Polyurethane vs PVC Cable

Choosing the right cable jacket can have a significant impact on equipment reliability, maintenance costs, and service life. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) are two commonly used materials for industrial cable jackets. PVC is an economical and versatile option for many applications, while TPU is often preferred when cables must withstand oil, movement, abrasion, cold temperatures and demanding outdoor conditions.

Oil resistance.

Oil resistance is particularly important in industries such as mining, automotive, marine, manufacturing, and oil and gas. PVC cables can provide good oil resistance, although performance varies considerably depending on the compound used. TPU generally provides stronger resistance in applications involving frequent or prolonged exposure to oils and industrial fluids. For equipment regularly exposed to lubricants, oils, and other contaminants, polyurethane can provide an important additional layer of protection.

Flexibility.

Both PVC and TPU cables can be flexible, but their suitability depends on how the cable will move. Flexible PVC is widely used for general machinery, controls and other applications with moderate movement requirements. TPU is especially useful for demanding applications where flexibility must be combined with mechanical strength. This makes polyurethane cable well suited to mobile equipment and other systems where cables may experience bending, vibration, or repeated movement.

Cold-weather performance.

Cold temperatures can affect the flexibility and durability of cable jackets, making material selection especially important for Canadian industrial operations. PVC performance at low temperatures depends on its formulation. Some compounds can become increasingly stiff as temperatures drop. TPU can be formulated to retain flexibility at very low temperatures. The right polyurethane cable can therefore be a strong option for outdoor equipment and machinery expected to operate through harsh Canadian winters.

Abrasion resistance.

Abrasion resistance is one of the biggest differences when comparing PVC vs TPU cable. PVC offers suitable mechanical protection for many standard installations, but TPU excels in environments where cables are exposed to rubbing, dragging, scraping or repeated contact. Greater abrasion resistance can translate into longer cable life and fewer replacements when equipment operates in rugged environments.

Outdoor life.

Outdoor cable life depends on several factors, including UV exposure, moisture, temperature fluctuations, chemicals and mechanical wear. PVC can provide good outdoor performance when a cable uses an appropriate weather- and UV-resistant formulation. TPU can offer excellent outdoor durability when the selected compound is designed for the environment. Its resistance to abrasion, water, chemicals and temperature extremes makes polyurethane particularly attractive for demanding outdoor equipment.

Cost.

PVC generally costs less than TPU, making it an attractive choice for applications that do not require exceptional mechanical or environmental resistance. TPU typically has a higher upfront price. However, cable cost should be considered alongside the potential expense of maintenance, replacement and downtime. In harsh operating environments, investing in a more durable polyurethane cable can reduce the total cost of ownership over the equipment's service life.

Introducing FluxForce™ Cable!

Flux Connectivity developed FluxForce™ Cable to bring performance and reliability to harsh industrial environments. FluxForce™ 1000 is an extremely oil- and abrasion-resistant flexible shielded cable featuring finely stranded tinned-copper conductors and an aluminum/polyester tape shield with 100% coverage. Its specially formulated PUR jacket provides resistance to oil, chemicals, abrasion, and water. A non-tacky surface also helps provide low-resistance pulls through abrasive environments.

Download the FluxForce™ Cable Data Sheet or request a quote on our Contact Us page! For more information, please don’t hesitate to give Flux Connectivity a call at 1-800-557-FLUX or email us at connect@fluxconnectivity.com.