Our extensive selection of electrical cables ensures you'll find the right cable for any application, while our professional and experienced team will provide technical expertise and guidance to ensure you get the right power cable.
What is an Electrical Power Cable?
Electrical power cables are used to transmit electricity from one point to another. Depending on their final application, cables can have different configurations and must always comply with national and international regulations. They consist of three main components: one or more copper or aluminum conductors, insulation, which keeps the wires from touching each other and causing a short circuit and an outer sheath that holds everything together.
Choosing the Right Type of Cable
Choosing the correct type of power cable is essential for your devices' safety and operation. The main factors that must be considered when selecting a power cable are:
Safety - The first thing to consider when choosing the right type of power cable is safety. You must ensure it complies with all local regulations and standards. You also need to make sure that it will not damage your equipment or cause any other kind of harm to anyone who uses it.
Short circuit rating - The short circuit rating indicates how much current can flow through the power cable before it melts down or burns out. The higher this number, the better. This refers to the amount of electrical current that can be safely drawn from the wire without exceeding its temperature limits or causing damage to the insulation material surrounding it.
Working environment - The working environment determines what type of sheath material should be used and how thick it should be, along with considerations about whether an insulating layer should be added between them.
Current capacity - The amount of electrical current that the power cable can carry. The current capacity is based on the wire size and the allowable operating temperature.
Voltage rating - This refers to how much voltage can pass through the cable without damaging it or causing an electrical fault. Higher power levels require thicker insulation around each wire strand (called "dielectric") to prevent leakage between strands and create an insulating barrier between them.
Common Sheathing Materials
Here are the common sheathing materials used in power cables:
PVC sheath cable: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a widely used, cost-effective wire sheathing material known for its excellent insulation properties and resistance to moisture, chemicals, and abrasion. PVC sheath cables are used for various indoor and outdoor settings, including residential wiring, commercial buildings, and industrial installations.
Rubber sheath cable: Rubber, known for its exceptional flexibility and resilience, provides superior protection in demanding environments where cables may experience frequent bending or impact. Rubber sheath cables are commonly used in heavy-duty industrial applications, construction sites, and outdoor power distribution systems.
CPE sheath cable: CPE (Chlorinated Polyethylene) offers a balance of flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance. CPE sheath cables can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. CPE's resistance to oil, grease, and UV radiation makes it ideal for use in industrial environments and outdoor power distribution systems.
Types of Power Cables
Here are the common types of power cables:
Mains power cable - These cables are best used in applications where flexibility and durability are important, such as wiring household appliances. They can have a PVC, rubber, or CPE outer sheath with 1 to 5 stranded or solid copper cores.
SWA cable - SWA cables have galvanized steel wire insulation surrounding the cores and braiding for added protection and strength. They're generally used in underground cabling but are suitable for indoor or outdoor installations. Sheath material is either PVC (plastic) or LSZH ("Low Smoke Zero Halogen") - which creates less smoke when burned than standard plastic.
Conduit cable - This cable can provide a power supply and is installed inside a conduit enclosure. It's used in dangerous industrial settings in the Philippines, such as fire, smoke, or chemicals, which might damage machines.
Multicore cable - They can be configured with 2 to 20+ cores, and the screening helps reduce external interference while maintaining a high-quality signal.
High voltage cable - These cables are designed to handle the transmission of electrical power at high voltages, typically above 1,000 volts. Their specialized construction ensures safe and efficient power transmission across long distances or in demanding industrial applications.
Industrial Applications of Power Cables
Power cables are used in modern industrial and production settings where high durability and reliability are critical. These robust cables power heavy machinery in factories, withstand extreme temperatures in steel mills, resist corrosive chemicals in processing plants, and endure constant vibrations in mining operations.
Moreover, their specialized construction, featuring tough outer jackets, high-grade insulation, and reinforced conductors, ensures uninterrupted power delivery even under the harshest conditions. From powering assembly lines to illuminating vast warehouses, power cables are a crucial element in keeping industrial processes running smoothly and efficiently.
Commercial and Residential Installation of Power Cables
Electrical power cables play an important role in commercial buildings and residential homes, delivering the energy that powers our daily lives.
For commercial settings, cables must handle higher loads and complex wiring systems, prioritizing safety to avoid electrical disruptions in industrial operations. Residential installations, while typically less demanding, still require careful selection to meet the needs of modern appliances and ensure the well-being of occupants.
Proper cable sizing, grounding, and adherence to local electrical codes are crucial in both settings. Choosing the right electrical cable type guarantees safe and efficient power distribution throughout the building.
Purchase Industrial Power Cables from RS
For your industrial power needs, shop for top-quality cables from RS in the Philippines. Our comprehensive selection includes cables designed for demanding environments, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
Whether you require armored cables for heavy-duty applications, flexible cables for confined spaces, or high-temperature power cables for extreme conditions, we offer a wide variety to suit your specific project requirements. Rest assured, all our cables are sourced from trusted brands and undergo rigorous quality checks to ensure reliability and longevity.
Browse our collection of cables today and power your industrial operations with confidence.