Why is white powder used inside electrical cables?
You may notice that some white powders are used in high-current electrical cables and you have questions about why they are used. In this article, we will know why white powders are used inside electrical cables, what is the name of these powders.
Depending on the capacity, electrical cable applications use different types of powder such as talcum powder, magnesium oxide (MgO) powder, Swellable powder, chalk powder, etc.
Talcum powder in electrical cables
Talcum Powder is used in some low current cables like computer power cable to make it flexible, to prevent the inner wires from getting stuck to the outer rubber cover. When a cable is used for a long period of time, the outer rubber becomes sticky and can be broken. To prevent this problem, talcum powder is used in some electrical cables.
Magnesium oxide powder in electrical cables
Magnesium oxide powder is used in high current load cables, Metal Insulated (MI) cables. Magnesium oxide powder has two very beneficial properties which are high thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity. Magnesium oxide powder gives a lot of advantages and advantages in an electric cable shown below,
1. When high current flows through a cable, heat is produced which can damage the cable. Due to the high thermal conductivity property, the magnesium oxide powder can conduct heat from inside the cable to the outside and prevent the cable from being damaged by the heat.
2. Due to its low electrical conductivity property, the magnesium oxide powder provides good electrical insulation.
3. Magnesium oxide powder provides good lubrication for electric cables.
4. Magnesium oxide powder makes the electrical cable fireproof.
5. Magnesium oxide powder makes electrical cable flexible.
Swollen powder in electrical cables
Swellable Powder is used in electrical cables to block out water and eliminate moisture problem. These powders can form a gel-like substance on contact with water and block the flow of water. This powder swells and expands to prevent water permanently.
Chalk powder in electrical cables
Chalk powder is used in some cables to provide fire resistance. To prevent wires from spotting inside a cable, chalk powder is used in some electrical cables.
Commentaires