What are the practical and possible applications of PVC wires and cables?

When we talk about PVC wires and cables, the very first application that strikes our mind is as an insulating material. But the applications of PVC wires and cables are beyond the limitation of only insulation. The humungous characteristics of PVC wires makes it so versatile and you can find its’ application in all those industries which are looking for insulation, jacketing, durability, UV resistance, resistant to chemicals and water, outstanding tensile strength as well.

PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride is a “thermoplastic”. Thermoplastics are basically those materials that very comes to their original state after heating up to their melting point and then cooled without any significant degradation. This quality of thermoplastics makes them reusable.

Here are some most prominent sectors where PVC wires and cables are used frequently-

The Electric Wire industry- With excellent electrical and high flame retardant, makes PVC wires and cables so ubiquitous in the Electric Wire industry. Mostly it is used for cable insulation to make them shock free and gives the wires a longer life span. Also it has gained popularity for not degrading the environment when the other alternatives strive great threat to environment. The fire catching is one of the major problem in the case of electric wires. The PVC wires and cables are not at all fulminating. In any case of fire, they are self-extinguishable and also do not appreciate further burning i.e. they won’t let other things catch fire. Instead of producing burning drops they char and thus helps in not spreading the fire. The life span of PVC wires and cables are longer as compared to other wires and also does not need frequent repairs or replacement which makes it a very good option for companies under budget constraints.

Medical industry- The cables used in the medical industry are often in a direct or an indirect contact with the patient, hence these medical cables needs to be most resistant to any chance of electrical leakage. Therefore, more emphasis is given to the jackets of the wires and cables as they will be in direct contact with the environment. These should have the property of being easily sterilized and also can be easily cleaned. PVC wires and cables falls entirely in all the requirements for medical cables. PVC being the most non-reactive and resistant to most of the chemicals and hence the best suited cable to be used in the medical industry. In spite of having all these qualities, PVC cables are inexpensive and moldable.

Communication industry- Again the flame resistant, oil resistant and some specific mechanical properties of PVC has maintained its’ position in the Communication industry as well. But the conventional PVC when on fire produces a huge amount of black smoke. Thus there has been a transition from normal PVC to low smoke PVC

Oil and Gas industry- The environment in an oil and gas industry is quite harsh and more or less corrosive, therefore, any wires used in an industry like this should be resistant to oils, grease, acids, alkalis and even moisture. Without any exception, here also PVC was able to prove to be the optimum choice. These oil and gas industries with a huge capital and does not support materials which need frequent checks and to be abrasion resistant and longer life span. With no doubt PVC proudly entails all these properties. 

The applications of PVC wires and cables is not only restricted to these above mentioned industries. These applications are just like a drop in the ocean.