Cables are the backbone of contemporary infrastructure, used for power transmission, communication, and other industrial uses. Australia possesses a highly developed cable manufacturing sector that provides numerous various applications in the energy, mining, telecommunication, and construction sectors.
This handbook presents an overview of various cables produced in Australia, such as solar cable, mining cable, armoured cable, TEC cables, MV cable, and HV cable.
1. Solar Cable
What is solar cable?
Solar cables are dedicated photovoltaic (PV) electrical cables. They are employed to connect solar panels, inverters, and other electrical devices to allow for effective power transmission from solar energy generation to the grid or storage devices.
Characteristics of Solar Cable:
Weather and UV resistant: Solar cables must be resistant to the rigours of outdoor use, including extreme temperatures and UV radiation. They are constructed of outdoor-use weather-resistant insulation.
Flexible: Solar cables are designed to be flexible so that they can be easily installed in solar farms and home setups.
Low Smoke and Halogen-Free: The halogen-free material is used in the solar cables so that when they burn, the production of toxic smoke is minimized.
Longevity: Solar cables are extremely durable and last for an extremely long time, around 25 years or more.
Uses of Solar Cables
Solar power stations and power farms
Rooftop solar panel installations
Off-grid solar installations
2. Mining Cable
What is mining cable?
Mining cables are heavy-duty power cables applied in mining processes, where they are subjected to severe mechanical, thermal, and environmental stresses. Mining machinery, conveyor belts, and underground machines are powered by these cables.
Features of Mining Cable:
Abrasion and Impact: Mining cables that are buried underground are designed to withstand harsh underground conditions, such as being hit by sharp rocks and heavy equipment.
Flame and Fire: The majority of mining cables are made from flame-retardant materials for the purpose of avoiding hazards within explosive atmospheres.
Chemical and Water: They are designed to resist chemicals, water, and other substances used in mines.
High Conductivity: High electrical conductivity of mining cables allows for effective delivery of power in big operations.
Uses of Mining Cables:
Subterranean and open-pit mining activities
Power supply to heavy machines and equipment
Tunneling undertakings
3. Armoured Cable
What is armoured cable?
Armoured cables are secure electrical cables containing extra protection made of metal tape or a wire. It is usually designed to be laid in places where the cables need protection from being damaged mechanically, such as construction sites and factories.
Characteristics of Armoured Cable:
Enhanced Mechanical Protection: The aluminium or steel armoring is additional protection against physical damage.
Resistance to Environmental Hazards: These cables offer resistance to rodents, corrosion, and water.
Improved Tensile Strength: The protective coating offers tensile strength, which makes them ideal for below-ground applications and for outdoor installations.
Choice of Conductor Option: Armoured cables may come with copper or aluminium conductors based on application requirements.
Applications of armoured cables:
Subterranean power grid
Industrial and commercial outlets
Power supply in hostile environments
4. TEC Cables (Tubing Encapsulated Cable)
What is TEC Cable?
TEC cables, or tubing encapsulated cables, are a kind of cable designed for oil and gas environments. TEC cables are used for the transmission of power as well as data signals in the most extreme of environments, like offshore drilling and subsea operations.
Characteristics of TEC Cable:
Temperature Resistance: Cables are withstanding very high temperatures and pressures and are compatible for use in oil and gas exploration.
Corrosion Resistance: The TEC cables are insulated to resist corrosive agents such as chemicals and saltwater. High Electrical Performance: The cables have high electrical insulation, and the power is less lost while being transmitted over distance.
Smooth Encapsulation: The cables are encased in a metal pipe, which is even more resistant to wear and tear and natural forces.
Applications of TEC Cables:
Oil and gas exploration and production
Subsea communications and power transfer
Industrial monitoring systems
5. MV Cable (Medium Voltage Cable)
What is MV Cable?
MV cables are used in power distribution systems with voltages ranging from 1kV to 33kV. MV cables are used extensively in utility systems, substations, and industrial plants.
Features of MV Cable:
High Dielectric Strength: MV cables use top-notch material to cover insulation such that there would not be an electric breakdown.
Multiple Core Configurations: The cables are built using single-core and multiple-core types to serve different power distribution requirements.
Fire and Chemical Resistance: MV cables have fire-resistant and chemical-resistant material coated over them to ensure safety and durability.
Long Service Life: Designed to be dependable, MV cables last for 30 years or more if they are installed correctly.
Applications of MV Cables:
Power distribution networks
Industrial and commercial buildings
Renewable energy proposals
6. HV Cable (High Voltage Cable)
What is HV Cable?
High-voltage (HV) cables are utilized to transmit power for a long distance at voltages above 33 kV. HV cables are of utmost importance in establishing the connection between power-generating stations and substations and distribution systems.
Characteristics of HV Cable:
Better Insulation: HV cables employ superior insulation materials like cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) to avoid electrical faults.
Higher Current Carrying Capacity: HV cables are designed to carry more loads without getting heated.
Long-Term Protection: HV cables are provided with shielding layers to prevent electromagnetic interference.
High Resistance to Adverse Conditions: They resist extreme conditions of temperature, humidity, and mechanical stress.
Applications of HV Cables:
National and regional grid power transmission systems
Line from power plant to substation
Industrial and infrastructure large-scale projects
Conclusion
Australia boasts a very well-developed cable manufacturing industry that produces superior-quality cables to be used in different applications. For solar energy, mining activity, industrial processing, or transmitting electricity, there are high-quality Australian cables available with strict standards of safety. Having knowledge about the different cables available, businesses and industries are able to use the right type of cables that suit their needs, providing them with efficiency, safety, and reliability in electrical installations.
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