Description

Everything about Flexible Insulation

Most of the cables and wires used in industries and everyday lives are insulated. Covering the outer parts of conductors (e.g., copper wires and aluminum wires), insulators are known as the closest layer to the conductive sections of wires and cables. In the next layers, fillers and sheathing (i.e., covers) can also be observed. The flexible insulation is among the most useful polymer products in the industry of manufacturing various wires and cables. The major properties and applications of flexible insulation are analyzed in detail here.

Flexible Insulation

Flexible insulators are the most widely used polymer products of wire and cable manufacturing factories. Known as the PVC insulation of type C, this kind of insulator is manufactured and sold at different grades based on IEC 60227. In fact, PVC contains 45–60% of resin and specific amounts of fillers, heat fixators, paints, and softeners. This type of polymer works really well in normal conditions and temperatures. Hence, the PVC-based flexible insulation can be the right option for manufacturing low-pressure wires and cables. Moreover, the density of flexible insulation is usually between 1.3 and 1.45 g/cm3.

Advantages of Using Flexible Insulation

Cables and wires are often made up of several conductive strings, which might cause shock or electrocution if touched. However, such misfortunes are very unlikely or even impossible now that insulators are used. Flexible insulators are made from PVC, which is now known as the most useful thermoplastic polymer used for manufacturing insulation and sheathing in the wire and cable industry. This polymer is considered an inexpensive material that has reduced the costs of manufacturing cables and wires.

Other properties and advantages of flexible insulation include its high resistance to heat and fire because PVC is a self-extinguisher that can show acceptable resistance to fire. It can also maintain optimal performance when conductors are heated up to 70–105º C.

Applications of Flexible Insulation

Flexible insulation is a type of compound. Having favorable thickness and flexibility, the flexible insulation granule has become an appropriate option for manufacturing different types of cables as below:

• Lifting cables
• Flat moving joints
• Light ordinary cables
• NYSLY
• Moderate-pressure flexible flat cables
• Flexible cables (flexible light cables)
• Flexible cables with coaxial conductors within 300–500 V (NYSLYCY)

Importance of Insulation Material in Price of Wire

The insulation material is an important factor that determines the prices of wires and cables. As mentioned earlier, insulators used in most of the wires and cables are made from polymers. Since prices of polymers are very volatile in the market, wires vary in price. The higher the quality of insulation, the more the durability. These insulators are more expensive due to their higher production costs and higher demand.

Flexible Insulation Color

Flexible insulators can be either chromatic or achromatic. Depending on customer orders, insulators can be manufactured in black, yellow, red, blue, and other colors.

Final Words

The flexible insulation granule is always manufactured in accordance with global standards by using specific percentages of PVC and additives. Used extensively in low-pressure cables and wires, these insulators are considered cost-effective options that provide efficiency, resistance, and appropriate physical properties.