Table of contents： What is a high-voltage cable? Material and structure of high-voltage cables High voltage cable for Electric vehicle High-Voltage Cables for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) High voltage cable UL certification How do you choose between UL 3886 and UL 3820?

Net Zero Emissions is a global trend, and the electric vehicle and energy storage industries are at the forefront of this green energy wave. High-voltage cables, as a core component in both fields, will be thoroughly explored in this article, focusing on the key advantages of the high-voltage cables we produce.

What is a high-voltage cable?

High-voltage cables, also known as high-tension cables or HV cables, are used to transmit high-voltage electrical power. Typically, the voltage level of high-voltage cables is 1000V or higher, encompassing different levels like medium voltage, high voltage, extra-high voltage, and ultra-high voltage.

Voltage Level Standards (may vary by country or region):

• Low Voltage

  Low voltage usually refers to voltages below 1kV. It is commonly used in homes, businesses, and smaller industrial applications. Common examples include 110V and 220V.

• Medium Voltage

  Voltages between 1kV and 33kV fall into the medium voltage category. Medium voltage is commonly found in industrial settings, large commercial facilities, and some power plants.

• High Voltage

  High voltage is mainly used in power transmission and distribution systems, including cables, substations, and power grids.

Material and structure of high-voltage cables

The structure of high-voltage cables primarily involves conductors and insulation. Additional shielding layers and outer jackets may be added based on the specific application and environmental conditions.

• Conductor

  Common conductor materials include copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al). They have excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for high-voltage environments. Conductors are usually designed in round or flat shapes based on the wire's purpose and current requirements.

• Insulation

  Common insulation materials include polyethylene (PE), cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), rubber, and more. These materials effectively block electrical currents, preventing leakage and short circuits.

  Advantages of the XLPE insulation used in Good Gi high-voltage cables:

  1. High insulation performance - effectively blocks electrical currents, reducing the risk of leakage and loss.

  2. Good heat resistance - remains stable at high temperatures.

  3. Improved mechanical strength - exhibits higher tensile strength and wear resistance.

  4. Chemical corrosion resistance - suitable for specific environmental applications.

• Shield

  The shield is typically made of materials with good conductivity, such as copper wire braiding or copper foil. It is used to reduce the impact of external electromagnetic interference on the cable.

• Outer Sheath

  As the name suggests, the outer sheath is the outermost layer of the cable. It is made of durable materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE), providing resistance to wear, oil, water, and weather.

High voltage cable for Electric vehicle

Primarily used in the power system of electric vehicles, transmitting power to drive electric motors. This includes connections between the battery and electric motor and various control systems within the vehicle. High-voltage cables are crucial in electric vehicles, directly impacting performance, efficiency, and safety.

Requirements for Electric Vehicle High-Voltage Cables:

1. High Voltage and Wear Resistance High-voltage cables in electric vehicles must endure high-voltage environments and resist prolonged wear and tear.

2. Insulation Due to the nature of high voltage, the cable's insulation material must provide excellent insulation to prevent current leakage.

3. High Temperature Resistance In electric vehicle power systems, high-voltage cables often face high-temperature conditions and need to operate stably over extended periods.

4. Lightweight and Flexibility Electric vehicles tend to be heavier than traditional fuel vehicles. Reducing the weight of high-voltage cables helps decrease energy consumption, potentially improving driving range and enhancing maneuverability and acceleration.

5. Flame Retardant Fire incidents in electric vehicles pose a serious safety risk and are challenging to extinguish. Therefore, flame retardancy is a fundamental and essential requirement for electric vehicles.

Good Gi's electric vehicle high-voltage cables.

3820 electric vehicle high-voltage cables - 1000V

3886 electric vehicle high-voltage cables - 1500V

High-Voltage Cables for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

These high-voltage cables for energy storage cabinets are primarily designed for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). They serve as the critical link between batteries, inverters, and Power Management Systems (PMS). Inside the BESS cabinet, these wires play a vital role in ensuring stable energy storage, efficient conversion, and reliable power distribution.

Key Requirements for BESS High-Voltage Cables:

1. High Voltage & Transmission Efficiency： High-voltage cables in energy storage cabinets must sustain high voltage loads while maintaining peak transmission efficiency to ensure overall BESS performance.

2. Long-term Durability： Since energy storage system (ESS) operations involve frequent charge/discharge cycles, the cables must exhibit exceptional durability for prolonged industrial use.

3. Superior Insulation： ust like EV high-voltage cables, BESS wiring requires premium insulation to prevent current leakage and power loss, ensuring system integrity.

4. Environmental Adaptability ：Energy storage cabinets are often deployed in diverse climates. Our cables are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and chemical exposure.

5. Fire Retardancy & Safety： Given the high energy density of BESS battery systems, safety is paramount. Our cables feature advanced fire-resistant and flame-retardant properties to minimize fire risks and prevent spread.

Product Specifications

UL 3820 High-Voltage Cable: Optimized for energy storage systems, rated at 1000V.

UL 3886 High-Voltage Cable: Designed for high-capacity BESS requirements, rated at 1500V.

High voltage cable UL certification

Good Gi manufactures high-voltage cables that meet the UL 3820 and UL 3886 certification standards. The UL certification number for Good Gi is E538616. Led by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), these standards have strict safety and performance requirements to ensure the stability and reliability of the cables during use. The testing standards for UL 3820 and UL 3886 are provided below:

UL 3886 certification

• Rating： 125 deg C, 1500 Vac, Horizontal flame.

• Conductor： 44 AWG - 2000 kcmil, solid or stranded.

• Insulation： XLPE, 30 mils minimum average thickness, 27 mils minimum thickness at any point.

• Standard： Appliance Wiring Material UL 758.

UL 3820 certification

• Rating： 125 deg C, 1000 Vac Horizontal flame.

• Conductor： 30 - 2000 kcmil, solid, stranded, or braided, tinned, bare or silver-plated copper or solid or stranded coated high strength copper - minimum 90 percent conductivity.

• Insulation： Extruded XLPE.

  Conductor size	Min average thickness (mils)	Min at any point thickness (mils)
  30-9 AWG	30	27
  8-2 AWG	45	40
  1-4/0 AWG	55	50
  213-500 kcmil	65	58
  501-1000 kcmil	80	72
  1001-2000 kcmil	95	86

• Standard： Appliance Wiring Material UL 758.

How do you choose between UL 3886 and UL 3820?

When selecting high-voltage cables like UL 3886 or UL 3820, a comprehensive assessment based on specific application requirements is necessary. Here are key points to consider:

Differences between UL 3886 and UL 3820:

Through a comparison of the above UL certification standards, we can identify the main distinctions between UL 3886 and UL 3820 in terms of rated voltage and insulation thickness.

Applications and Uses:

UL 3886: It has a higher-rated voltage and a thinner insulation layer. This makes it suitable for internal wiring in electric vehicles, allowing flexibility in tight spaces. Compared to the thicker insulation of UL 3820, the thinner insulation of UL 3886 contributes to a lighter overall weight.

UL 3820: It has a thicker insulation layer, offering excellent wear resistance. As there are no specific tests for wear resistance in UL standards, when assessing application environments, users are advised to consider installation conditions and construction situations.

Choosing between UL 3886 and UL 3820 high-voltage cables requires understanding their differences and evaluating them based on specific application needs. Our team, with extensive industry experience, can provide the most suitable solutions for your requirements. Contact us now!