Kraftkabler

Kraftkabler, or power cables, are electrical conductors designed to transmit and distribute electrical power from sources such as substations or generators to loads including industrial equipment, buildings, and infrastructure. They are engineered for specific voltage ratings, current capacities, and installation conditions, and may be used indoors, outdoors, underground, or underwater.

The typical construction of a kraftkabel includes a conductor made of copper or aluminum, an insulating layer of material such as PVC or XLPE, and often one or more shielding and semiconducting layers. Many cables also feature an armour layer, such as steel wires or steel tapes, for mechanical protection, followed by an outer protective sheath made of PVC, polyethylene, or low-smoke zero-halogen materials. In wet or direct-burial applications, moisture barriers and water-blocking elements are used. Flexible kraftkabler for certain installation scenarios may have different insulation and conductor configurations but retain the same basic purpose.

Kraftkabler are categorized by voltage range and installation method. Low-voltage cables typically carry up to about 1 kV, medium-voltage cables range roughly from 1 kV to 35 kV, and high-voltage cables exceed that range. They can be designed for indoor use, outdoor installations, underground ducts or direct burial, and some submarine or offshore applications. Cables may be armored or unarmored depending on mechanical protection requirements.

Standards and safety are central to kraftkabel design. They are manufactured to regional and international standards (for example IEC, CENELEC, or NEC equivalents) and subjected to tests for insulation integrity, dielectric strength, fire performance, and moisture resistance. Proper installation practices, including correct bending radii and mechanical protection, are essential for reliable operation and safety.