Medium voltage cable （MV Cable) is designed to match facilities with higher voltage demands. Low voltage cable is not enough to support the higher voltage demand, and high voltage cable is higher than the demand and cost more, so people mostly choose medium voltage cables. Medium-voltage cable is power cable are usually used to carry medium voltage power. Let’s start by understanding the medium voltage cable meaning.

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What is the medium voltage cable?

Unlike low voltage cable and high voltage cable, medium-voltage cables refer to working voltage of medium grade cable is 3.6kv to 35kv. MV cables are widely used in power systems, underground railways, petrochemicals, as well as commercial buildings and renewable energy projects to support power and signal transmission over medium distances. Medium voltage power cable is specially constructed to be resistant to interference, radiation and chemicals, mechanical damage and fire resistance, providing protection to the electrical cable and helping them to smoothly transport power from the distribution station to various applications at medium voltage levels.

Medium voltage cable construction

Because of their higher voltage levels and the need to carry higher electricity for project using, mv cable is somewhat more complex than lv cables in order to safely and efficiently transmit point power. Here’s a detailed description from the inside out.

Conductor: Generally, cable manufacturers use either copper or aluminium as the conductor for medium voltage cable. Copper has better conductivity than aluminium, but aluminium is less expensive than copper, so customers can choose according to their own situation;

Semiconductor Insulation: A layer of semiconductor material added to the metal shield creates a uniform electric plant around it and reduces the risk of electrical stress concentrations;

Insulation: The outer layer of the conductor is wrapped with a layer of XLPE insulation, which can effectively withstand ambient temperatures and chemical substances and maintain the voltage level to a large extent;

Shield: To make the medium voltage underground cable resistant to electromagnetic interference, the manufacturer adds a shield, usually made of metal, to the mv cable. A metallic shield (copper or aluminium) not only provides the cable with immunity to electromagnetic interference, but also protects the medium voltage electric cable from mechanical damage;

Armour: Generally made of steel or aluminium in the form of ribbons or filaments to provide additional protection to the cable;

Filler: Electrical cable manufacturers may choose to fill the gaps in the cable with non-conductive material to provide mechanical support for the cable;

Sheath: the outer layer of the electric cable is wrapped in a sheath made of PVC material to protect the inside of the cable from abrasion and moisture damage.

Medium-voltage cable construction can vary depending on the environment and local industry standards, and people can also customize special construction of medium-voltage cables for specific applications to ensure that they can use medium voltage cables in a better and safer way. Learn more about the medium voltage cable sizing below to make a quicker choice of medium voltage power cables.

Medium voltage cable size

The cross-sectional area of a MV cable is the size of the MV cable, which can vary depending on factors such as the medium voltage cable ampacity, voltage, temperature, environment and medium voltage power cable specification. Below is  medium voltage cable size chart(IEC standard) for your reference.

When determining the correct cable size for a particular mv electrical system, it is important to consider the above factors that can affect MV cable sizing, consult a qualified professional electrician, and refer to applicable standards and guidelines. Incorrect medium-voltage cable sizing can lead to overheating, voltage drops and potential safety hazards. After that, let’s analyse the reasons why medium-voltage cables contain semiconductor layers.

Why do medium voltage power cables have semiconductor layer?

The reasons for the inclusion of a semiconductor layer in the structure of a medium voltage power cable are as follows:

1. The semiconductor layer controls the electric field around the conductor. If the electric field around the conductor is unstable, it can lead to concentration of electrical stress and cause cable failure. The semiconductor layer is between the conductor and the insulation, which can help the cable distribute power evenly and reduce the risk of electrical stress concentration, thus improving the electrical performance of MV cables to be more stable and reliable;
2. the semiconductor layer helps to reduce the risks associated with voltage variations. Differences in electrical characteristics between the conductor and the insulation will generate voltage gradients, these voltage gradients will be localized discharges, which may cause insulation breakdown, at this time, the semiconductor layer is needed to reduce the voltage gradient, to ensure a smooth transition of voltage, reduce the risk, and to help medium voltage cables to safely and reliably transmit power.

The above is the semiconductor layer in the role played by the mv cable, thus showing its importance. Next, let’s analyse MV-95 cable vs MV-105 cable.

MV-95 cable VS MV-105 cable

MV-95 and MV-105 cables are two types of medium voltage cable, where “95” and “105” refer to the rated working temperature of the cable insulation, and both have medium grade cable voltage of 3.6kv/35k, and are usually used in distribution stations, industrial facilities and power generation facilities. The two cables are both rated at 3.6kv/35k, and are usually used in distribution stations, industrial facilities and power generation facilities, etc. They differ in some aspects.

1. Shielding: MV-95 cable and MV-105 cable have different level of shielding, MV-105 cable has multi-layer shielding, the shielding capacity is stronger than MV-95 cable’s shielding capacity, which can help the cable to resist electromagnetic interference.
2. Application: MV-95 cable has a broader range of applications than MV-105 cable, but MV-105 cable is better suited for extremely challenging environments and applications;
3. Temperature: The rated operating temperature for MV-95 cable is 95°C, whereas the rated working temperature for MV-105 cable is 105°C. Compared to MV-95 cable, MV-105 cable is more durable and resistant to extreme temperatures.

The key differences between the mv-95 and mv-105 cables are listed above, however their fundamental goals are to assure safe and efficient power transfer. They are both made by medium voltage cable suppliers and manufacturers in accordance with the industry regulations to meet the needs of the people. People can make their selection based on the specific environment and performance requirements. Finally, let’s take a look at the installation standards of medium-voltage cables.

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Medium voltage cable installation standards

For the safe and reliable medium voltage cable installation, there are different standards and codes in different regions and countries. These standards guide the design, installation, testing and maintenance of MV power cable. Generally, cable manufacturers refer to the standards such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to make medium-voltage cables. These standards mainly stipulate the medium voltage power cable specification, construction, materials used and testing procedures to ensure that the electrical performance of MV cables is intact and risks are minimized.

Cable manufacturers sell medium voltage power cables with detailed installation guides and advice. For example, medium voltage cable preparation tools for installation, medium voltage cable testing methods and medium voltage cable maintenance. It is recommended that when installing medium voltage cables, professional electrical staff should be involved in the installation and testing. Professionals know better how to safely wire and avoid risks, so as to avoid unnecessary electrical problems that will occur during the use of the cable.

Conclusion

After analyzing the medium voltage electrical cable, people must learn more knowledge about the medium voltage cable definition, construction, size, and other related topics. I’m sure you have a good grasp of medium voltage power cables. Then you can choose to buy medium-voltage cables from alibaba, ebay and other online shopping platforms.

A MV-105 Power Cable is one of the most popular power cables on the wire and cable market both in the United States and worldwide. This blog is a tell-all about MV-105 Power Cable, from its applications to variations and unique characteristics.

What Is A MV-105 Power Cable And Where Is It Used?

A medium-voltage power MV-105 cable is a cable with a voltage between 2,4kV and 35kV that is used within the power grid to supply and transport electrical energy.

Despite the fact that medium-voltage cables are a part of the power grid, they do not actually transport the electric level from state to state across the country. This is the job of high-voltage cables on high-voltage power lines.

Medium-voltage cables like MV-105 are used on the preliminary stage between the national high-voltage network and the residential, commercial, and industrial buildings which are the end receivers of electricity.

Medium-voltage cables can be a part of state medium-voltage lines, but they are also very often owned by private companies. Large office premises, production, hospital and campuses, public premises, and radio towers possess their own medium-voltage lines.

What is the difference between MV-95 and MV-105 Cables?

MV-95 and MV-105 are essentially the same type of medium-voltage cable. The difference between them stems from the fact that MV-105 has a maximum conductor temperature of 105 ºC, while MV-95 has a maximum conductor temperature. This impacts the applications of these cables, as they are suitable for environments where the temperatures differ from each other.

The Voltage Of MV-105 Power Cables

MV-105 cables are available in different voltages that fall under the definition of medium voltage, from 2,4kv to 35kv. Some standard variations of medium-voltage cables are 2,4kv, 5kv, 8kv, 15kv, and 25kv/35kv. The 15Kv MV 105 power cable is the most popular one.

Insulation Levels of MV-105 Power Cables: 100%, 133%, and 173%.

One concept that is quite unique to medium-voltage power cables is its insulation level. MV-105 cables are available with 100%, 133%, and 173% insulation levels. The insulation level essentially determines how good the insulation is at dealing with mechanical stress.

An insulation level of 100% means a standard level of coping with the mechanical stress on cables.

An insulation level of 133% is primarily for 15Kv cables, the voltage of which varies within the 15kV/1.732 range. This insulation level is great for environments where voltage variation occurs up to 1 hour at a time.

If the instability lasts more than an hour, then an insulation level of 173%, the strongest one available, is required.

What is an MV-105 Cable With A Concentric Neutral, And When Should It Be Used?

When a cable like MV-105 has a concentric neutral, it means that the said neutral will carry the faulty currents during the faulty conditions, ensuring safe operation of the cable within the electric circuit. 

Because of this additional safety measure, MV-105 cables are used during power distribution, bringing electricity from the transmission lines to devices and equipment. While using an MV-105 cable with a concentric neutral in unstable currents is a necessity, one has to mind that this cable is not flexible and a bit more challenging to install.

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