Experienced electricians know that ordinary power cables cannot be connected to the output ends of electrical equipment having a voltage not exceeding 0.66 kV, otherwise overload in the power grid may occur. To avoid this, it is recommended to use cables and wires for special purposes. Today, the attention of professional electricians and amateurs is presented with special products known as RKGM wire. The article contains information about its technical characteristics and areas of use.
Meaning of the abbreviation RKGM
The wire is designated by the abbreviation, which stands for the following:
- The presence of the letter "P" indicates that the wire is equipped with rubber insulation.
- “K” - isolation refers to the organosilicon type.
- "G" - the product is unarmored and is characterized by high flexibility.
- "M" - in the manufacture of external braid wire, fiberglass is used, impregnated with a mixture of heat-resistant organosilicon varnish and enamel.
Since at the beginning of the abbreviation the letter “A” is missing, indicating the presence of aluminum in the product, we can conclude that the RKGM is a wire completely consisting of copper conductors. Since these special-purpose products are represented by a wide range of modifications having their cross-section, when buying, you should pay attention to both alphabetic and digital markings. For example, the wire RKGM 2 5 is a cable with a cross section of 25 mm.kv. If necessary, you can choose a cable of almost any section. Their range varies from 0.75 to 120 mm.kv.
Structure
The wire RKGM consists of the following elements:
- Outer braid containing fiberglass yarn.
- Organosilicon rubber, which serves as the main insulating layer. This rubber is the main feature of the wires RKGM. High popularity among consumers of special-purpose cables is explained by the fact that in ordinary wires at a temperature of 120 degrees, rubber loses its insulation properties and becomes a conductor, which can be dangerous for humans. The RKGM cables in this regard are very favorably different, since their silicone rubber does not pass current even at 200 degrees.
- A multi-wire copper core that serves as a live part. It belongs to the fifth class of flexibility. There are six classes in total. The higher it is, the more flexibility the cable has. This indicates that the current-carrying part is not a single whole, but is a bunch of twisted individual wiring. Such a design allows the cable to bend repeatedly. The mechanical and electrical properties are not lost at all.
RKGM wire characteristics
- Cables are indispensable in a wide variety of situations. The great demand for them is explained by their ability to work effectively at temperatures from - 60 to +180.
- Cables are not subject to burning. If RKGM wires are used in rooms with a very high temperature, which entailed melting of the insulation, toxic substances are not released at all. If the insulating layer is still burnt, the special-purpose cable will continue to fulfill its task for some time due to the silicon dioxide remaining on it. Keep in mind that the dioxide layer is very fragile and breaks at the slightest touch.
- The maximum voltage that the wires of the RKGM are able to withstand is 660 Volts.
Where is the cable used?
Special purpose wires are used:
- For installing an electrical network on the street (in moderate climates).
- In the chemical industry. This is possible due to special rubber insulation that is not exposed to chemicals and ultraviolet radiation. Also, these cables are immune to mold and mildew.
- Using RKGM, it is possible to produce special windings for variable machines and powerful electrical installations.
The characteristics of the RKGM special-purpose wire allow it to be widely used in the arrangement of electric networks in the Sunna and baths.