Polyvinylchloride (PVC) is the most widely used insulation and sheath material for electrical cables and wires, offering a balance of electrical insulation properties, mechanical durability, chemical resistance, and cost-effectiveness that makes it the dominant cable material for building wiring, industrial control, and light-duty power applications worldwide. This page provides a technical reference for the key properties, grades, and limitations of PVC as a cable and wire material — enabling engineers and procurement specialists to make informed material selection decisions when specifying cables for new installations.
PVC cable compounds are formulated to IEC 60502, EN 50363, and VDE standards — with specific compound grades covering temperature ratings from 60°C (H03 light-duty) to 90°C (0.6/1kV power cables), flame retardance from IEC 60332-1 single cable to IEC 60332-3 bundled cable ratings, and specialised properties including oil resistance (V5 grade), low smoke (LS-PVC), and halogen-free alternatives (LSZH/LSHF for PVC replacement in buildings and public spaces).
| Property | Typical PVC Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature range (standard) | ‑5°C to +70°C |
| Temperature range (90°C grade) | ‑5°C to +90°C |
| Dielectric strength | 30–50 kV/mm |
| Volume resistivity | >10¹² Ω·cm |
| Oil resistance (V5 grade) | Good (mineral oil, hydraulic fluid) |
| UV resistance | Moderate (outdoor use requires UV-stabilised grade) |
| Halogen content | Yes (specify LSZH for halogen-free) |
