LV CABLES WORKING AT -30C

[Elecme]

What is the effect on both the copper and insulation of a low voltage copper cable when working at ambient temperature of -30C.are there any special consideration for the type of cable to be used;I mean special insulation type. Elecme

 

[MarkAthay]

At those loer temperatures tha insulation will get stiff. Your "plastic" insulations such as PVC and PE will stiffen up on you quite a bit. If you don't have to handle them or move them at these low temperatures, you shouldn't have any problems. Crews in Wyoming during the winter either want to wait for a warmer day to install the cables or keep them inside until the last minute to pull them in. The stiifness can increase the pulling tensions when pulling into a conduit system.

If you're worried about the flexiblity, try to find an equivalent cable with EPR insulation. It'll be a lot more flexible at those lower temperatures, but that added flexibility will come at a price.

As for the effects on copper, it'll be plenty happy at those temperatures.

Mark in Utah

 

[gordonl]

I agree with Mark, and only want to add that XLPE is generally available in -40 as well.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: Check with

http://www.generalcable.com/North_America/NorthAMCat.html

http://www.southwire.com/

etc. since there are various cable constructions or structures using various material layers.