Differences Between PUR and PVC Cables: Which One to Choose and When?

In short, the key difference can be summarized as follows: PUR cables stand out for their excellent resistance to wear, tearing, oils, and weather conditions, making them well suited for harsh industrial and outdoor environments. PVC cables, on the other hand, are valued for their lower cost and ease of processing, which makes them an ideal choice for standard fixed installation applications.

Material and basic properties

PVC cables

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a general-purpose and widely used polymer material. The insulation and sheath layers of PVC cables are relatively rigid and may become brittle at low temperatures. Their chemical resistance is moderate, and the material is not inherently resistant to oils or hydrolysis.

At the same time, PVC offers several practical advantages: it is cost-effective, its manufacturing technology is well established, and flame-retardant properties can be adjusted through material formulations. Its electrical insulation characteristics meet the requirements of most conventional applications.

PUR cables

PUR, or polyurethane, belongs to the family of elastomeric materials. Its cable sheath is highly elastic and durable, remaining flexible even at low temperatures — often down to –40 °C. In addition, PUR cables offer excellent resistance to wear and tearing, as well as resistance to oils, acids, alkalis, hydrolysis, and ultraviolet radiation.

The main disadvantage is the higher raw material cost and more demanding manufacturing requirements compared to PVC. However, in challenging operating conditions, this investment typically pays off.

Application areas

PVC cables

PVC cables are primarily used in environments with low mechanical and chemical stress:

• Fixed indoor installations, such as building lighting circuits and control wiring;

• Low-voltage and weak-current systems with modest environmental requirements, including power cables for surveillance cameras and office networks;

• Cost-sensitive consumer cable applications, including connection leads for certain household appliances.

PUR cables

The strengths of PUR cables become apparent in demanding conditions:

• Mobile industrial equipment, including robotic arms and cable carrier systems on automated production lines;

• Harsh outdoor environments, such as mines, oil and gas fields, ports, and outdoor installations in the renewable energy sector;

• Special operating conditions where cables are exposed to oils, chemicals, or require frequent bending.

Service life and maintenance

In typical indoor environments, the service life of PVC cables can reach 8–15 years. However, prolonged exposure to low temperatures, moisture, or constant friction may lead to sheath cracking and insulation aging, making regular inspection and replacement necessary.

PUR cables used in industrial mobile applications and harsh environments generally last 3–5 times longer than PVC cables. They also offer superior aging resistance and require less maintenance, making them well suited for systems with high reliability requirements.

Safety and environmental impact

PVC cables traditionally contain plasticizers, and lower-quality products may pose environmental and health risks. When burned, PVC releases toxic gases such as hydrogen chloride, which is why flame-retardant formulations are required to improve safety.

PUR cables can be manufactured using halogen-free, flame-retardant compounds that produce significantly less smoke and toxicity when burned. In addition, certain food-grade PUR materials are used in cables for medical and food-processing equipment, giving them a clear advantage in meeting environmental and safety requirements.

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