Assessing and quality tests of new PVC electrical cables outer sheath by accelerated thermal ageing

Abstract

In Algeria, XLPE and PVC are the most widely used materials in cable insulation industries. The severe climate conditions in Algeria, plus tremendous factors in stressing cables insulations and shorten their lifetime. This study presents results of a tested material (PVC ST2 IRIS) on medium and low voltage cable outer sheath using different experimental techniques, especially; elongation at break (EAB), hot stretching test, Thermal shock test and weight loss method and the thermomechanical properties to determine how valid and safe are the proposed outer sheath materials used in cables manufacturing. The obtained results show that, the mechanical properties after accelerated thermal aging are affected by less than 9% with those before aging. These results are conformed to the standard CEI recommendations. The findings of the present experimental work show that the new tested (PVC ST2 IRIS) material passed all the approval mechanical tests successfully, and has approved to be marketed and operated in practice.