Cables are insulated wires which have a covering of protective case. They are mainly used for the transmission of electricity and telecommunication signals.
These power cables are made up of two or more electrical conductors joined with an over sheath. They are used for transmission in places where the usage of overhead power cables is impractical, for example, the sea.
These are the underground power cables, but in comparison, these are more expensive than the overhead or aerial ones, given that both have the same voltage consumption or usage.
Types of cables
Cables have many types. It’s like a huge umbrella covering many aspects. Among the various types of electrical wires and cable, some of them are as follows:
- Communications cable
- Direct buried cable
- Metal-clad cable
- Multiconductor or multicore cable
- Paired cable
- Portable cable
- Extension cord
- Ribbon cable
Groups of cable
Cables have different voltage capacities and depending on this, they are grouped into categories. The categories are listed down below:
Low voltage cables
There are two types of low voltage cables. The first one has a capacity of 750 volts. These have thermoplastic coatings along with thermostat coatings too. They are designed and built according to harmonized standards.
The other type of low voltage cable has a capacity of up to 1000 volts. They are used in industrial power stations such as general industries and public installations and infrastructures. These are designed according to international standards that are UNE.
Low voltage cables consist of cables for electric panels that are flexible and powerful. These are perfectly suited for domestic use, for usage in public places, and wiring of the internet. Among the others, there are energy cables, armored cables, i.e. the ones made from aluminum or steel.
These are used in risky places, basically, places where there is a high chance of explosions related to fire. The other item on the list is rubber cables, halogen-free cables, and fire-resistant cables.
The last is well known to supply the electricity in vulnerable conditions so that the safety devices such as fire alarms, smoke extractors, and water pumps have a source of electricity when everything goes down. These are used in places with a high amount of public occurrence.
Medium voltage cables
Medium voltage cables range from 1000 volt to 36,000 volts. These are well known for being able to distribute electricity from electrical substations as well as transformer stations, very efficiently.
Among medium voltage cables, firstly there is RHZ1. This is halogen-free and fire propagating. These are a perfect fit for the transformation of energy in medium voltage networks.
Then comes HEPRZ1 which comes along with HEPR insulation. Likewise, it is also halogen-free and non-flame. They are also ideal cables. Just like these two, there is another in the group which is MV-90. Lastly, comes RHVhMVh which is made up of either copper or aluminum.
They are mostly installed in places where there is a high usage of oils and chemicals, about the risk factors of hydrocarbon and their derivatives.
High voltage cables
These cables have a capacity able 36,000 volts and these carry electricity from generating plants to electrical substations.
Components of an electrical cable
An ideal electrical cable has the following components:
- Electric conductor: This is known for channeling the electricity flow
- Insulator : This covers and limits the flow of electricity in the conductor
- Auxiliary elements : These are protective elements and simultaneously guarantee longevity.
- Outer sheaths : This covers all the mentioned components.
Walton and their cables
Walton, one of the best brands in Bangladesh does provide you with a good deal in cables. Let us see why.
To start with, if the construction is in the topic, we will see that they make sure the insulation or dielectric is strong enough to withstand the service voltage and does not reach the conductor with other objects.
Simultaneously, the sheath is used in a way where no moisture can enter and all the cables are protected from chemical attacks and fire.
Walton makes sure whatever they use is of the best quality and does not provide any risk to their customers. For conductors, they use copper or aluminum. These have high electrical conductivity. Bare wires made of either of these two metals are used.
Copper wire is used the most in Walton cables. Copper wires are very dense so are resistant to the heating effect of current, making your home and appliances safer. This dense copper is mostly extracted from mines. The ore is later purified and copper is extracted from it to make the wires.
For insulation, they use impregnated paper, butyl rubber, polyvinyl chloride cable, polyethylene, and Cross-linked polyethylene. Paper insulated cables are the most used ones as they have high power carrying capacity.
The inner sheath is made up of alloys of lead, and these are made in a way where they are capable of sustaining the inner pressure of the cables. The material used for this should always be non-magnetic.
When these cables are laid on the ground, they become very vulnerable to damage by corrosion and electrolyte. For the sake of protection, fibrous material such as paper and hessian is used by them to make the protective covering. These layers are spread along with the waterproof compound to the outer layer and are called serving.
Lastly, the over sheath, which is well known for giving mechanical strength to the cables is made from thermosetting or some kind of thermoplastic material. This protects the cable from destruction and damaging factors such as water, corrosive material, dust, and dirt, etc.
A few things to keep in mind
Whenever you buy cables, irrespective of the brand, you should check their protection. The jackets that act as a protective sheath must be strong enough to cover them individually.
They should be flexible, as the flexibility makes it easier to use and they last longer.
The overall diameter should be large, as this means the cable is thick, and the thicker the better. Thicker cables are greater in quality.
So, this is your ultimate guide for buying cables. Now, why choose Walton? You should choose Walton because they provide goods of great quality along with a warranty and guarantee, so the chances of you being disappointed are very low. The rest is up to you.