What factors affect the insulation resistance of wires and cables?

In the production of wires and cables, the phenomenon of low insulation resistance is often encountered. There are many factors that affect the insulation resistance value of cables. In fact, there are four main factors that have a great influence on the insulation resistance coefficient.

 

1. The influence of temperature

 

As the temperature increases, the insulation resistance coefficient decreases. This is due to the increase in thermal motion, the increase in ion generation and migration. Under the action of voltage, the conduction current formed by ion movement increases, and the insulation resistance decreases.

 

Theory and practice show that the insulation resistance coefficient decreases exponentially with the increase in temperature, and the conductivity increases exponentially with the increase in temperature.

 

2. The influence of electric field strength

 

When the electric field strength is in a relatively low range, the mobility of ions increases in a proportional relationship with the increase in electric field strength. Ionic current and electric field strength follow Ohm's law. When the electric field strength is relatively high, as the electric field strength increases, the mobility of ions gradually changes from a linear relationship to an exponential relationship. When the electric field strength is close to breakdown, a large amount of electron migration occurs, thereby greatly reducing the insulation resistance coefficient.

 

The withstand voltage test voltage of various wire and cable products specified in the standard is in the stage where the ion mobility increases proportionally with the electric field strength, so the influence of the electric field strength on the insulation resistance coefficient cannot be reflected. When the sample is subjected to a breakdown test, the influence of the electric field on the insulation resistance coefficient is clearly reflected.

 

3. The influence of humidity

 

Due to the high conductivity of water, the size of water molecules is much smaller than that of polymer molecules. Under the action of heat, the polymer macromolecules and the constituent chain segments move relatively, so that water molecules can easily penetrate into the polymer, increase the conductive ions in the polymer, and reduce the insulation resistance.

 

The standard specifies immersion tests for various wires and cables. For example, before measuring the insulation resistance, the rubber specimen is immersed in water for 24 hours. The purpose is to meet the influence of moisture and water on electrical properties during use.

 

Insulation resistance is one of the main electrical properties of insulating materials and an important indicator of wire and cable products or materials. Generally, the insulation resistance is required to be not less than a certain value. If the insulation resistance value is too low, the leakage current along the wire and cable line will inevitably increase, resulting in a waste of electrical energy. At the same time, the electrical energy will be converted into thermal energy, preparing for thermal breakdown and increasing the possibility of thermal breakdown.

 

4. Influence of material purity

 

Impurities are mixed into the material, increasing the conductive particles in the material and reducing the insulation resistance. Therefore, the insulation resistance of a certain rubber and plastic material will reflect the purity of the material and verify whether it meets the standard.

 

During the production of wires and cables, the process does not strictly follow the operating procedures, mixed impurities and materials bubble due to moisture, insulation core deviation or outer diameter size is smaller than the standard, insulation delamination or cracks, insulation scratches, etc. , will reduce the insulation resistance of the product.

 

Therefore, in order to check the insulation resistance, it is necessary to check whether there are any problems in the process operation. During the use of wires and cables, measuring the changes in insulation resistance can also check the insulation damage and prevent accidents.