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Home / Blog >What is YJLV Cable？

What is YJLV Cable？

Time: 2025-02-17 10:48:47 Source: Henan Province Jianyun Cable Co., Ltd.

YJLV cable is a cornerstone in modern low voltage power distribution. This article addresses eight frequently asked questions to provide a professional and easily understandable overview of YJLV cables, ensuring you have accurate and reliable information for your electrical projects.


1. What is YJLV cable and what are its typical applications?

YJLV cable is defined by its key components: a copper conductor, XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) insulation, and a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) outer sheath. This construction makes it ideal for low voltage power systems. Its primary applications include:

  • Building Power Distribution: Widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings for main power supply and branch circuits.
  • Underground Networks: Suitable for direct burial or installation in ducts for underground power transmission and distribution due to its robust construction and moisture resistance.
  • Industrial Installations: Employed in factories and plants for fixed wiring, powering machinery, and control systems where reliability and safety are paramount.
  • Infrastructure Projects: Used in construction sites, temporary power setups, and infrastructure developments for dependable power delivery.

2. What are the advantages of using YJLV cable compared to PVC insulated cables?

YJLV cable surpasses traditional PVC insulated cables in several critical aspects, making it a superior choice for many applications:

  • Higher Temperature Rating: XLPE insulation allows YJLV cables to operate at a maximum continuous temperature of 90°C, significantly higher than PVC's 70°C limit. This enhanced thermal capacity translates to a greater current-carrying capability for YJLV cables of the same cross-section.
  • Superior Insulation Properties: XLPE offers significantly better insulation resistance and dielectric strength compared to PVC. This results in enhanced electrical safety, reduced risk of short circuits, and lower energy leakage.
  • Enhanced Durability and Longevity: XLPE is more resistant to heat, oxidation, and environmental stress than PVC. YJLV cables, therefore, exhibit better aging characteristics and a longer service lifespan, reducing long-term replacement costs.
  • Improved Overload Capability: XLPE's excellent thermal properties allow YJLV cables to handle overload conditions more effectively than PVC cables. They can endure higher temperatures during short-term overloads without compromising cable integrity.

3. What are the standard operating temperature and voltage ratings for YJLV low voltage cable?

YJLV low voltage cables are designed with specific temperature and voltage parameters for safe and efficient operation:

  • Maximum Conductor Temperature in Normal Operation: 90°C. This higher temperature rating is a key advantage of XLPE insulation, enabling higher current loads and improved efficiency.
  • Rated Voltage (U0/U): Commonly rated at 0.6/1kV. U0 refers to the voltage between conductor and earth (ground), and U is the voltage between conductors in a multi-core cable. This rating is ideal for low voltage distribution networks.
  • Maximum Short-Circuit Temperature: 250°C, with a maximum duration of 5 seconds. This is the cable's capacity to withstand fault conditions, ensuring safety and preventing fire hazards during short circuits.
  • Ambient Temperature Range: YJLV cables are typically suitable for ambient temperatures ranging from -15°C to +40°C during installation and operation.
  • Note: Always refer to the manufacturer's datasheet for precise specifications as ratings can slightly vary based on specific cable standards and construction.

4. Can YJLV cable be used for both indoor and outdoor installations?

Yes, YJLV cables are designed for versatility and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. The PVC outer sheath provides adequate protection for various environments:

  • Indoor Use: Excellent for indoor wiring in buildings, conduits, and cable trays due to its flexibility, ease of handling, and reliable insulation.
  • Outdoor Use: The PVC sheath offers good resistance to moisture, abrasion, and weathering, making it suitable for outdoor installations. However, for prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, consider UV-resistant options or protective measures like conduits to extend cable life.
  • Direct Burial: YJLV cables can be directly buried underground. However, in harsh soil conditions or areas with mechanical stress, additional protection such as cable ducts or conduits is recommended to prevent damage and ensure longevity.

5. What industry standards do YJLV cables generally comply with?

Compliance with industry standards is paramount to ensure the safety, performance, and interoperability of electrical cables. YJLV cables are typically manufactured and tested to meet the following key standards:

  • IEC 60502-1: This international standard specifies the requirements for extruded solid dielectric insulation power cables for rated voltages from 1 kV to 30 kV. YJLV cables, being low voltage power cables, fall under Part 1 of this standard, covering cables for voltages of 1 kV and 3 kV. 
  • GB/T 12706.1: This is the Chinese National Standard which is equivalent to IEC 60502-1. Compliance with this standard ensures that YJLV cables meet national requirements for power cable construction and testing in China. 
  • BS 5467: British Standard for armoured cables with thermosetting insulation for voltages of 600/1000V and 1900/3300V. While YJLV is not necessarily armoured, cables adhering to similar performance and safety benchmarks in low voltage applications may reference aspects of BS 5467.
  • HD 605: A European harmonization document detailing requirements for cables with extruded insulation for rated voltages U0/U up to 0.6/1 kV. YJLV cables often comply with HD 605 or its national equivalents within European countries.
  • Other Local Standards: Depending on the region of installation, YJLV cables may also need to comply with specific local standards and certifications relevant to electrical installations in that area.

6. What are the installation considerations for YJLV cables?

Proper installation is crucial for the long-term performance and safety of YJLV cables. Key considerations include:

  • Bending Radius: To prevent damage to the cable's insulation and conductor, maintain a minimum bending radius during installation. Generally, for multi-core cables, this is 12 times the overall diameter of the cable, and for single-core cables, 15 times. 
  • Termination: Use appropriate cable glands and lugs designed for XLPE insulated cables to ensure secure and reliable connections. Correct termination prevents moisture ingress and electrical faults.
  • Cable Laying Temperature: Installation is typically recommended when ambient and cable temperatures are above 0°C to avoid stiffening of the PVC sheath, which can make handling difficult and increase the risk of damage.
  • Pulling Force: Avoid excessive pulling force during cable installation, especially in long runs. Use cable rollers and lubrication to minimize friction and prevent conductor stretching or insulation damage.
  • Protection in Harsh Environments: For direct burial or outdoor applications, consider using conduits or cable ducts, especially in areas prone to mechanical damage, chemical exposure, or rodent activity.

7. How does the cost of YJLV cable compare to PVC cable and other alternatives?

The cost of YJLV cable is generally higher than that of standard PVC insulated cables, but offers a balanced value proposition when considering performance and longevity:

  • Initial Cost: YJLV cables typically have a higher upfront cost compared to PVC cables due to the more expensive XLPE insulation material and enhanced performance characteristics.
  • Long-Term Savings: Despite the higher initial investment, YJLV cables can offer long-term cost savings due to their extended lifespan, reduced maintenance needs, and lower energy losses from improved electrical performance.
  • Value for Performance: When performance factors like higher temperature rating, better insulation, and increased durability are critical, YJLV cables provide a cost-effective solution. The enhanced reliability and safety justify the incremental cost over PVC cables in demanding applications.
  • Comparison to Alternatives: Compared to higher-end cable types like those with EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber) insulation, YJLV cables often present a more economical option while still offering significant performance advantages over PVC.

8. What are the environmental benefits of using XLPE insulation in YJLV cables?

Choosing YJLV cables with XLPE insulation can contribute to environmentally conscious electrical installations:

  • Longer Service Life: The enhanced durability of XLPE insulation extends the cable's lifespan, reducing the frequency of replacements and thereby decreasing material consumption and waste generation over time.
  • Energy Efficiency: Better insulation properties of XLPE reduce electrical losses during power transmission. Lower leakage currents contribute to more efficient energy use, decreasing the overall carbon footprint of electrical systems.
  • Reduced Material Usage: Due to the higher current-carrying capacity at elevated temperatures, YJLV cables can sometimes be specified with smaller cross-sections compared to PVC cables for the same load, conserving copper and insulation materials.
  • Recyclability: While recycling XLPE can be complex, advancements in material science are continually improving recycling processes for cross-linked polymers, potentially offering future environmental benefits in end-of-life cable management.

Disclaimer: This article is intended as a general guide to YJLV cables. Always consult with cable manufacturers' datasheets, relevant electrical standards, and qualified professionals for project-specific requirements and installation practices.