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Construction characteristics of a Medium Voltage cable

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jake marshall
Construction characteristics of a Medium Voltage cable

The composition and structure of Medium Voltage cables (cable media tensión) is defined by the following elements or layers:

1. CONDUCTOR
It carries the electric current. It is the central element of the cable. The conductors have a circular cross-section and are made up of wires wired in concentric layers (class 2). They are made of annealed electrolytic copper or electrolytic aluminum, of high purity.

2. INTERNAL SEMICONDUCTOR SCREEN
It completely covers the conductor. Its function is to improve the distribution of the electric field on the surface of the conductor. It is made with polymeric compounds with high concentration of carbon black to obtain the semiconducting property. This material is cross-linked and fully adhered to the insulation.

3. INSULATION
This is the critical component of the cable, since it has to withstand the high electric field present inside. The maximum voltage that a cable can withstand depends on the material and the thickness of the insulation, which increases with the rated voltage of the cable.

4. EXTERNAL SEMICONDUCTOR SCREEN
Completely covers the insulation. It is made with polymeric compounds with a high concentration of carbon black to obtain the semiconducting property. This material is cross-linked and in perfect contact with the insulation. Peelable semiconductors, partially adhered to the insulation, are usually used to facilitate the preparation of the connections as much as possible.

5. METALLIC SCREEN
Medium voltage cables have a metallic screen in contact with the external semiconductor. This screen consists of copper fibers laid in a helix uniformly covering the entire perimeter of the cable. An open helix copper strip counter-loop is usually placed over these fibers.

6. PROTECTION AGAINST WATER (ONLY -OL AND -2OL TYPE CABLES)
In cables with longitudinal sealing (type -OL), a tape of hygroscopic material is placed under the sheath to prevent the longitudinal propagation of water. In cables with double sealing, a series of strands of hygroscopic material is also placed on the conductor (type -2OL).

7. INNER SHEATH OR SEAT (ONLY FOR ARMORED CABLES)
All armored cables have a separating sheath (or armor seat) between the metallic shield and the armor. This inner sheath is made of the same material as the outer sheath.

8. ARMOR (ONLY FOR ARMORED CABLES)
Armors are used to improve the protection of the cable against external aggressions. Their use is recommended in all installations where the risk of friction, shocks and any mechanical aggression is high. Armors are made up of metal wires or strips arranged on the inner sheath. The metal used in single-pole cables is aluminum.

9. OUTER SHEAT
This is the outermost layer of the cable and protects the cable from mechanical and chemical aggressions from the environment. It is made up of a uniform and continuous coating, usually red in color, totally watertight and highly resistant to shocks and abrasions, as well as to weathering. The materials normally used are PVC and halogen-free polyolefins.

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