What defines an electrical cable's operating temperature range, and what primary elements influence this specification?

An electrical cable's operating temperature represents the continuous thermal range within which it maintains safe functionality, spanning both minimum and maximum thresholds. This critical parameter is predominantly determined by the cable's insulation material composition. Distinct insulation types exhibit varying thermal tolerance capabilities: standard thermoplastic materials like polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) typically sustain operation up to approximately +70°C, while thermosetting alternatives such as ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) generally support higher +90°C ratings.   Material behavior across temperature extremes further shapes these specifications—including softening characteristics under heat exposure and rigidity development in cold conditions—along with engineered safety margins to address temporary thermal excursions beyond nominal operating parameters.