Cables and wires

Flexible Protection - Phthalates in Wires and Cables

About 25 per cent of all plasticised PVC is used by the wire, cable and electrical industries.

Plasticised polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most widely used electrical insulation material in use today. Not only is it the most commonly specified material for protecting wires in the many thousands of different types of machines and appliances that we have come to rely upon in our everyday lives, it is also the preferred insulation for transmission cables and for the very latest fibre optics.

Why plasticised PVC?

Durability and cost-effectiveness: Plasticised PVC offers the benefits
of long service life and durability in a wide range of conditions at
exceptionally competitive prices.

Flexibility: PVC's ability to bend and twist without cracking is a safety feature which makes it particularly suitable for a wide range of applications. This flexibility is provided by the addition of plasticisers, such as DEHP, that are mixed with the PVC before it is extruded around the metal wires it has to insulate and sheath.

Versatility: By varying the phthalate used, cable manufacturers are able to produce a wide range of sheathing for particular applications. Manufacturers can select precisely the degree of flexibility necessary to meet the mechanical requirements of the end application. Road vehicles, for example, need very different wiring to household appliances.