine XLPE electric wire at a good price, please contact:

• Call now: 0904 99 88 77
• Email: kd@etinco.vn
• Northern Office: 33 BT5, Phap Van – Tu Hiep new urban area, Yen So, Hanoi
• Southern Office: No. 19 Ly Van Phuc, Tan Dinh, Ho Chi Minh City

Some questions about what is XLPE electrical wire?

Question 1: When should XLPE electrical wire be used?

Reply: PVC is the most popular insulating material on the market with the outstanding advantages of reasonable price and stable operation in civil applications. However, when the operating environment has harsh factors such as high temperature, humidity, strong vibrations or chemicals, XLPE wire should be preferred.

Especially in public buildings, commercial centers,… PVC wires need to be replaced with XLPE wires to prevent fires. PVC has the risk of generating toxic smoke that affects people and the environment, while XLPE has little smoke and also produces less toxic smoke, and can maintain the ability to conduct electricity and insulate the emergency power system.

In addition, thanks to its ability to withstand higher currents, XLPE electric cables allow the conductor cross-section to be reduced while still ensuring stable transmission capacity compared to PVC cables, helping to optimize the design of the electrical system.

Question 2: What are the disadvantages of XLPE electrical wires?

Reply: Comparing in flexibility, PVC is more flexible than XLPE, so XLPE electrical wires need more wiring space than PVC. Not to mention, the investment cost for XLPE wire is always higher than PVC and it is also difficult to recycle after not being used.

Above is important knowledge related to XLPE electric wire. To learn about other types of electrical wires, you can visit: https://etinco.vn/tin-tuc/kien-thuc/kien-thuc-day-cap-dien/