High Voltage Shielding: Choosing the Right Coaxial Cable for 6 kV Applications

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting an appropriate coaxial cable for transporting 6 kV of high voltage (HV) in a shielded manner. Participants explore various cable types, their voltage ratings, and safety considerations related to insulation and connectors.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the suitability of using a TV coaxial cable for 6 kV applications, questioning its voltage support and shielding capabilities.
  • Another participant suggests using RG-8 coaxial cable, providing a link to its specifications, but notes that it is rated for 5 kV, which may not meet the OP's requirements for 6 kV.
  • A different response emphasizes the need for specialized high voltage coaxial cables and provides a link to a Google search for high voltage coaxial cable options.
  • Concerns are raised about the thickness and length of the cable, as well as the required frequencies and currents, with RG-218 mentioned as capable of withstanding 11 kV but being quite thick.
  • One participant mentions RG-59 as a potential option, discussing its insulation properties and the importance of using appropriate connectors, specifically SHV connectors, for high voltage applications.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about using RG-8 for 6 kV, questioning the safety of using a cable rated for 5 kV.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the suitability of various coaxial cables for 6 kV applications. There is no consensus on a single recommended cable, and concerns about safety and voltage ratings remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of insulation thickness, connector types, and the specific requirements of the application, but does not resolve the adequacy of the proposed cables for the stated voltage.

Ravaner
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hello. I need to use a "coaxial" câble with 6 kV on axial wire. May I use a TV coaxial wire ? Will it be able to support such voltage. Anyway I must transport this HV and it must be shielded. A suggestion ?
 
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I would use RG-8. See http://www.hyperline.com/catalog/cable/rg8.shtml

Bob S
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Ravaner said:
hello. I need to use a "coaxial" câble with 6 kV on axial wire. May I use a TV coaxial wire ? Will it be able to support such voltage. Anyway I must transport this HV and it must be shielded. A suggestion ?

You will need to use specialized HV coax. Here is a hit list from a google search on High Voltage Coaxial Cable:

http://www.google.com/search?source...able&gs_upl=0l0l0l5694lllllllllll0&aqi=g4g-v1

.
 
Bob S said:
I would use RG-8. See http://www.hyperline.com/catalog/cable/rg8.shtml

Bob S

Looks like that cable is rated at 5kV, which is still higher than I expected. The OP wants 6kV (plus some margin I would imagine...).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
How thick can the cable be to be? How long? What frequencies do you need? What currents? RG-218 should withstand 11kV but is almost an inch thick. I have seen x-ray cable that is much thinner, but there is hardly any current flowing through it.
 
Check RG59, I believe it's the tv cable. We use it to 5KV before. Insulation is about 400V/mil, give a big safety factor...say 150V/mil, you need 40mil insulation. So if the insulation thickness of the center wire is 40mils or over, it should be ok.

It is the connector that you have to worry about, use SHV connector. In HV, creepage distance is much more important than insulation thickness. Double check, but I believe you are out of the MHV connector safety range.
 
Thanks for replies. It's a DC high voltage, may be RG8 will be ok.
 
Ravaner said:
Thanks for replies. It's a DC high voltage, may be RG8 will be ok.

"Maybe"? 6kV in 5kV max rated cable? "Maybe"?

This thread is closed. If you want it re-opened, you need to PM me with why your approach is not dangerous.
 

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