An electrical cable has the mission of transporting electrical energy from one place to another. Depending on its final use, cables can have different configurations, adapting their design to the corresponding national and international regulations. Below, we will delve into the various types of electrical cables.
Voltage of Electrical Cables
Classification according to the voltage of electrical cables. The voltage of an electrical cable is expressed in volts and determines its classification into different groups:
- Low Voltage up to 750 V: Used in various applications, with thermoplastic and thermoset coatings. Designed according to harmonized standards.
- Low Voltage up to 1,000 V (0.6/1 kV): Used in industrial power installations in various contexts (general industry, public installations, infrastructures, etc.). Designed according to international standards (UNE, IEC, BS, UL).
- Medium Voltage: From 1 kV to 36 kV. Used in the distribution of electricity from electrical substations to transformer stations.
- High Voltage: From 36 kV onwards. Used for transporting electricity from power plants to electrical substations.
Types of Electrical Cables by Use
Low Voltage Cables
Electric Panel Cables
Electric panel cables are flexible cables used to connect components of an electrical panel. They are specially designed for such applications, being easy to install and safe. In domestic use, electric cables are the best option. These cables comply with current safety regulations and are particularly suitable for installations in premises with public access, individual derivations, electrical cabinets, switch boxes, and small electrical appliances.
Power Cables
Power cables are common in industrial environments and public spaces. They are used for individual connections, power transmission in low-voltage connections, challenging industrial environments, and for variable frequency drives (VFD).
Armored Cables
Cables protected with aluminum or steel armor for installations susceptible to mechanical damage. These cables are also commonly found in places prone to rodent presence, as well as in environments at risk of fire and explosion, such as ATEX zones.
Rubber Cables
The versatility in the use of highly flexible rubber cables is wide. These cables are used in stable industrial installations as well as in mobile applications. Rubber cables are particularly recommended for welding applications, as their coating facilitates the transmission of high currents between the welding generator and the electrode.
Halogen-Free Cables
High-security halogen-free cables (AS) with reduced emission of smoke and corrosive gases in case of fire are suitable for application in the wiring of electrical panels and public spaces, as well as for a variety of installations in public places, individual derivations, emergency circuits, public distribution networks, and also for mobile use.
Fire Resistant Cables
These cables have been specifically developed to carry electrical energy in extreme environments that arise during prolonged fires, ensuring supply to emergency equipment such as warning signals, smoke extraction systems, audible alarms, water pumps, among others. Their implementation is advised in emergency circuits in public gathering spaces.
Control Cables
It is advisable for control cables, whether for fixed or mobile installations, to have exceptional flexibility. This is because their main use is intended for applications in small household appliances, in the interconnection of components of industrial machinery, in signaling and control systems, in the connection of motors or frequency converters, as well as in signal transmission where interference from voltage generated by an external electromagnetic field could affect the transmitted signal. Furthermore, these cables are used for power supply connections to avoid the generation of unwanted electromagnetic fields.
Instrumentation Cables
These are flexible and protected cables for sending signals between devices in industrial environments. They are especially recommended for efficient data transmission in environments with high levels of electromagnetic interference.
Solar Cables
These cables are specially designed to connect photovoltaic panels and to convert direct current to alternating current to the inverter. Thanks to the structure of their materials and their highly resistant cover to solar radiation and extreme temperatures, they are suitable for outdoor installation with total safety.
Special Cables
There is an extensive variety of electrical cables adapted for special uses, such as temporary installations of festive lights at fairs; connections of cranes, forklifts, elevators; applications in submersible pumps and drinking water areas such as aquariums, purification systems, water sources, or in pools for lighting systems, cleaning, and filtration.
Aluminum Cables
Aluminum cables are suitable for transmitting power and can be installed fixed indoors, outdoors, or buried.
Medium Voltage Cables
RHZ1: This medium-voltage cable has XLPE insulation, is halogen-free, and does not spread flame or fire. It is designed for the transport and distribution of energy in medium-voltage networks.
HEPRZ1: Medium-voltage cable with HEPR insulation, halogen-free, and does not spread flame or fire. Perfect for the transport and distribution of energy in medium-voltage networks.
RHVhMVh: Copper and aluminum medium-voltage cable specially recommended for special applications, where there is a risk of presence of oils and chemical agents such as hydrocarbons or their derivatives.
