A2XWY; A2XFY Cables meaning; XLPE cables advantages over PVC cables

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🏗️ Technical Specification of Aluminium Cables (IS 7098: Part 1 – 1988)

When specifying aluminium cables, you will often come across codes like A2XWY.
This code represents the construction, insulation, armouring, and sheath of the cable.

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🔑 Cable Nomenclature Codes

Code	Meaning
A	Aluminium Conductor
2X	XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) Insulation
Y	PVC Outer Sheath
W	Steel Round Wire Armour
F	Steel Strip Armour
WW	Double Steel Round Wire Armour
FF	Double Steel Strip Armour
Wa	Non-Magnetic Round Wire Armour
Fa	Non-Magnetic Strip Armour
AW	Aluminium Wire Armour

👉 Example: A2XWY = Aluminium conductor + XLPE insulation + Steel round wire armour + PVC outer sheath.

📌 Note: For Copper Cables, no prefix coding (like "A") is required.

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⚡ Advantages of XLPE Cables over PVC (Thermoplastic) Cables

Parameter	XLPE Cable	PVC Cable	Improvement
Power Rating	~1.2 × PVC	Base	Higher
Short Circuit Rating	~1.2 × PVC	Base	Higher
Continuous Operating Temperature	90°C	70°C	Higher
Short Circuit Temp. Rating	250°C	~160°C	Much Higher
Insulation Resistance	~1000 × PVC	Base	Very High
Moisture Resistance	~100 × PVC	Base	Very High
Chemical / Gas Resistance	Excellent	Moderate	Higher
Service Life	Longer	Shorter	Superior durability

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✅ Key Takeaway:

• A2XWY type cable is an XLPE insulated aluminium cable with steel round wire armouring and PVC sheath, making it suitable for harsh operating conditions.
• XLPE cables are preferred over PVC due to higher current capacity, better thermal performance, insulation resistance, and longer service life.

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