EoW November 2009

Feature

Photo courtesy of Nexans Deutschland GmbH

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.

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EuroWire – November 2009