All jobs for electrical engineers requires the professionals conducting the work to know the various types of insulation materials used in wiring. All electrical equipment utilizes a wide assortment of wire and cable. Industrial electrical work specialists and other types of electricians must know and be able to correctly identify the wires that are necessary for a particular task. If the wrong types of wiring are used, there will be operational complications and the electrical setup could be rendered unsafe. One of the main components to wiring that must be considered is the insulation material used to cover that wiring. In this guide, you will learn about the most common insulators in industrial electrical work.
The Conductor and Insulator
In order to understand the very basics when it comes to jobs for electrical engineers, it is first important to distinguish between the conductor and the insulator, as it pertains to industrial electrical work. A conductor is a type of material that allows an electrical-based current to flow with ease. The most common type of conductor used today is copper; however, other types of metals, such as aluminum are also used. An insulator is a type of material that prevents an electric-based current to flow. In most instances, rubber and various types of plastics are used as insulators in industrial electric work.
Insulation Materials
The wires and cables used in industrial electric work are referred to as “conductors”. Each are insulated and thoroughly protected by an assortment of materials called “insulators”. The type of insulation material used on wires and/or cables is determined by the environment in which the products are used and the application of the wires and cables that are part of a particular electrical panel. The jobs for electrical engineers require the electrician to know that the insulation material used must be able to withstand a certain current or temperature be able to withstand a harsh environment including corrosion. The following outlines the most common insulation materials used in jobs for electrical engineers in the industrial electric work sector:
- PVC – This is a common type of insulation material and is used regularly as general-purpose. PVC is known to become soft when exposed to high temperatures and has the ability to develop deformities on a permanent basis.
- Polythene – If the industrial electric work job calls for an insulation that may be safely used in high frequency work, polythene is used. This is a translucent material that resembles wax.
- PTFE – If an electrician needs an insulation material that has the ability to withstand high temperatures, PTFE is used. It is similar, in composition, to polythene.
- Silicone Rubber – This substance is similar to standard rubber, but has a smoother texture. It is ideal for electrical wiring that will be exposed to high temperatures, chemicals, and radiation.
- Polyurethane – While this substance is used as an insulation for some types of wires, most avoid using it as it has the ability to put off fumes. It is typically only thinly places on the coating of a wire that is composed of copper.
Conclusion
There are other types of insulation materials used in jobs for electrical engineers that require the use of wires and cables. Examples include, but, are not limited to, enamel and glass fiber. If you have an industrial electrical work job that needs to be performed, it is imperative that you allow a trained technician to perform the work. This professional will know and understand what the best insulation material for your needs are and will ensure that the job is completed safely. For more assistance, contact us today by calling: 720-841-3897
