The high demand for quality cable for different applications has led to a considerable debate on which wire insulation is the best between PVC and TPE wire insulation. These two main materials highly determine the effectiveness of your cable and how well it’s able to withstand different environs. To many, PVC is considered to feature low-end products while TPE features high-end products. Read on to understand better PVC and TPE wire insulation and what sets them apart.
What is a TPE Wire Insulation?
TPE refers to a thermoplastic elastomer material. This material is widely used in the production of flexible cables due to its high ability to withstand different mechanical loads. It features the ability to resist external influences, including extreme temperatures and chemicals. Generally, TPE is perfectly suitable for temperatures ranging from -31 to 212 degrees.
Some of the common benefits associated with TPE wire insulation include:
- A higher processing performance, soft-touch, excellent weather and temperature resistance, not forgetting fatigue resistance.
- Very safe and features a peculiar smell, non-toxic with no irritation effect to the human body or skin.
- Easily recyclable, which minimizes cost.
- TPE material processing performance features the deployment of different colors, with some of the common market colors being light grey and white.
However, as much as TPE wire insulation is considered the best option when compared to PVC, it still has its downsides, including:
- Highly intolerance of dirt
- Improper use can lead to bursting
What is PVC Wire Insulation?
PVC stands for Polyvinyl chloride and is widely applied in the `production of electrical cables for better insulation. During the production of these cables, the wires usually have no jacket, with an exception for wires that feature more than a single core. The PVC material is thermoplastic and softens once heated – A feature that eases wire manufacturing by allowing manufacturers to extrude PVC wire insulation.
Common PVC advantages include:
- Good weather resistance, low cost, and it’s considered good insulation. The material price is relatively low when compared to TPE.
- Lightweight making it easy to use
- It features a higher short circulating rating
- Easy installation
PVC, just like PTE wire insulation, also has its major downfall, which includes:
- Features a hard texture with poor resilience.
- Easily prone to peeling and breakage
- Features a rough surface that is also dim
- It poses an easy-to-notice plastic smell that releases harmful chemicals.
Finally
There are lots of factors that go into choosing the right wire insulation for your project. With TPE, you get to enjoy an environmentally friendly material that is ideal for different purposes. Its environmental protection and non-toxic, tasteless features make it stand out. On the other hand, PVC, having been in the market for such a long time, also comes with its own unique benefits, including fire-resistant capabilities making it perfect for the creation of better quality cables. It’s easy to process and works perfectly for a certain application.
Irrespective of your choice, Eco Cables is here to meet your wire insulation demands. We have experience working with PTE and PVC wire insulation and can help you make the best decision based on your application requirements. Feel free to reach out.