Understanding EPR Cable
1. Introduction to EPR Cables
- What is an EPR Cable?
- EPR Cable is a cable that is insulated or sheathed with Ethylene propylene rubber. Ethylene propylene rubber is ethylene, propylene as the main material of synthetic rubber, binary ethylene propylene rubber and ternary ethylene propylene rubber.The former is a copolymer of ethylene and propylene, expressed as EPM, and the latter is a copolymer of ethylene, propylene, and a small amount of non-conjugated diolefin third monomer, expressed as EPDM.The two are collectively known as ethylene propylene rubber (EPR). VDE CODE: 3G。
- Why Choose EPR?
- EPR rubber has good heat and weather resistance. It can work at a maximum of 120°C. Considering the service life of the cable, 90°C is generally recommended.
- EPR rubber is resistant to ozone, corrosion and hydrolysis, and will not crack under harsh outdoor conditions.
- EPR rubber cables have better flexibility. Its flexible is second only to natural rubber and parabens, even under the status can maintain a certain degree of softness, in -60 ℃ will not become brittle.
2. Key Characteristics of EPR Cables
Electrical Properties
- Breakdown Voltage: 20KV/mm (20℃)
- Spezific Volume Resistivity Ohm*cm (20℃): 10^14
- Dielectric Constant 50Hz (20℃): 3-3.8
- Dielectric Factor: 3.4×10^-3
Thermal & Fire Resistance
- Working Temperature: -30°C to +90°C
- Flame Retardancy: Flammable
- Halogen-Free: YES
Mechanical & Chemical Resistance
- Tensile Strength (N/mm2): 5-10
- Elongation at break %: 200-400
- Shore hardness: 65-85(A)
- Corrosion Behaviour: Moderate
Weather
- Weather resistance : Very Good
- Cold Resistance: Good
3. Comparison: EPR vs. Other Cable Insulation Materials
| Property | EPR | XLPE | PVC | Silicone Rubber |
| Temperature Resistance | -30°C to 90°C | -35°C to 90°C | -30°C to 70°C | -60°C to 200°C |
| Flexibility | Good | Moderate Good | Moderate Good | Excellent |
| Flame Resistance | Flammable | Flammable | Self-extinguish | High flash point |
| Tensile Strength | 5-10 | 12.5-20 | 10-25 | 5-10 |
| Cold Resistance | Good | Good | Moderate Good | Very Good |
| Weather Resistance | Very Good | Good | Medium in black | Good |
4. Common Applications of EPR Cables
- Marine Cable
- Locomotive Cables
- Motor Batteries Generator
- Mobile Portable Electrical Equipment
5. Conclusion
EPR cables provide excellent support for power supply in high temperature environments as well as harsh outdoor environments. KMCABLE has been manufacturing EPR EPDM cables for more than 10 years. If you have any requirements, please feel free to contact us for solutions.
