PVC or XLPE cable

[roukel01]

Morning all

Is there a way to tell whether a cable is standard PVC or XLPE??

All that is stamped on the cable is "BICC Group 1981 600/1000V Electric Cable"

Its a 50mm 4 core SWA cable, looking at current carrying tables, it seems there is a big difference between the two types of cable and I could do with knowing which it is.

Thanks chaps.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

There should be a Bs no stamped on the cable.....if its XPLE it will be Bs 5467....pvc it will be Bs 6346.

 

[roukel01]

There should be a Bs no stamped on the cable.....if its XPLE it will be Bs 5467....pvc it will be Bs 6346.

I couldn't see a BS number, but I'll check again.

 

[ian.settle1]

XPLE insulation on the cores is normally thinner than PVC and more transparent that you can see the copper cores than PVC.

 

[aptsys]

looking at current carrying tables, it seems there is a big difference between the two types of cable and I could do with knowing which it is.

Thanks chaps.

The only reason the current carrying capacity is higher is due to the fact that XLPE insulation supports a higher conductor temperature. However, you cannot use the higher current carrying capacity if the accessories do not support these higher temperatures.

 

[ian.settle1]

The only reason the current carrying capacity is higher is due to the fact that XLPE insulation supports a higher conductor temperature. However, you cannot use the higher current carrying capacity if the accessories do not support these higher temperatures.

No but you can use a smaller sized cable.

 

[the_mouse]

XLPE insulation is normally smooth to the touch, appearance is shinier and also tougher the fact that XLPE is missing from the embossing suggests in this case it is probably PVC.

 

[aptsys]

No but you can use a smaller sized cable.

Only if the accessories you terminate it into are rated to 90°C!

It's the same conductor material (occasionally it's annealed differently giving a different resistivity), it's just allowed to get hotter without compromising the insulation. The extra 20° adds another 20-30% to the capacity.

 

[roukel01]

Only if the accessories you terminate it into are rated to 90°C!

It's the same conductor material (occasionally it's annealed differently giving a different resistivity), it's just allowed to get hotter without compromising the insulation. The extra 20° adds another 20-30% to the capacity.

We're getting off the subject. Anyhow, I'm assuming its 70o PVC

 

[Guest123]

If unsure.....assume the lowest.