How are aluminum alloy cables classified? (Several Classification Methods for Aluminum Alloy Cables?)
Types of Aluminum Alloy Cables
Aluminum alloy cables can be classified in various ways, based on voltage level, conductor nominal cross-sectional area, number of conductor cores, insulation material, and other factors. These are described below:
1. Classification by Voltage Level
Aluminum alloy cables of different voltage levels have different structures, insulation materials, insulation thicknesses, and operating conditions. The rated voltage of a cable is expressed as U/U(U). The voltage levels of aluminum alloy cable products in my country include 0.6/1(1.2)kV, 1.8/3.(3.6)kV, 3.6/6(7.2)kV, 6/6(7.2)kV, 6/10(12)kV, 8.7/10(12)kV, 8.7/15(17.5)kV, 12/20(24)kV, 18/30(36)kV, 21/35(40.5)kV, and 26/35(40.5)kV, for a total of 11 types.
2. Classification by Conductor Nominal Cross-sectional Area
The conductors of aluminum alloy cables are manufactured according to a certain grade of nominal cross-sectional area, which is convenient for both production and construction. The nominal cross-sectional area series of aluminum alloy cables in my country are 10mm², 16mm², 25mm², 35mm², 50mm², 70mm², 95mm², 120mm², 150mm², 185mm², 240mm², 300mm², 400mm², 500mm², 630mm², 800mm², 1000mm², 1200mm², 1400mm², and 1600mm², totaling 20 types.
3. Classification by Number of Conductor Cores
Aluminum alloy cables are classified into five types based on the number of conductor cores: single-core, two-core, three-core, four-core, and five-core. Single-core and two-core cables are typically used to transmit single-phase AC and DC power; three-core cables are primarily used in three-phase AC power grids; and four-core and five-core cables are primarily used in low-voltage distribution lines. Generally, only 0.6/1kV and 1.8/3kV cables have two-core, four-core, and five-core configurations.
4. Classification by Insulation Material
Aluminum alloy cables use extruded insulation. Extruded insulation cables are simple to manufacture, lightweight, easy to fabricate terminals and intermediate joints, have a small bending radius, are easy to install, and maintain. They also offer chemical resistance and a certain degree of water resistance, making them suitable for high-drop and vertical installations.
Aluminum alloy cable insulation materials include polyvinyl chloride, cross-linked polyethylene, ethylene propylene rubber, and hard ethylene propylene rubber. Cross-linked polyethylene is the most commonly used insulation material.
