Cable Design
Cable design involves selecting the right materials, construction, and configuration to meet electrical, thermal, and mechanical requirements. This section covers insulation types, dielectric losses, sheath currents, and performance considerations.
You’ll also find guidance on optimising cable design for efficiency, reliability, and service life in a range of electrical applications.
Knowledge Base Topics
Articles
Photovoltaic (PV) Design: Array Voltage, Current and Grid Connection
PV array design overview covering array voltage and current, design correction factors, cable checks and UK G98/G99 grid connection requirements.
Updated June 5, 2026
Complex Power in AC Circuits: Real, Reactive and Apparent Power
Introduction to complex power in AC circuits, including real power, reactive power, apparent power and the S = VI* definition.
Updated May 27, 2026
IEC 60502 vs IEC 60840: Power Cable Standards Compared
IEC 60502 vs IEC 60840 comparison for power cable standards, including voltage range, application, testing and construction differences.
Updated June 4, 2026
Estimating Cable Life: Insulation Temperature and Arrhenius Ageing
How cable insulation life can be estimated from operating temperature using Arrhenius ageing, thermal endurance data and manufacturer curves.
Updated May 27, 2026
PVC Cable Insulation: Properties and Temperature Ratings
A comparison of PVC cable insulation compounds, including general-purpose, heat-resistant and cold-resistant PVC properties.
Updated May 27, 2026
PE Cable Insulation: LDPE, HDPE, XLPE and Foamed PE Properties
A comparison of polyethylene cable insulation materials including LDPE, HDPE, XLPE and foamed PE properties.
Updated May 27, 2026
Other Cable Insulation Materials: Properties and Comparison
A comparison of other cable insulation materials including polystyrene, polyamide, polypropylene, polyurethane and thermoplastic elastomers.
Updated May 27, 2026
High-Temperature Cable Insulation Materials: Properties and Comparison
A comparison of high-temperature cable insulation materials including PVDF, ETFE, FEP, PFA and PTFE properties.
Updated May 27, 2026
Halogen-Free Cable Compounds: Properties and Comparison
A comparison of halogen-free cable compounds, including non-cross-linked and cross-linked polymer properties for LSZH cable designs.
Updated May 27, 2026
Elastomeric Cable Insulation Materials: Properties and Comparison
A comparison of elastomeric cable insulation materials, including rubber compounds, silicone rubber, EPR, EVA, CR and CSM properties.
Updated May 27, 2026