Cable with polyvinyl chloride insulation and PVC pipes

Polyvinyl chloride is the result of polymerizing vinyl chloride derived from acetylene and hydrogen chloride. As is known, Fritz Klatte was the first to obtain permission for the industrial production of polyvinyl chloride.

PVC itself is a white powder, and its manufacture is a complex multi-stage process. Let us look at how a typical PVC pipe for electrical wiring is made:

First stage – electrolysis of salt, resulting in chlorine;

Second stage – reaction of chlorine with ethylene, resulting in vinyl chloride powder;

Third stage – addition of various additives to the PVC powder (stabilizers, lubricants, pigments, etc.), producing small granules;

Fourth stage – extrusion, i.e. pressing. The powder is heated to a high temperature, forming a thermoplastic mass that is shaped and then cooled to produce the finished item.

Such pipes have remarkable features: they are very resistant to mechanical damage and have reduced flammability, and the material properties allow PVC pipes to be made either corrugated or rigid.
PVC pipes are produced with markings such as: PVC d16x1.5 - 4–5 pcs/m; PVC d20x1.5 - 5–6 pcs/m, etc.; they are used to protect wiring from aging and other factors. PVC pipes are used in both exposed and concealed wiring.

The manufacture of cables with PVC insulation or sheathing is similar to the production of PVC pipes, but takes into account certain structural features of the cable. Thus, PVC insulation is heated and “poured” into a mold to form around the conductive core, and after cooling a dense insulating layer is formed.

Let us consider which power cables with PVC insulation and sheaths are offered by the modern cable industry today:
NYM – a power cable with PVC insulation rated for 0.66 kV; such a cable can be used on plastered surfaces and fastened directly to the wall. The outer sheath is made of PVC plastic.

PV-1 cable is a cable with a copper conductor, used for wiring in steel conduits, hollow channels, etc. The cable is covered with PVC insulation. Such a cable is used in circuits with DC voltage up to 1000 V, or with nominal AC voltage up to 450 V at frequencies up to 400 Hz.

VVGng-LS is a power cable, also with copper conductors like PV-1, but unlike it, the last two letters LS (Low Smoke) indicate that it has reduced smoke and gas emissions. The cable has insulation and an outer sheath made of low-flammability PVC. Such power cables are used in fire-hazardous premises.

AVVG is a power cable with aluminum conductors, PVC insulation, and a PVC sheath. That is, the cable’s insulation and outer sheath are made of PVC plastic. These cables are rated for voltages of 0.66, 1, and 6 kV. The cables are used in dry or damp rooms for open installation, i.e., fixed directly to walls or ceilings. AVVG power cables are intended for use in ordinary residential buildings.

AVVGng is also a power cable and has the same characteristics, but features reduced flammability, a quality that is indispensable when routing wiring in warehouses, wooden houses, etc.
KVVG and AKVVG are control cables; the first cable has a copper conductor, AKVVG an aluminum one; the sheaths of both cables are made of PVC plastic. These cables lack protective covering and armor.

KVVB and AKVVB are control cables; the first cable has a copper conductor, AKVVB an aluminum one; the sheaths of both cables are made of PVC plastic. The armor consists of two steel tapes, and the protective covering is impregnated cable yarn.

Thus, polyvinyl chloride is a polymer that does not burn in air, has high strength, is water-resistant, and possesses high electrical insulating properties.