A Guide to Cable Sheaths and Jacket Types

A Guide to Cable Sheaths and Jacket Types

Get to know the various cable sheath types CST, LSF, PVC, SWA....

Understanding the variety of cable sheaths and jackets is essential in selecting the right cable for your needs. This guide will explain the differences among the most common types used in cable manufacturing.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Cable

About PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is widely used due to its versatility, affordability, and availability. Made from salt and oil, it undergoes polymerization to create this resilient material. PVC shows excellent resistance to water and oil, and is easily recyclable after use. Its production also boasts a lower carbon footprint compared to other building materials.

PVC Cable Sheaths

As the most common cable sheath, PVC is ideal for general-purpose cables due to its flexibility and durability. However, prolonged exposure to UV light can cause it to become brittle, making it less suited for outdoor use.

Ideal for

PVC is best used indoors or in contained areas where cost-effective solutions are needed, and smoke or gas emissions are not a concern.

LSF (Low Smoke and Fume) Cable

LSF cable sheaths use PVC with additives to minimize smoke production upon burning. Yet, it still emits harmful gases, which can make LSF unsuitable in environments where halogen-free cables are mandated.

Ideal for

LSF cable is best used in applications where standard PVC is suitable.

LSHF (Low Smoke Halogen-Free) Cable

LSHF sheaths consist primarily of polyethylene, resulting in minimal smoke emissions and no harmful halogen gases when burned. These cables meet strict EN standards for safety and efficiency.

Ideal for

LSHF cables are perfect for public buildings and densely populated areas, where strict building regulations apply.

Polyethylene (PE) Cable

PE is a tough and rigid thermoplastic, ideal for outdoor applications. To withstand UV degradation, additional UV stabilizers are added for outdoor use.

Ideal for

PE sheathed cables are suitable for both underground and above-ground installations exposed to sunlight.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Cable

HDPE, with its highly crystalline structure, offers excellent durability and flexibility, making it suitable for direct burial applications.

Ideal for

Cables with HDPE sheaths are effective for buried and above-ground applications exposed to sunlight.

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)

TPE combines the properties of plastic and rubber, providing good temperature resistance and recyclability.

Ideal for

Cables with TPE sheaths are ideal for extreme temperatures and industrial applications.

Rubber Cable

Modern rubber sheathing is highly flexible and resistant to water and chemicals, making it apt for specialist applications.

Ideal for

Rubber sheathed cables are perfect for scenarios that require flexibility and water resistance.

For more detailed information about various cable types, please learn more.

To explore cable options, visit SUNUA.

For specialized products, check out our FR Polyethylene Cable Compounds Exporter.