Cable Technology & Engineering Innovation | Nexans Cables

Core Technology

XLPE Cross-Linking Technology

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation is the backbone of our medium and high voltage cable range. Through controlled peroxide cross-linking at temperatures exceeding 300°C, the molecular chains form a three-dimensional network that measurably improves thermal endurance, dielectric strength, and resistance to environmental stress cracking.

Parameter	XLPE	PVC
Max. Continuous Temp.	90°C	70°C
Short Circuit Temp.	250°C	160°C
Dielectric Strength	>20 kV/mm	~15 kV/mm
Design Life	30+ years	20 years

Fire Safety

Fire Performance Engineering

Our fire resistant cable range is tested beyond minimum compliance. We engineer cables to maintain circuit integrity under direct flame exposure for up to 120 minutes — exceeding the 30- and 60-minute thresholds required by most building codes.

IEC 60332-3: Flame propagation resistance in bunched vertical cable installations
IEC 60331: Circuit integrity (fire resistance) — maintaining function during fire
EN 50575 CPR: Construction Products Regulation Euroclass B2ca-s1,d1,a1
LSZH Sheathing: Low smoke, zero halogen compounds for enclosed spaces

Quality Assurance

Testing & Certification

Every production batch undergoes a comprehensive testing regime in our ISO 17025 accredited laboratory. From routine high voltage withstand tests to partial discharge measurement, we verify that each cable leaving our facility meets or exceeds the stated specification.

100%

HV Withstand Tested

<0.05%

Field Failure Rate

ISO 17025

Accredited Lab

12

Test Protocols

Selection Considerations

Cable Insulation Trade-offs: XLPE vs. EPR vs. PVC

Selecting the right insulation system requires balancing thermal performance, flexibility, cost, and installation constraints. No single insulation type is optimal for every application.

Parameter	XLPE	EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber)	PVC
Max. Continuous Temperature	90°C	90°C	70°C
Short-Circuit Temperature	250°C	250°C	160°C
Flexibility (Bend Radius)	Moderate — stiffer at large cross-sections	High — preferred for confined routing	Moderate
Moisture Resistance	High (low dielectric loss)	Moderate (higher water absorption)	Moderate
Relative Cost	Medium	Higher (rubber compound processing)	Lowest
Typical Application	Utility distribution, direct burial	Mining, portable power, tight spaces	Low voltage building wiring

EPR offers superior flexibility for retrofit installations in congested cable routes but has higher moisture absorption than XLPE, making it less suitable for long-term direct burial without additional moisture barriers. XLPE remains the default choice for new-build distribution networks where routing space is not constrained.

IEC vs. UL Cable Standards: Specification Implications

Cables manufactured to IEC 60502 and UL 1072 / UL 44 standards are not interchangeable despite serving similar voltage classes. Key differences affect project specifications:

IEC-Compliant Cables (IEC 60502 / IEC 60228)

Conductor sizing follows IEC 60228 classes (Class 2 stranded, Class 5 flexible). Insulation thickness is governed by IEC 60502 tables based on rated voltage Uo/U. Fire testing follows IEC 60332 (flame propagation) and IEC 60331 (circuit integrity) independently. Widely specified in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific projects.

UL-Listed Cables (UL 1072 / UL 44 / NEC)

Conductor sizing follows AWG/kcmil system. Insulation requirements per UL 1072 include additional impact and crush resistance tests not present in IEC. Installation governed by NEC (National Electrical Code) articles 310/311. Required for all North American installations and many Caribbean/Latin American projects referencing NEC.

Projects spanning IEC and UL jurisdictions require dual-certified cables or parallel specifications. Nexans Cables maintains both IEC and UL product lines to support multinational project delivery without re-certification delays.

Cable Technology & Innovation