The core difference between mineral cables and ordinary cables lies in their composition: mineral cables are made of inorganic materials (copper, magnesium oxide), offering unparalleled fire resistance, high temperature resistance, and safety compared to ordinary cables; ordinary cables, on the other hand, are insulated with organic polymers (plastics/rubbers), which are low-cost and have good flexibility, but they are prone to burning and aging when exposed to fire.
The following are the main differences between the two: 🔬 Material and Structure: Mineral Cable: The conductor is copper, the insulation layer is magnesium oxide powder, and the sheath is a seamless copper tube or metal sheath. It is composed entirely of inorganic materials, is inherently non-flammable, does not contain halogens, and produces no smoke or toxicity when burned.
Ordinary cable: The conductor is usually copper or aluminum, and the insulation and sheath are made of plastic or rubber (such as PVC, cross-linked polyethylene). It contains organic compounds, mostly halogens, and releases a large amount of smoke and toxic gases when burned.
🔥 Fire-resistant and refractory mineral cable: It does not burn itself or support combustion. In a flame of 950℃~1000℃, it can maintain power supply for more than 3 hours and withstand spray and impact. It usually does not need to be replaced after a fire.
Ordinary cables: They lack fire resistance and will burn or melt in the presence of fire, serving as one of the pathways for fire spread. Even flame-retardant cables can only suppress the spread of flames and cannot maintain electrical continuity in the presence of fire.
🌡️ Operating Temperature and Current-Carrying Capacity of Mineral Cable: Resistant to high temperatures, with a long-term operating temperature up to 250℃. During a short circuit, it can still operate for a short period of time near the melting point of copper (1083℃). With a high current-carrying capacity, it can be used with 1-2 smaller cross-sections compared to ordinary cables of the same cross-section.
Ordinary cable: Its long-term operating temperature is usually limited to 70℃~90℃. Exceeding the rated temperature will accelerate aging and even cause a fire.
💪 Mineral Cable with Excellent Mechanical Properties and Longevity: The copper sheath provides extremely high mechanical strength, impact resistance, explosion-proofing, waterproofing, and corrosion resistance. The inorganic material does not age, ensuring a lifespan of over a century.
Ordinary cable: It has relatively low mechanical strength and is easily damaged by external forces. The organic materials will age, and its lifespan is usually 20-30 years.
⚙️ Installation and Cost of Mineral Cable: The installation is challenging (especially for the rigid type), requiring a high bending radius and specialized tools and accessories. It is expensive, often costing several times more than regular cables.
Ordinary cable: easy to install, good flexibility, simple laying. Low cost, good economy.
📌 Applicable Scenarios: Mineral cables are specifically designed for core circuits in applications where safety of life and property is of utmost importance, such as fire protection systems (fire pumps, elevators, emergency lighting), critical public facilities (subways, airports, hospitals, high-rise buildings), and hazardous environments (petrochemical industries, explosion-proof areas).
Ordinary cable: suitable for general power distribution, civil buildings, ordinary industries, and other scenarios that have no special requirements for fire resistance or are cost-sensitive.