Carbon Black and Conductivity in Medium and High-Voltage Cables
by Scott Brewer
Carbon black plays a key role in semiconductive compounds for medium-voltage (MV) and high-voltage (HV) cables used for electricity transmission and distribution, respectively. It imparts conductivity to the conductor shield and insulation shield, and the material also protects the cable jacketing against UV degradation. The semiconductive layer in MV and HV cables facilitates homogeneous distribution of the electrical field, thus reducing the electrical stresses to the cable’s polymer components and extending cable service life.