The important DIFFERENCE is the extra TOUGHNESS of insulation and, in particular, the ability to withstand much high temperature without deformation due to mechanical pressure. The better physical PROPERTIES of XLPE enable the insulation thickness to be reduced and HENCE overall size of the cable. The CONTINUOUS temperature rating is increased from 70°C to 90°C and the temperature for short circuit ratings for the cable from 160°C to 250°C.

In general, XLPE insulated cables are competitive alternative to PVC cables for industrial use and Paper insulated cables for public supply systems.

The important difference is the extra toughness of insulation and, in particular, the ability to withstand much high temperature without deformation due to mechanical pressure. The better physical properties of XLPE enable the insulation thickness to be reduced and hence overall size of the cable. The continuous temperature rating is increased from 70°C to 90°C and the temperature for short circuit ratings for the cable from 160°C to 250°C.

In general, XLPE insulated cables are competitive alternative to PVC cables for industrial use and Paper insulated cables for public supply systems.