Why do cables have different jackets? A complete guide to PVC, XLPE, and rubber

1 Common types of cable jacket material
1.1 PVC

Features:
Cost-effective and wear-resistant.
Waterproof, oil and chemical resistant.
Flexible and easy to process.
OpTemperatureperature: -15°C to 70°C.
Advantages:
Affordable and versatile for various uses.
Excellent flame retardant properties ensure safety.
Disadvantages:
Poor heat resistance; becomes brittle in cold conditions.
Poor environmental friendliness; releases toxic gases when burning.
Applications:
Indoor wiring, household cables.

1.2XLPE
Features:
Excellent electrical insulation, heat resistance and mechanical strength.
Operating Temperature: -40°C to 90°C
Advantages:
It has better thermal and electrical properties, higher mechanical strength and better resistance to environmental stresses than standard polyethene.
Disadvantages:
Poor flame resistance.
Applications:
Power cables, medium and high voltage applications, outdoor and industrial environments.

1.3RUBBER
Features:
Excellent elasticity and weather resistance.
Resistant to abrasion, oil, and chemicals.
OpTemperatureperature: -40°C to 100°C.
Advantages:
High durability and flexibility even at low temperatures.
Provides good insulation and mechanical protection.
Disadvantages:
Moderate flame resistance.
It can degrade with prolonged UV exposure.
Applications:
Heavy-duty industrial cables, outdoor applications and mining equipment.

2 how to choose the right cable jacket material

When choosing a cable jacketing material, the following factors should be considered:
PVC offers excellent value for standard applications.
Rubbers provide excellent durability.
XLPE insulation and durability.