A power cable is an assembly of two or more electrical conductors, usually held together with an overall sheath. The assembly is used for transmission of electrical power. Power cables may be installed as permanent wiring within buildings, buried in the ground, run overhead, or exposed.
Flexible power cables are used for portables devices, mobile tools and machinery. Modern power cables come in a variety of sizes, materials, and types, each particularly adapted to is uses. Large single insulated conductors are also sometimes called power cables in the industry. Cables consist of three major components; they are conductors, insulation, and protective jacket. The makeup of individual cables varies according to application; the construction and material are determined by three main factors. One is working voltage which determines the thickness of the insulation. Second is current-carrying capacity, determining the cross-sectional size. And the last one is environmental conditions such as temperature, water, chemical or sunlight exposure, and mechanical impact, determining the form and composition of the outer cable jacket.
Cables for direct burial or for exposed installations may also include metal armor in the form of wires spiraled around the cable, or a corrugated tape wrapped around it. The armor may be made of steel, aluminum, and although connected to earth ground is not intended to carry current during normal operation. Power cables use standard copper or aluminum conductors, although small power cables may use solid conductors. The power cable may include uninsulated conductors used for the circuit neutral or for ground connection.
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