The term XLPE is used in the field of electrical wire and cable manufacturing a lot. XLPE stands for Cross-Linked Polyethylene which means Cross-linked or cross-linked Polyethylene as stated in the electrical cable standards.

XLPE also has other abbreviations such as PE, PEX, XPE. This is a type of plastic produced from polyethylene plastic by changing the molecular structure of polymer chains so that they are more tightly bound together. XLPE is produced to replace PVC due to some outstanding advantages below.

Features of XLPE

• Has high durability in both high and low temperature environments, high humidity;
• Resistant to wear and similar wear and tear;
• It is heat resistant and does not deform at high temperatures for a certain period of time.
• Water resistant.

• 26/35kV MEDIUM VOLTAGE XLPE INSULATED MULTI-CORE STEEL TAPE ARMOURED CABLE

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XLPE vs PVC

XLPE is cross-linked polyethylene while PVC stands for Polyvinyl chloride. Both materials have similar resistance to wear and tear, but in some criteria XLPE is superior to PVC such as:

• XLPE does not contain chloride, so it is more environmentally friendly;
• XLPE can withstand higher heat: The maximum working temperature of conductors in normal operation for XLPE is 90 degrees Celsius, for PVC is 70 degrees Celsius;
• XLPE is more resistant to moisture;
• XLPE has better resistance to tension and pressure.

These criteria demonstrate that XLPE is a more suitable material than PVC for electrical cable insulation applications. The mechanical properties of XLPE are also superior to many other insulators besides PVC.

XLPE Application

This material is used as an insulator for low and medium voltage cables. In addition, XLPE is also used to produce water pipes and PVC applications.

XLPE is suitable for the low to high voltage range, surpassing other insulating materials such as PVC, Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) and silicone rubber. Cross-linking polyethylene also enhances resistance to chemicals and oils at high temperatures and makes it suitable for use as a Low Smoke Zero Halogen material.