A:Solid conductors are constructed of one, single piece of metal. It is tougher than a stranded conductor, but rigid and less flexible than a stranded conductor. Solid conductors are more likely to break if subjected to frequent flexing than stranded conductors. Stranded conductors are made of multiple small strands, which group together to make up a single conductor. It is more flexible than a solid conductor, but less durable.
A:XLPE is suitable for voltage ranges from low to extra high voltage, surpassing other insulation materials such as PVC, Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) and silicone rubbers. Cross-linking the polyethylene also enhances the chemical and oil resistance at elevated temperatures and makes it suitable for use as a Low Smoke Zero Halogen material. The mechanical properties of the XLPE are superior to many other insulations, offering greater tensile strength, elongation and impact resistances. The XLPE insulation will not melt or drip, even at the temperatures of soldering irons, and it has increased flow resistance and improved ageing characteristics.
A:XLPE or Cross-linked polyethylene is a thermoset insulation material. Crosslinking polymers is a process which changes the molecular structure of the polymer chains so that they are more tightly bound together and this crosslinking is done either by chemical means or physical means. Chemical crosslinking involves the addition of chemicals or initiators such as silane or peroxide to generate free radicals which form the crosslinking.
A:In addition to the benefit of protection against damage to cable components from cable motion and use, proper shielding is essential to many applications as it can keep out unwanted external interference. In many applications, electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a threat to signal integrity. Shield quality is of particular importance in small signal or high frequency applications where a slight variation can have significant impact. All electrical cable will radiate energy to, and pick up energy from, its surroundings. As such, shielding can also be used to contain the electromagnetic energy radiated by a cable, which can protect nearby sensitive components.
A:The braiding is designed to provide mechanical strength or toughness it can be composed of a number of different materials, such as steel wires, nylon strands or glass fibres.When applied as a covering to the cable a braid can also serve to provide increased protection against hot surfaces, offering resistance to abrasion and cutting, or helping prevent attack by rodents.
A:Rubber has been used as cable insulation and sheathing material long before other insulation such as PVC and PE can to be commonly applied. It remains widely used across domestic and industrial applications.
Initially, natural rubbers were used but these have been largely replaced by various synthetic rubbers. All rubbers are thermoset or cross-linked by a process referred to as Vulcanisation.
