What key factors distinguish MV cable specs across international standards, and how do construction variations impact application suitability?

Medium voltage cables exhibit significant specification divergence due to regional standards and application demands. IEC 60502-2, a global benchmark, defines MV as 3.6kV to 36kV, while BS 6622 extends coverage up to 69kV, reflecting differing national infrastructure needs. Construction variations primarily manifest in insulation and sheathing: XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) insulation dominates modern designs for its thermal stability (90°C continuous operation), whereas EPR (ethylene propylene rubber) offers superior flexibility for dynamic installations. Sheathing options further tailor performance—PVC provides cost-effective general-purpose protection, LSZH (low smoke zero halogen) minimizes toxic emissions in enclosed spaces like tunnels, and aluminum armoring enhances mechanical resilience for direct burial applications.   These differences directly influence application suitability: a BS 6622 XLPE/PVC cable with copper conductors suits urban power distribution due to its balance of conductivity and cost, while an IEC 60502-2 LSZH-armored variant becomes critical in high-rise buildings where fire safety regulations prioritize low-smoke emission. Additionally, voltage rating granularity varies—British Standard BS 5467 specifies 11kV and 33kV increments, whereas German DIN VDE 0276 Part 603 uses 12kV and 24kV thresholds, requiring careful alignment with local grid infrastructure during specification.