Why are electric wires coated with PVC?

Electricity is very useful in our daily lives, but it can be dangerous if not handled safely. Electric wires carry current, so they need proper protection to prevent accidents. That is why manufacturers cover electric wires with PVC.

Why is PVC Used as Insulation on Electric Wires?

1. Manufacturers coat electric wires with PVC because PVC is a very good electrical insulator. It does not allow electricity to pass through it. When copper or aluminium wires carry current, the PVC coating stops electricity from reaching our hands. This protection helps prevent electric shocks and keeps people safe while using electrical appliances.

2. PVC coating also protects the metal wire inside from damage. It keeps the wire safe from moisture, dust, heat, and chemicals. Because of this protection, the wires last for many years without breaking or corroding. PVC-insulated wires can last more than 30 years, making them very reliable for homes and buildings.

3. Another reason for using PVC is fire safety. PVC wires may burn when exposed to fire, but they stop burning once the fire source is removed. They do not produce burning drops and usually turn into char. This feature reduces the risk of fire spreading quickly in houses.

4. PVC is also safe for the environment and human health. It is non-toxic and goes through strict testing to meet safety rules. Compared to rubber-insulated wires, PVC wires are easier to install, lighter, and more affordable. Over time, PVC has replaced rubber insulation in most household wiring because it offers better performance at a lower cost. 

I hope this gives you a clear understanding of why are electric wires coated with PVC.

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Hi Meher. The reason why are electric wires coated with PVC is due to the durability and cost-effectiveness that PVC offers as an insulation material. It is a highly versatile material which is used for low-voltage electric cables and sheathing of all cable types. I will share more features of PVC which makes it a favourable coating for electrical wires below.

Why are Wires Coated with PVC?

Here are the reasons for PVC is the preferred material for coating wires:

1. PVC offers protection against electrical leakage and short circuits, which helps safeguard the smooth transmission of electricity.

2. PVC is flexible, which makes the handling and installation of wires easy. You can thus install cables in tight spaces and complex routes as well.

3. PVC cables are fit for a wide range of applications and industries, like power transmission and distribution, telecommunications and construction wiring. 

4. PVC also possesses inherent flame resistance, which is due to its substantial chlorine content, comprising 57 percent by weight. Under normal conditions, PVC won’t readily assist combustion unless it contains high levels of flammable modifiers.

This is why wires are coated with PVC. I hope you find this helpful.

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Some related information:



How do I install basic electrical wiring at home?

When I constructed my house back in 2017, I had done all my electrical wiring with PVC. Because the electric current is extremely harmful and has the potential to kill a person. According to certain research, even a small amount of electric current (less than 10 mA) might result in a substantial risk of death. So be cautious when it comes to power. PVC does an excellent work of shielding the conductors used during electrical connections and circuits. We can't run multiple wires in one line without PVC. I will explain why are electric wires coated with PVC.

Why electrical wires coated with PVC?

Because PVC is an insulation pad electrical conductor, electrical cables and wires are covered with it to eliminate electrical shocks. Because it does not transmit electricity, it is an ideal material for electronic applications such as cable insulation wrapping. Rubbers and polyvinyl chloride are insulators. They don't let an electric current pass through them, therefore even if we accidentally contact the wires, the current won't pass through our bodies and we won't get an electrical shock. is an insulator that keeps us safe from electric shocks PVC is applied on the wires. Electric wires are constructed of metals that conduct electricity, such as copper, but they are coated with rubber. As a result, it's an ideal material for electronic applications like cable shielding.

PVC is available in two main forms: rigid PVC and flexible PVC.

Construction and industrial uses are the most common uses for RPVC. Because of its high strength and load-bearing ability, this material is used in products such as plumbing fixtures, connections, wrappings, plastic window frames. Compact, UV-resistant, and durable, RPVC pipes are a good choice. They can withstand harsh surroundings and hard treatment without requiring a lot of work. These pipes will not degrade, tarnish, or decay. They are waterproof, need not flood, break, or split, and are untouched by temperature changes.

Adding various concentrations of thermoplastics, like dioctyl phthalate, can increase flexibility above a broad range. The retention of rigid polymer particles in a suitable solvent is a common method for processing PVC. In this type, treatment of plastisol is feasible, it is non-flammable with better directional consistency. The rates are minimum in comparison and weather resistance is excellent.

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why are electric wires coated with PVC.