XLPE (CROSS LINKED POLYETHYLENE) IS AN EXCELLENT INSULATION MATERIAL THAT HAS SEVERAL ADVANTAGES OVER CONVENTIONAL THERMOPLASTIC INSULATING MATERIAL. SOME OF THESE ADVANTAGES INCLUDE ZERO HALOGEN, HIGHER DURABILITY, LONGER OPERATIONAL LIFE AND EXCELLENT CHEMICAL RESISTANCE.
IT ALSO HAS A HIGHER PERMISSIBLE OPERATIONAL TEMPERATURE UP TO 90C AND HENCE ALLOWS THE CABLE TO WITHSTAND A GREATER CURRENT RATING COMPARED TO PVC CABLES. THIS VARIANCE GETS WIDER AS CONDUCTOR SIZE INCREASES. THIS IS ALSO THE REASON XLPE INSULATED CABLES ARE WIDELY CHOSEN WHERE BIGGER CABLES ARE REQUIRED FOR MAIN POWER SUPPLY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, XLPE INSULATED CABLES ARE LESS FLEXIBLE COMPARED WITH PVC CABLES, HENCE MANKING IT A LESS FAVORABLE CHOICE FOR SMALLER CONDUCTOR SIZE CABELS WHERE THE CURRENT RATING ADVANTAGE IS LESS SIGNIFICANT.
