Overhead power cables | wires for electricity supply

Technical Data

Material:

Conductor: Aluminum, aluminum alloy, or copper (depending on the model).
Insulation: PVC, XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene), or uninsulated (bare wires).
Reinforcement: Some cables include steel cores for added strength.
Voltage Range:

Low Voltage Cables: 0.6–1 kV.
Medium Voltage Cables: 10–35 kV.
High Voltage Cables: Over 35 kV (up to 400 kV or more).
Construction:

Uninsulated Wires: Used for high-voltage overhead lines.
Insulated Cables: Designed for medium- and low-voltage lines, providing protection against short circuits and environmental effects.
Temperature Range:

Operating Temperature: From -40°C to +80°C (depending on the cable type).
Mechanical Properties:

High Tensile Strength: Durable under mechanical stress.
Lightweight: Aluminum and aluminum alloy conductors reduce weight, easing installation and lowering the load on support structures.
Applications

High-Voltage Transmission Lines:
Bare wires are commonly used in high-voltage lines between power plants and substations to ensure maximum energy transmission efficiency.

Medium- and Low-Voltage Networks:
Insulated cables are used in urban and residential electrical grids, where safety and protection against external damage are critical.

Energy Supply for Residential and Commercial Properties:
PVC- or XLPE-insulated cables are employed in both private homes and commercial buildings to reliably distribute electricity to users.

Industrial Projects:
Suitable for factories, warehouses, and other industrial zones requiring high-power energy supply solutions.

Pros

Reliability:
Overhead cables are designed for long-term operation even under extreme environmental conditions.

High Conductivity:
Copper and aluminum wires feature low electrical resistance, ensuring efficient energy transmission.

Easy Installation:
Aluminum wires are lighter than copper, making installation faster and more economical.

Environmental Resistance:
Insulated cables are protected against weather conditions such as rain, snow, or UV radiation, reducing the risk of failures.

Versatility:
A variety of cables and wires are available to meet diverse needs, from high-voltage transmission lines to low-voltage distribution networks.

Cons

Maintenance Required:
Overhead lines are exposed to environmental factors, requiring regular inspection and technical maintenance.

Shorter Insulation Lifespan (for some types):
PVC insulation is less durable compared to XLPE, leading to potentially more frequent replacements in certain conditions.

Susceptibility to Mechanical Damage:
Bare wires can be affected by wind, falling trees, or other physical impacts.

Higher Cost for Copper Wires:
While copper cables offer greater conductivity, they are more expensive than aluminum options.

Popular Types

Uninsulated Steel-Reinforced Aluminum Conductors (ACSR):
Used in high-voltage transmission lines requiring high tensile strength.

Insulated XLPE Cables:
Designed for medium- and low-voltage networks, offering excellent insulation properties.

PVC-Insulated Cables:
Utilized in residential and commercial networks where flexibility and ease of installation are essential.

Overhead power cables and wires are an essential solution for ensuring efficient and reliable energy transmission between different segments of the power grid. With a wide selection of materials and designs, these cables meet various needs—from high-voltage transmission lines to low-voltage distribution networks. Their reliability, versatility, and resistance to environmental factors make overhead cables one of the most crucial components in electrical power systems.