BS EN 50290-2-29 gives specific requirements for crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) compounds to be used for the insulation of instrumentation, control, and field bus cables.
There are several routes used for the manufacture of XLPE insulated cables and as a consequence, a number of different types of polyethylene compounds may be specified.
BS EN 50290-2-29 on crosslinked Polyethylene compounds is relevant to:
Cross-linked polyethylene, commonly abbreviated PEX, XPE, or XLPE, is a form of polyethylene with cross-links. It is used predominantly in building services pipework systems, hydronic radiant heating systems, and insulation for high tension (high voltage) electrical cables.
BS EN 50290-2-29 provides best industry requirements of physical properties of granules and wire insulation properties of cables. Characteristics such as density, melt flow index and elastography amongst others, along with their respective limit values and reference standard for the corresponding test methods are also provided.
By using raw material and type test data as outlined in BS EN 50290-2-29, the raw material supplier can demonstrate compliance and warrant that the material is suitable for the specified application.
Adopting these best industry guidelines recommended by BS EN 50290-2-29 can help ensure adequate performance of crosslinked polyethylene compounds as insulation for communication cables. As a result, incidents of product failure from poor electrical insulation and voltage stresses can be minimized.
EN 50290-2-29:2016