109: Electrical cable classifications

Electrical cables are conductors which used to transfer electrical energy (flow of electrons) between different points. Cables are designed and manufactured based on different applications.

Electric cables consist of three parts:

1. Conductor
2. Insulation
3. Protective jacket

The important technical parameters of electrical cables are as follows:

1. Operating voltage (volt): The thicker the insulation, the higher the working voltage.
2. Current carrying capacity (ampere): Conductor with higher cross-section has a higher current carrying capacity.
3. Environmental condition: Protective jacket. Determines the environmental condition of cable.

Classification of cables based on conductor types:

• Copper
• Aluminium
• Copper covered steel
• Copper covered aluminum
• High strength alloys
• Stainless steel
• Nickel
• Silver

Classification of cables based on insulating material:

Insulating material have very low electron mobility and are used to cover the conductors.

1- Thermo plastic

• PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
• PE (Polyethylene)
• Nylons (Polyamides)
• ECTFE (Ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene)
• PVDF (Polyvinylidene difluoride)

2- Thermoset (for higher temperatures)

• XLPE (Cross-linked polyethylene)
• CPE (Chlorinated Polyethylene)
• EPR (Ethylene propylene rubber)

Classification of cables based on application:

1. Power cable
2. Control cable
3. Telecommunication cable

Classification of cables based on voltage level:

1- Low voltage (up to 1kV)

2- Medium voltage (1kV to 36kV)

3- High voltage (beyond 36kV)

Classification of cables based on tension level:

1- L.T: Low Tension (up to 1kV)

2- H.T: High Tension (1kV to 11kV)

3- S.T: Super Tension (22kV to 33kV)

4- E.H.T: Extra High Tension (33kV to 66kV)

5- Oil Filled (66kV to 132kV)

6- Extra super voltage (beyond 132kV)

Classification of cables based on construction:

1- Belted cable (up to 22 kV)

2- Screened cable (22 kV to 66 kV)

• H type
• S.L. type
• H.S.L type

3- Pressure cable (beyond 66 kV)

• Oil filled
• Gas pressure

Classification of cables based on installation:

• Direct buried
• Trough
• Tunnel

Related standards

• EN
• VDE