High Voltage Power Cables: An In-Depth Introduction - EES CABLE

28 Jul.,2025

 

High Voltage Power Cables: An In-Depth Introduction - EES CABLE

High Voltage Power Cables: An In-Depth Introduction

  1. Usage Scenarios, How It Works, Features, and Drawbacks

High voltage power cables are the workhorses of the electrical grid, transporting large amounts of electricity over long distances. These cables are crucial for connecting power plants to substations and major industrial facilities.

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Usage Scenarios:

  • Power Transmission Networks: Connecting power stations to substations across cities and regions.
  • Industrial Plants: Providing power to heavy machinery and large-scale operations.
  • Renewable Energy Farms: Transmitting electricity from wind, solar, and hydro plants to the grid.

How It Works:
High voltage power cables are designed to carry voltages from 35kV up to 765kV. They consist of multiple layers of insulation and shielding to prevent electrical losses and ensure safe, efficient transmission over long distances.

Features:

  • High Capacity: Capable of transmitting large amounts of electricity.
  • Efficiency: Minimal power loss during transmission.
  • Safety: Multiple layers of insulation and shielding protect against electrical hazards.

Drawbacks:

  • Cost: High manufacturing and installation costs.
  • Maintenance: Requires regular inspection and maintenance to ensure reliability.
  • Complex Installation: Requires specialized equipment and skilled labor.

Insert Image: Diagram showing high voltage power cable in a power transmission network.

  1. Classification by Material, Function, and Standards

By Material:

  • Copper Conductor: Offers superior conductivity and durability.
  • Aluminum Conductor: Lightweight and more affordable, but less conductive.

By Function:

  • Transmission Cables: Main cables for transporting electricity over long distances.
  • Substation Cables: Connecting substations to the transmission network.
  • Distribution Cables: Delivering electricity from substations to end-users.

By Standards:

  • IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission): Global safety and performance standards.
  • IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers): Widely used in North America.
  • BS (British Standards): Common in the UK and other regions.

Insert Image: Different types of high voltage power cables categorized by material and function.

  1. Product Structure and Specifications

High voltage power cables consist of the following layers:

  1. Conductor: The core, typically made of copper or aluminum.
  2. Conductor Shield: A semi-conducting layer to distribute electric stress.
  3. Insulation: Often made of XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) for high voltage endurance.
  4. Insulation Shield: Another semi-conducting layer.
  5. Metallic Shield: Provides a path for fault currents and protects the cable.
  6. Outer Sheath: An outer protective layer, usually PVC or PE.

Popular Models:

  • HV-110kV Cable: Suitable for high voltage transmission, with conductor cross-sections ranging from 150- mm².
  • HV-220kV Cable: Used in major power transmission projects, with conductor cross-sections ranging from 200- mm².

Insert Image: Cross-section diagram of a high voltage power cable showing its layers.

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  1. Production Process, Testing Methods, and Steps

Production Process:

  1. Wire Drawing: Reducing the diameter of the conductor wire.
  2. Stranding: Twisting multiple wires together for flexibility.
  3. Conductor Shielding: Applying the first semi-conducting layer.
  4. Insulation: Applying the insulating material.
  5. Insulation Shielding: Adding another semi-conducting layer.
  6. Metallic Shielding: Applying the metallic shield.
  7. Sheathing: Adding the outer protective layer.

Testing Methods:

  1. Electrical Testing: Ensuring proper conductivity and insulation resistance.
  2. Mechanical Testing: Checking the strength and flexibility of the cable.
  3. Environmental Testing: Simulating extreme conditions to ensure durability.

Insert Image: Production line of high voltage power cables with labeled stages.

  1. New Products, Technologies, and Innovations

New Products:

  • Superconducting Cables: Offering virtually no electrical resistance and higher efficiency.
  • High Temperature Cables: Designed to operate at higher temperatures, providing more flexibility in installation environments.

New Technologies:

  • Smart Cables: Integrated sensors for real-time monitoring of cable conditions and performance.
  • Improved Shielding Materials: Enhanced protection against electrical interference and environmental factors.

Insert Image: New generation high voltage power cables with innovative features.

  1. Relevant Links for Further Information
  • IEC Standards on High Voltage Power Cables
  • IEEE Guidelines for High Voltage Cables
  • High Voltage Cable Product Specifications

High Voltage Power Cables and Their Uses - KEI IND

When you come across a warning sign outside a transformer, it can indicate staying away from high voltage. It is dangerous to go next to the transformer because of the large cables. As high voltage is the amount of power above a certain threshold, it can lead to sparks in the air and give out electric shocks when someone goes near the transformer. So, as you read further, you will learn more about high voltage cables and their applications.

What are HV Power Cables?

When you observe a high-voltage cable, such cables are used to transmit power at high voltage. The cable comprises a conductor and is completely insulated. This means that such cables have a completely rated insulated system which has insulation along with a metallic shield and semi-conductive layers. On the other hand, such cables will differ depending on various applications. While some cables are used in ignition systems, some of them are used in AC and DC power transmission. But, regardless of where the high voltage electric cables are used, the insulation will wear out due to high-voltage stress or the ozone that is produced due to electric discharges. While objects or individuals should not come in contact with the cable system, they must be able to control leakage current. Moreover, the cable joints and terminals must be designed with the aim of controlling the high-voltage stress. This can eventually help to prevent the insulation from wearing away.

Whenever such cables are laid, the cut length may vary depending on the purpose. While using cables for an apparatus, the length of the cables is not that big. But, the cut length of such cables can be long when the cables are used to transmit power in an ocean. Further ahead, it’s necessary to regulate the insulation when there’s a hike in the voltage. 

When Do People Use a High Voltage Cable?

As HV power cables are special in nature, you will observe them with switching and distribution panels. These cables also enable to control rooms remotely or manually when there’s a need to test individual supply systems. You will also find such cables in triple extrusion systems and when people handle raw materials closely with systems. Further ahead, such cables are used in the case of power circuits in which the line to ground fault current falls within certain shield capabilities. Such cables are even set up in dry and humid environments in cable trays, ducts and raceways.

At KEI, the team embraces German technology while manufacturing cables up to 220KV. These cables are always designed as per the specifications of IS: Part II & Part III. The entire development team also works towards designing the cables as per standards like SABS, VDE, IEC, NFC, and more. In the case of water-resistant cables, KEI designs a high voltage electric cable with the incorporation of sheaths made from stainless steel, lead, corrugated Aluminum, corrugated copper, or Polyethylene laminated Aluminium tape (APL). But, to prevent the cables from getting damaged due to rodents and termites, these cables have a polyamide / Nylon jacket or jacket with cypermethrin that ensures anti-termite protection. 

There are many reasons why you must opt for high voltage cables. First and foremost, such cables are manufactured with triple layer extrusion. During the manufacturing process, the team leverages the technology with XLPE or EPR insulation and a Semiconducting bonded conductor screen across the semiconducting layer. This helps to increase the lifespan of the cables with less chances of breakdowns. When the team uses XLPE insulation, it also helps to enhance the mechanical and electrical performance along with a low dielectric factor.

Finally, it’s important to check for the quality of high voltage cables when you lay them down for transmitting electric power underground. As you purchase the right type of cable, you must also ensure that it’s durable and it can withstand extreme climatic conditions. If you are setting up the cables for industrial use, you need to maintain a checklist of the cables. Once you maintain a repository, you will get a clear idea of the repairs and the time for maintenance. You should always approach an expert to take care of the repairs or check the cables closely. As you check the cables from time to time, you will mitigate the occurrences of unnecessary outages. However, if something happens suddenly, it can disrupt systems and the daily activities at the location.

KEI Offers High Voltage Cables With Following Special Features Adopting the Site Installation Requirements: