PVC Flexible
PVC, Polyvinylchloride, is the most commonly use electrical cable insulation material. BUT there are differences.
The standard designations of PVC insulation used in Australia are V-75, V-90, and V-90HT. Regardless of their designation all grades of PVC are rated at 75°C operating temperature for continuous use.
The intent of the higher rated PVC cables, V-90 and V-90HT, is to allow these cables to operate at higher rated temperatures only under certain special conditions. These conditions are outlined in AS/NZ 3000:2007 and in AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2009, and generally restrict their usage to only those installations where the risk of mechanical damage is low. This is because PVC softens considerably at higher temperatures and therefore is more vulnerable to damage.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a thermoplastic material. A typical formulation of this compound will consist of PVC copolymer, mineral fillers, lubricants, UV stabilisers, plasticisers and colourants.
Deterioration happens because of thermal aging. Plasticisers and lubricants leach out of the compound due to their volatility during exposure to heat. Over time, this will cause the insulation to become hard and brittle leading to cracking and eventual disintegration of the insulation, leading to live conductors becoming exposed.
The over use of fillers and plasticisers found in some PVC insulations allows for cheaper prices but increases the deterioration effects.
Bambach PVC insulated cables are manufactured to a standard, not to a price.