INTRODUCTION

Insulation plays a vital role in any electrical or electronic system.

Importance onboard a ship due to the harsh environment that
cables, the vital link in such.
Hence the need arises for various classes, depending on the type of
exposure.
Cables should be laid away from hot surfaces and all installations
must be flame proof.
The metal casing should be adequately rust protected and earthed.
. PVC conduits must not be used in refrigerated spaces or on deck
unless specially approved.
Cable sheathing, unless galvanised, should have a rust preventative
coating.

Classes of Insulation
Class A Insulation
These are materials or combinations of materials such as cotton, silk,
and paper when suitably impregnated* or coated or when immersed
in a dielectric liquid such as oil.
Other materials or combinations of materials may be included in this
class if experience or accepted tests can reveal their capability to
operate at 105C (221F).

Classes of Insulation
Class E Insulation
These are materials or combinations of materials which, by
experience or accepted tests, can reveal their capability to operate at
120C (248F).

Classes of Insulation
Class B Insulation
These are materials or combinations of materials such as mica, glass,
fibre, etc, with suitable bonding substances.
Other materials or combination of materials, not necessarily
inorganic, may be included in this class, if experience or accepted
tests can reveal their capability to operate at 130C (266F).

Classes of Insulation
Class F Insulation
These are materials or combinations of materials such as mica, glass,
fibre, etc, with suitable bonding substances.
Other materials or combination of materials, not necessarily
inorganic, may be included in this class if, experience or accepted
tests can show them shown to be capable o f operation at 155C
(311F).

Classes of Insulation
Class H Insulation
These are materials or combinations of materials such as silicone,
elastomer, mica, glass, fiber, etc., with suitable bonding substances
such as appropriate silicone resins.
Other materials or combination of materials, not necessarily
inorganic, may be included in this class if, experience or accepted
tests can reveal their capability to operate at 180C (356F).

Classes of Insulation
Insulation for Temperature above 180C (356F)
These are materials or combination of materials which, by experience
or accepted tests, can reveal their capability to operate at
temperatures over 180C (356F) will also be considered.
The ageing of insulation is a chemical process, which is rapidly
accelerated.

Conductor Insulation
In general, current-carrying conductors must not be allowed to come
in contact with one another, their supporting hardware, or personnel
working near them.
To accomplish this, conductors are coated or wrapped with various
materials such as enamel, resin, film or a film-fiber combination
A cables insulation has a thickness appropriate to the cables voltage
rating.

A TYPICAL CABLE

Cable Sheath
Wires and cables are generally subjected to abuse. Generally, except
for overhead transmission lines, wires or cables are protected by
some form of covering.
The type and amount of abuse depends on how and where they are
installed and the manner in which they are used.
The type of outer covering also called the sheath.

CABLE

Insulation Resistance
It is the resistance to current leakage through the insulation material.
Insulation Resistance can be measured by means of a megger without
damaging the Insulation.

Dielectric Strength
The dielectric strength of the insulation is to be tested for 60 seconds
by an AC voltage applied

Insulating Materials
Polyvinyl Chloride
Butyl Rubber
Ethylene Propylene Rubber
Cross-linked Polyethylene
Mineral (MI)
Silicon Rubber
Impregnated Glass, Varnished Cloth
Enamel Coating

A Cables Sheath
Sheath materials are required to be heat, oil and chemical resistant ,
flame retardant also be tough and flexible.
This may be insulator like rubber or plastic.
Over this, an outer covering of fibrous braid may be applied
Metallic amour provides a tough protective covering for wires or
cables