The high resistance to heat deformation and ageing in hot air provide important advantage in cable ratings and is of special significance at locations where the ambient temperature is high. These, along with better resistance to environmental stress cracking and low dielectric constant make XLPE Cables particularly suitable for high voltage applications.

A Few striking features of XLPE Cables:

High Continuous Current Ratings : Higher continuous operating temperature of 90°C for conductor permits XLPE Cables to withstand higher current ratings than PVC or PILC Cables.

High Short Circuit Ratings : Maximum allowable continuous temperature during short circuit is 250°C, which is vastly increased as compared to PVC or PILC Cables.

Little Deformation at High Temperature : Under combined heat and mechanical pressure XLPE suffers less deformation compared to other solid dielectrics.

High Emergency Load Capacity : XLPE cables can be operated at 13O°C during emergency. This should not exceed 2 hours a day, 100 hrs, per year or 500 hrs. during the lifetime of the cable. Due to this 20% higher current than the specific rating may be carried for this period.

Low Dielectric Loss : The dielectric loss angle of XLPE is much lower than conventional dielectric. The dielectric losses are quadratically dependent on the voltage. Hence use of XLPE Cables at higher voltages would generate considerable saving in costs.

Low Charging Currents : The charging currents are considerably lower than other dielectrics. This permits close setting of protection relays.

Lighter Weight : XLPE Cables are easier to handle because of its light weight. The small bending radii makes laying and installation of cables very easy.