What are the advantages of cross-linked polyethylene cables over oil-paper cables?
Cross-linked polyethylene cables and oil paper cables are two common types of power transmission and distribution cables, each of which has some advantages. The following is a comparison of cross-linked polyethylene cables and oil paper cables and their respective advantages:
Advantages of cross-linked polyethylene cables:
- high dielectric strength: cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) has good electrical insulation properties and is capable of withstanding high voltage loads, therefore cross-linked polyethylene cables are suitable for high-voltage and ultra-high-voltage power transmission.
- High temperature performance: Cross-linked polyethylene cables have high thermal stability and are able to work in high temperature environments, usually withstanding temperatures from 70°C to 90°C.
- low dielectric loss: cross-linked polyethylene cables have low dielectric loss, which can provide higher transmission efficiency and reduce power loss.
- high mechanical strength: cross-linked polyethylene cables have high mechanical strength and are able to withstand high tensile force and external pressure.
- chemical resistance: cross-linked polyethylene cables have good chemical resistance and can resist the erosion of acid, alkali and other corrosive media.

Advantages of oil paper cable:
- high voltage resistance: oil-paper cables have good voltage resistance and can withstand high voltage loads, suitable for medium-voltage and low-voltage power transmission and distribution.
- moisture resistance: oil-paper cables are moisture resistant to a certain extent and can work properly in humid environments.
- good thermal conductivity: the oil in oil paper cables has good thermal conductivity, which can quickly transfer and dissipate the heat in the line, helping to reduce the temperature of the cable.
- fire resistance: oil paper cables have high fire resistance and can withstand high temperatures for a short period of time, helping to prevent the spread of fire.
- Lower cost: Compared to cross-linked polyethylene cables, oil-paper cables are less expensive to manufacture and are suitable for some projects with relatively poor economic conditions.
Cross-linked polyethylene cables and oil-paper cables are two common types of power cables. They can also have some significant differences in construction, performance and application, and as technology has evolved, cross-linked polyethylene cables have surpassed oil-paper cables in many ways and are becoming a more common choice. Cross-linked polyethylene cables offer advantages in terms of insulation, thermal stability and reliability and are widely used in modern power systems. However, in certain specific application scenarios, oil-paper cables still offer some advantages, especially in terms of high voltage and fire resistance. Therefore, when selecting cable types, comprehensive consideration needs to be made based on actual needs and application environments.