Selecting the correct cable ensures not only the safety and efficiency of an electrical system but also optimizes the project budget. Below is our professional framework for selecting high-performance cables.

1. Define Voltage Rating

• Low Voltage (LV): Up to 1kV (1000V). Common for residential, commercial, and light industrial applications.
• Medium Voltage (MV): 6kV to 35kV. Used for primary power distribution and large-scale industrial plants.
• High Voltage (HV): Above 66kV. Reserved for long-distance power transmission.

2. Select Conductor Material

• Copper (CU): The "Gold Standard." It offers superior conductivity, flexibility, and easier termination. Recommended for high-stability projects.
• Aluminum (AL): A cost-effective alternative. It is lighter and cheaper but requires a larger cross-sectional area to carry the same current as copper.

3. Choose Insulation Material (Thermal Performance)

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Rated for 70°C. Ideal for general-purpose indoor wiring where temperatures are stable.
• XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene): Rated for 90°C. It is the high-performance choice for power cables due to its excellent thermal stability, chemical resistance, and higher current-carrying capacity.

4. Mechanical Protection (Armoring)

• Unarmored : For indoor trays or conduits.
• STA (Steel Tape): Resists heavy pressure; best for underground burial.
• SWA (Steel Wire): Resists high tension; best for vertical or pulling tasks.
• AWA (Aluminum Wire): For Single Core cables; prevents magnetic heating (eddy currents).

5. Environmental & Safety Requirements

• Flame Retardant (FR): Prevents the spread of fire along the cable run.
• Fire Resistant: Maintains circuit integrity for a specific period (e.g., 90 or 120 minutes) during an active fire.
• Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH): Necessary for public spaces (airports, hospitals, subways) to prevent toxic gas emission in case of fire.