Water Pump XLPE+PA Insulated Submersible Wire/Waterproof Wire

Technical Parameters

Conductor Design

The copper conductor is manufactured from high-conductivity annealed copper. XLPE+PA submersible wire is available in both solid and stranded configurations. Solid conductors typically range from 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm in diameter, while stranded conductors extend to larger cross-sections to accommodate higher current-carrying requirements. The conductor construction must meet the requirements of applicable standards for electrical round copper wire, including GB/T 3953 for round copper wire and GB/T 6108 for winding wire conductors.

Insulation Layer (XLPE)

The cross-linked polyethylene insulation provides the primary dielectric barrier. Insulation thickness ranges from approximately 0.3 mm for lower voltage applications to 3.5 mm for higher voltage constructions. The cross-linking process transforms the polyethylene from a thermoplastic to a thermoset material, creating a three-dimensional molecular network that resists deformation and thermal degradation. XLPE insulation maintains its properties at continuous operating temperatures up to 90°C, with modified formulations extending the range further .

The electrical properties of XLPE insulation are exceptional. Dielectric breakdown strength reaches 70 kV/mm when tested at 50 Hz and 20°C. Specific insulation resistance measures 10¹⁰ Ω·cm at 20°C. Insulation resistance for finished submersible cable products exceeds 200 MΩ/km, providing effective protection against electrical leakage in water-filled environments .

Sheath Layer (PA)

The polyamide (nylon) outer sheath provides mechanical protection for the XLPE insulation. Sheath thickness typically ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The PA sheath serves multiple functions: it protects the insulation from abrasion during winding and service, provides a smooth surface finish that facilitates efficient winding, and adds a secondary barrier against water ingress. The polyamide material also contributes to the wire‘s chemical resistance and maintains flexibility at low temperatures.

Water Resistance and Operating Conditions

XLPE+PA submersible wire is designed for continuous immersion in water. The operating temperature range extends from -40°C to +90°C for flexible applications, with stationary applications allowing similar limits . Water depth capability reaches up to 600 meters for submersible cable products . The wire is suitable for operation in water with pH values between 6.5 and 8.5 and resists chlorine concentrations up to 0.6 mg/l and seawater salinity up to 3.5% .

International Pump Brands Using XLPE+PA Insulated Wire

Grundfos

Grundfos, the Danish pump manufacturer, specifies XLPE insulated power cables for its submersible motor and pump products. The Grundfos MS 4000 product manual identifies XLPE as a typical insulation material for submersible power cables transmitting power from starter/controller to submersible motor . For the SQ series submersible pumps, Grundfos lists 14AWG XLPE cable as standard for the 2-wire motor configuration . The SP series submersible pumps also reference XLPE as a motor cable option, alongside EPR and Teflon .

Franklin Electric

Franklin Electric has adopted advanced insulation systems for its submersible motor lines. The company’s 4-inch and 8-inch submersible motors specify XLPE as the lead insulation material in their materials of construction documentation . Franklin Electric also manufactures motors wound with PPC insulated wire, a radiation-crosslinked PE2/PA construction, which the company has approved for variable frequency drive operation and ambient conditions up to 50°C following extensive laboratory and field testing . The company notes that PE2/PA winding will continue to be an integral part of its portfolio, installed as standard in synchronous and 12-inch rewindable motors .

Vansan

Vansan, the Turkish pump manufacturer exporting to 80 countries, uses PE2+PA insulated wires in its full stainless steel 3S submersible motors. The company’s technical documentation states that 3S motors “winded with PE2+PA insulated wires provide superior performance compared to the other types of submersible motors” . Vansan specifies these motors for operation at water temperatures up to 50°C, with 70°C available as an option. The PE2+PA winding provides “longer life” and “high resistance against voltage fluctuation” according to the company‘s specifications .

Bizzi & Tedeschi

The Italian manufacturer Bizzi & Tedeschi uses PE2+PA coated wire in its PA6 and PA8 series 6-inch and 8-inch submersible motors. For “Hot Water” winding applications, the company specifies PE2+PA coated wire with a 90°C insulation class, compared to PVC coated wire rated at 70°C for standard “Cold Water” applications .

Xylem (Flygt)

Xylem’s Flygt brand submersible pumps, including the P 7125 model, utilize submersible motors designed for submerged operation. While specific winding wire insulation details are not listed in the available specification, Flygt products are engineered for robust submersible service with mechanical seal systems and SUBCAB motor cables specifically developed for submersible use .

WPIL

WPIL Limited, an Indian pump manufacturer with six decades of experience in pumping systems, offers submersible pumps with winding wire options including XLPE insulated copper . The company’s product documentation lists XLPE insulated copper as a standard winding wire option alongside PVC insulated copper for its submersible pump range .

Wilo

Wilo submersible pumps typically use PE or PE2 plastic-insulated winding wires. The company’s frequency converter operation documentation notes that PE2 windings are more resilient to voltage peaks than standard PE windings, though output filters are required for frequency converter operation . Wilo advises against retrofitting pumps older than five years with frequency converters due to heat-sensitive insulation degradation .

Technical Standards

The manufacture and testing of XLPE+PA submersible wire is governed by international standards. IEC 60317-0-1 specifies general requirements for winding wires, including provisions for breakdown voltage testing. The Chinese national standard GB/T 6109.1-2025 provides equivalent general requirements for enamelled round winding wire. For submersible cable products, IEC 60228 specifies conductor requirements, and IEC 60502 provides specifications for extruded insulation power cables