These are the elements responsible for conducting electrical current from the power source to the consumer units. These cables are made of materials with high electrical conductivity, such as copper and aluminum.

Electrical cables consist of an electrical conductor, through which electrical charges move, insulation that prevents electrical current from escaping, a filler layer that separates the conductor from the insulation, and a sheath that protects the cable from external elements.

Flexible cables and rigid cables are the most common types.

Flexible cables: manufactured from copper wires intertwined on the inside and insulated with PVC. They are quite malleable, easy to handle, and simple to install.

– Rigid cables: similar to flexible cables, they are used in electrical network inputs, power distribution, and other applications that require the assembly of more complex circuits and can withstand higher electrical voltages.

Electrical cables are classified according to their cross-sectional area; the greater the amount of electrical current transmitted by a cable, the larger the cross-sectional area of the conductor.

In copper cables, electricity flows with much less resistance, they have a longer lifespan compared to other types of cables, and they are more resistant to oxidation.

Steel cables are highly resistant and their main function is to suspend, move, and secure loads/weights.

Aluminum cables are the most widely used, even with limitations in their application. They are versatile and safe in terms of bending, more resistant to deformation, and have high electrical resistance.

Copper cables are more commonly used in domestic and urban installations because they can be bent and are more resistant to deformation.

Aluminum cables are more commonly used in transmission networks because they are lighter than copper and less resistant to deformation.

Steel cables are most commonly used for lifting and transporting, as well as in supports and to provide stability to loads and equipment, due to their high mechanical strength.

XLPE, PVC, and HERP are insulating materials used in electrical cables, but they have significant differences in their electrical and mechanical characteristics.

XLPE cable

XLPE cable is composed of cross-linked polyethylene, which provides high mechanical and electrical resistance, and it can withstand high temperatures, operating at temperatures up to 90°C. Furthermore, XLPE is resistant to chemicals and has a longer lifespan than other insulating materials.

PVC cable

PVC cable, on the other hand, is composed of polyvinyl chloride, an insulating material that exhibits good mechanical and electrical resistance. PVC can withstand temperatures up to 70°C and is a very versatile material, used in various low and medium voltage applications.

HEPR cable

HEPR cable, in turn, is composed of ethylene-propylene rubber, an insulating material that offers a combination of high mechanical and electrical resistance. HEPR can operate at temperatures up to 90°C and is resistant to chemicals; it is frequently used in applications requiring high flexibility, such as in the movement of equipment and machinery.

The difference between XLPE, PVC, and HEPR cables lies in the composition of the insulating material and their electrical and mechanical characteristics. Each type of cable is suitable for different applications, depending on the requirements for strength, temperature, and flexibility.