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Studies on proper cable selection to maximize cable performance during fire hazards
Ridzwan Mustapa
XLPE are superior than EPR based from the following criteria:
XLPE always have a thinner insulation compared to EPR. Based from IEC60502-1: 2004, the
differences of the thickness on each material are obvious as shown in Graph 1. Thickness of the
insulation is proportional to the weight itself thus EPR tends to be heavier compared to XLPE as
shown in Graph 2. Both are thermoset compound which is petroleum (ethylene) based material.
Hence, it is necessary to use in smaller amount because it will act as a fuel in case of fire. Thus
EPR will give a greater impact as it will act as a main fuel component in the event of fire because
XLPE have the same Electrical characteristic with EPR and better Mechanical characteristic
compared to EPR. As shown in Table 1, XLPE tends to have higher tensile strength. In addition,
XLPE doesn’t require ozone resistance test as it would not degrade its properties and XLPE also
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Graph 1: Comparison of the insulation thickness according to IEC60502-1: 2004
45%
3.0
40%
Insulation thickness (mm)
2.5 35%
30%
2.0
25%
1.5
20%
1.0 15%
10%
0.5
5%
0.0 0%
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Graph 2: Comparison of the insulation weight based on insulation thickness
according to IEC60502-1: 2004
500.0 120%
Insulation Weight (kg/km)
100%
400.0
80%
300.0
60%
200.0
40%
100.0 20%
0.0 0%
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Table 1: Material comparison (Mechanical and Electrical Properties)
Applicable standards BS 7655 Section 1.2 (GP4) BS 7655 Section 1.3 (GP8)
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Table 1 (continued)
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