Electrical cables for outdoor installations

Carrying out outdoor electrical installations means taking into account a series of parameters that do not exist in indoor environments: rainfall, the incidence of UV rays, movements and shocks, sand abrasion… In addition, elements such as temperature or humidity degree cannot be controlled outdoors.

For this reason, the cables used in this type of electrical installation must meet a series of requirements in order to be prepared for the constant and unforeseen action of external agents. These are the most important features that cables used in outdoor electrical systems must meet.

UV protection

The constant action of solar radiation tends to wear and make cables more fragile in the long term. For this reason, cables must be sheathed with additives that counteract the corrosive action of UV rays. Polyethylene is one of the most widely used insulators in outdoor cable sheathing.

Water resistance

One of the parameters that make up the degree of protection of a cable (IP) is its resistance to water. The IEC 60529 standard establishes a series of protection levels, ranging from 0 (water easily penetrates the cable) to 8 (complete protection in continuous immersion). Depending on the location where the cable is installed, the requirements for waterproofing vary.

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In outdoor installations, it is always advisable to use cables with a certain degree of waterproofing, which will be higher the more they are exposed to water.

Thermal resistance

The climate, solar radiation and the heat generated by the electrical installation itself may imply a very high working temperature to which the cable must be subjected. The materials that make up its sheathing will be responsible for guaranteeing the integrity and efficiency of the conductor during operation. Also, the PVC used in many standard cables is not suitable for conductors that reach very high temperatures.

Powerflex RV-K cable

The Powerflex RV-K cable has been designed to work efficiently in all types of industrial and outdoor installations. Its technical characteristics make it an all-rounder in electrical installations.

Flexibility

Its extreme flexibility (Class 5) makes it an ideal cable for layouts with many twists and turns, allowing it to be installed in narrow places. This flexibility facilitates its installation, reducing installation times. In addition, this type of cable is more resistant to wear and tear and vibrations.

Radiation and heat resistance

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Its cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) sheath allows it to withstand higher temperatures than PVC sheathed cables. With this insulation, this cable can continuously withstand up to 90ºC, compared to 70ºC for cables sheathed with polyvinyl chloride. In addition, it is a flame-retardant cable according to UNE-EN 60332-1 and IEC 60332-1.

Its outer sheath is protected against ultraviolet rays (UV), guaranteeing the long service life of the cable exposed to solar radiation.

Weatherproof

The Powerflex RV-K cable has an AD7 water protection rating, which allows it to be used even when submerged. This makes it an excellent candidate for installations exposed to heavy and continuous rainfall.

In short, outdoor electrical cables must have a sheathing that guarantees their durability, stability and efficiency against the most common external agents such as water, UV rays and high temperatures. This will provide electrical systems with conductors that ensure a continuous and trouble-free power supply.

In addition to Powerflex RV-K cable, Top Cable has a wide range of electrical wiring. Do not hesitate to consult our catalogue and find any cable you need:

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor