Why is Powder Used inside Cables?

Fig-Different Types of Cables

The Reason Why Various Powder Used Inside Electrical Cables

You may notice some white powders are used in electrical current-carrying power cables. Obviously, some questions arise in your mind about why they are used.

 So let's discuss why is white powder used inside electrical power cables. Hope this article will give questions' answer.

Various powders are used inside power cables for various reasons according to the requirement.

• To make the cable flexible;
• For better thermal conductivity;
• For good lubrication of electrical cables;
• To make electrical cables fireproof;
• To block the water and eliminate the moisture issue

We can go for details regarding using the white powder in power cables: 

Which powder is used in cable manufacturing?

Depending on the electrical cable's capacity and use purposes, the types of powder vary. Such as-  

• Talcum powder, 
• magnesium oxide(MgO) Powder, 
• Swellable powder, 
• Chalk Powder, etc.

Various types of powders are used in cable manufacturing for different purposes. Some of the commonly used powders in cable manufacturing include:

• Talc powder: It is used as a filler material to prevent heat build-up and reduce friction between the conductor and insulation layers.

• Swellable powder: It is used as a water-blocking agent to prevent water from entering the cable.

• Carbon black powder: It is used to improve the conductivity of the cable and protect it from UV radiation.

• Zinc oxide powder: It is used as a flame retardant to improve the fire resistance of the cable.

• Silica powder: It is used to improve the mechanical properties of the cable, such as flexibility, strength, and resistance to wear and tear.

The type of powder used in cable manufacturing depends on the specific requirements of the cable and the application it is intended for.

Why Does Talcum Powder Use in Electrical Cables?

Talc, or talcum, is a clay mineral, composed of hydrated magnesium silicate with the chemical formula Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂. It is an ingredient in ceramics, paints, and roofing materials.

On-demand making the electric cable flexible, to stop the internal wires from getting stuck to the outer rubber casing, Talcum Powder is used in some low current-carrying cables. 

Electric wire at the process of manufacture time, the wire rod such as electric wire semi-finished product, twisted wire to pass through a powder adhering machine, it One layer of Pulvis Talci of surface adhesion, it is to avoid produce adhesion each other after an electric wire semi-finished product,

Why Does Magnesium Oxide Powder in Electrical Cables?

Magnesium oxide powder (MgO) is a material that is a good electrical insulator and thermal conductor. Magnesium oxide powder has two very useful properties which are

• high thermal conductivity, 
• and low electrical conductivity.

According to these properties, Magnesium Oxide Powder is used in high-current carrying capacity electric cables. There are many advantages to using Magnesium Oxide inside cables:

high thermal conductivity of  Magnesium Oxide can dissipate the generated heat in cable easily,

• low electrical conductivity of  Magnesium Oxide can provide good electrical insulation.
• Magnesium oxide powder makes electrical cables fireproof.
• Magnesium oxide powder makes electrical cables flexible.

Why Does Swellable Powder Use in Electrical Cables?

The swellable powder is used in electrical cables as a water-blocking agent. When water enters a cable, it can cause damage to the insulation and conductor, which can lead to electrical faults and failures. Swellable powder, which is typically made of a polymer material, is designed to absorb water and expand in size, which helps to block the entry of water into the cable. The powder is often placed inside the cable sheath or between the layers of insulation and can help to prevent damage to the cable and ensure its long-term reliability. This is especially important in applications where the cable is likely to be exposed to moisture, such as in underground or outdoor installations.

Just protecting water injection into the cable Swellable Powder is a good safeguard for cables. During installation or using a long time cables may damage like a pin-hole and water or moisture can inject that is harmful to the cable and can damage it severely. Swellable Powder blocks the water and eliminates moisture. These powder swell and expands to block the water permanently.

Why Does Chalk Powder use in Electrical Cables?

Chalk powder or talc is often used as a filler material in electrical cables. This is because talc is an excellent insulator and helps to reduce friction between the conductor and insulation layers in the cable. This, in turn, helps to prevent heat build-up and reduces the risk of electrical fires. Additionally, talc helps to improve the mechanical properties of the cable, such as flexibility and resistance to wear and tear. Overall, the use of talc in electrical cables helps to improve their performance and safety.

Chalk is a soft, white, porous, sedimentary carbonate rock. It is also known as Porbunder Whiting. Chemical Formula : CaCO3, MgCO3, CaMg (CO3)2.

The most famous category in this is chalk powder. They are most used in cables where there are high chances of catching fire easily. The most commonly used filler in cable wires Chalk Powder can resist fire in cables inside.