The increasing demand for high-quality cables for various applications has sparked significant debate regarding which type of wire insulation is superior: PVC or TPE. These two primary materials largely determine the effectiveness of your cable and its ability to endure various environments. Many perceive PVC as being associated with lower-end products, while TPE is often seen as featuring higher-end options. Continue reading to gain a better understanding of PVC and TPE wire insulation and the factors that distinguish them.
What is a TPE Wire Insulation?
TPE stands for Thermoplastic Elastomer, a material widely utilized in the manufacturing of flexible cables due to its exceptional ability to withstand various mechanical loads. It possesses the capability to resist external factors, including extreme temperatures and chemicals. Typically, TPE is well-suited for temperatures ranging from -31 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some of the common benefits associated with TPE wire insulation include:
- A higher processing performance, soft-touch, excellent weather and temperature resistance, not forgetting fatigue resistance.
- Very safe and features a peculiar smell, non-toxic with no irritation effect to the human body or skin.
- Easily recyclable, which minimizes cost.
- TPE material processing performance features the deployment of different colors, with some of the common market colors being light grey and white.
However, as much as TPE wire insulation is considered the best option when compared to PVC, it still has its downsides, including:
- Highly intolerance of dirt
- Improper use can lead to bursting
What is PVC Wire Insulation?
PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride, and it is commonly used in the production of electrical cables to provide superior insulation. During the manufacturing of these cables, the wires generally do not have a jacket, except for those that consist of more than a single core. The PVC material is thermoplastic, meaning it softens when heated – a characteristic that facilitates wire manufacturing by enabling manufacturers to extrude the PVC insulation onto the wires.
Common PVC advantages include:
- Good weather resistance, low cost, and it’s considered good insulation. The material price is relatively low when compared to TPE.
- Lightweight making it easy to use
- It features a higher short circulating rating
- Easy installation
PVC, just like PTE wire insulation, also has its major downfall, which includes:
- Features a hard texture with poor resilience.
- Easily prone to peeling and breakage
- Features a rough surface that is also dim
- It poses an easy-to-notice plastic smell that releases harmful chemicals.
Finally
Several factors contribute to selecting the appropriate wire insulation for your project. With TPE, you benefit from an environmentally friendly material that suits a variety of purposes. Its eco-friendly and non-toxic, odorless characteristics set it apart. On the contrary, PVC, which has been in the market for an extended period, offers its own unique advantages, including fire-resistance, making it ideal for producing higher quality cables. It is easy to process and ideal for specific applications.
Regardless of your choice, Eco Cables is here to fulfill your wire insulation needs. We have experience working with both TPE and PVC wire insulation and can assist you in making the best decision based on your application requirements. Please feel free to contact us.
