Understanding PVC, PE, and PP Plastic-Coated Cables

While plastic-coated cables are commonly used in a wide range of industries, many different types of plastic-coated cables are available. The three standard types of plastic used for cable coatings at Loos and Company are Poly-Vinyl-Chloride (PVC), Polyethylene (PE), and Polypropylene (PP). Each type of plastic coating has unique capabilities, making the plastic coating choice for your cable highly important. Continue reading to learn about the capabilities of the three standard plastic-coated cables.

Poly-Vinyl-Chloride (PVC):

PVC is the most commonly used plastic for mechanical cable coatings. The main reason for PVC's popularity is it has a relatively low cost. The primary material that determines the majority of PVC's capabilities is vinyl. Vinyl Is considered flexible and has good weathering resistance. A feature that separates vinyl from many other plastics is its ability to withstand the sun's ultraviolet rays. The operating temperature of vinyl is between -30 degrees F and +180 degrees F. The other main benefit of choosing PVC is its general use abilities. Vinyl is available in a wide range of hardness and durometers, from very soft and spongy to very hard and stiff. As there is so much manufacturing flexibility with PVC, it is used in many industries.

Polyethylene (PE):

PE is primarily used as an electrical insulation plastic. Similar to PVC, PE is a very popular cable coating option because of its relatively low consumer cost. The plastic is quite flexible in thin wall thickness, and in heavy wall thickness, it is stiff. The operating temperature range for PE is between -40 degrees F and +200 degrees F. While PE does have good resistance to chemicals and weathering, it has little abrasion resistance ability. Due to PE's lack of abrasion resistance, it is not commonly used on the outside jacket of a mechanical cable. PE's best use is as an insulation material in electromechanical cables.

Polypropylene (PP):

PP is mainly used in several basic applications in the mechanical cable industry. The main features of PP are its good chemical and abrasion resistance. PP is also an easy plastic to process compared to other alternatives. PP is lightweight and reasonably priced, although it does have a narrow temperature range. PP should not be used in cold applications below 0 degrees F or in applications above 200 degrees F. PP has fair weatherability, but it is important to keep in mind that the plastic degrades when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays.

After understanding the differences between these three common types of plastic, you are sure to choose the correct coated cable for your needs! If you are looking to buy plastic-coated cable, choose Loos and Company!

Why buy with Loos? We manufacture all three standard types of plastic-coated cable, alongside numerous LOLON® options. Our cable products are Made in the USA, available in a range of sizes, and we can customize certain plastic-coated cables to tailor your exact needs. If you want to learn more about our coated cable options, visit our website here. Alternatively, if you have any questions, our team is happy to help! Reach out to us by email at sales@loosco.com or by phone at (860) 928-7981.