When selecting cable assemblies, besides connector compatibility which is a must-check factor, cable sheathing is another critical component. As the primary protective barrier for internal conductors, cable sheathing materials deliver different protection performances. You need to select suitable and cost-effective cable sheaths according to your actual application scenarios.

Below we list widely used cable sheath materials, along with their advantages and disadvantages, for your reference when choosing cable products.

1. PVC Material

1. PVC Material

Category 6, PVC, foil shielded, 4 twisted pairs, 26AWG

Definition: It is pellets prepared by compounding, kneading and extrusion, using polyvinyl chloride as the base resin, with stabilizers, plasticizers, inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate, additives, lubricants and other ingredients.
Advantages: It can be formulated for a wide range of environments and applications. It features low cost, good flexibility, high sturdiness, along with flame retardant and oil resistant properties.
Disadvantages: Low-grade PVC may contain harmful substances and show unstable performance under special working conditions. Modern upgraded PVC grades have improved environmental friendliness and overall performance.

2. PE Material

2. PE Material

Category 6A shielded outdoor direct-buried cable, PE sheath, 23AWG solid conductor

Definition: Polyethylene is another widely used material. Its linear molecular structure makes it prone to deformation at high temperatures. Therefore, in the wire and cable industry, polyethylene is usually cross-linked to form a network structure, which grants it strong deformation resistance even under high-temperature conditions.
Advantages: More eco-friendly. Products of this type generally pass the EU RoHS environmental test. It delivers excellent electrical insulation performance and good processability.
Disadvantages: Average weather resistance, not suitable for high-temperature environments.

3. PUR Material

Category 5e, super flexible PUR sheath, shielded, 4 twisted pairs of 26 AWG conductors

Definition: Polyurethane (PUR) is a polymer with repeating urethane segments, synthesized by the reaction of isocyanates and polyols.
Advantages: It boasts outstanding oil resistance, great toughness, excellent wear resistance, cold resistance (low-temperature resistance), water resistance, ageing resistance, acid & alkali resistance and weather resistance. It features long service life and UV resistance, suitable for harsh environments such as oily and low-temperature conditions.
Disadvantages: With comprehensive superior properties, its price is relatively higher, and the cost is much higher than that of PVC.

4. TPE / TPR Material

Category 5e SF/UTP cable, high-flexibility CMX flame-retardant TPE sheath, 4 twisted pairs of 24AWG stranded conductors

Definition: TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is also known as TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber).
Advantages: It has good chemical resistance and oil resistance, and is extremely flexible with superior wear resistance.
Disadvantages: It is not structurally robust and cannot withstand high temperatures. Normally, it cannot be used for long-term service above 80°C.

5. TPU Material

Definition: Commonly known as thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer rubber.

Advantages: It is mainly divided into polyester type and polyether type, with a wide hardness range (60HA–85HD). It features wear resistance, oil resistance, transparency and good elasticity. TPU boasts outstanding properties including high wear resistance, high tension, high tensile strength, toughness and ageing resistance. It is also a well-established eco-friendly material.
Disadvantages: It is slightly lacking in rigidity and prone to deformation.