Power Cable: To Tin or Not to Tin

Throughout the engineering community there is confusion on when—and when not—to specify tinned copper conductors in power cabling applications. Why does it matter, you might ask? In an age of tight budgets and value engineering, it can mean saving your client some money or locating funding for other key systems. In the 1950s, copper conductors in power cables were frequently tinned for three reasons: to prevent corrosion, improve stripability and improve solderability. Today, insulation compound chemistry has come a long way, particularly regarding the latter factors. Specifically, chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) polymers, such as Hypalon, are used as an insulation or as a jacket, depending on the cable voltage.