Thermal Capability Of Solid Dielectric Cable Materials

This paper describes a study of the temperature behavior of chemically cross-linked polymer materials used in conventional extruded cables. An extensive :study has been carried out into the electrical, mechanical, thermal and physico-chemical behavior of extruded dielectric materials as a function of temperature. Materials studied include XLPE filled XLPE, EPR compounds and semiconducting XLPE and data was obtained on specimens cut from full size extruded cables as well as laboratory molded specimens. The results are presented in a form that emphasizes differences and similarities between the behavior of XLPE and EPR materials at elevated temperatures. The use of those materials at elevated termperatures is discussed as regards to satisfactory cable operation under emergency conditions.