Thermoplastic insulation (TPI)

The Future of MV Cables is here

We are facing a technological shift in the development and production of medium voltage cables, where Nexans is at the forefront, focusing on future-oriented technology and new material choices. With a new production line in Grimsås, we will manufacture medium voltage cables (MV) with thermoplastic insulation (TPI). This material offers advantages compared to traditional PEX insulation. Read on to see all the benefits…

What is thermoplastic (TPI)?

TPI is a future-oriented plastic material that becomes mouldable (plastic) when heated, and with each new heating. In addition to mixing well with other plastics. This makes it easier to remelt and recycle than cables with cross-linked molecules like PEX.

Benefits of TPI

✔ Re-meltable material for easier recycling

✔ Excellent electrical properties

✔ Higher load capacity during emergency operation

✔ Resistance to water ingress

✔ Lower energy consumption during production

✔ No methane gases during handling

More robust material

Research, tests and pilots show that TPI is a very robust material with good electrical properties and protection against external stresses.

High emergency load capacity: Naturally, high loads should be avoided to prevent unnecessary loss. But in emergency situations, it can be an advantage that TPI can handle a high emergency load.
Resistance to water ingress: Research conducted in collaboration with SINTEF shows that TPI is more resistant in regards to moisture than similar PEX cables. Below is an excerpt from the summary of the report.

”No vented water trees were observed in the TPI cables in sections where the insulation screen was not peeled”. SINTEF Report AN 24.14.55

Circular solutions

Recycling: Unlike PEX, TPI can be remelted and mixes with other plastics without problems. This will contribute to easier cable recycling.
No flammable gases: TPI emits no flammable gases during manufacturing or installation, eliminating methane and other flammable gases.
Lower energy consumption: The manufacture of the TPI material and the production of TPI cables require less energy, which contributes to a smaller footprint.

SS 424 14 20

Swedish standard

Since January 2024, Sweden has a new standard, SS 424 14 20, which describes the construction and testing of TPI-insulated cables from 12 kV to 36 kV. It is based on the European standard Cenelec HD620 S3:2023.

Manufacturing and development in Sweden

Cables manufactured with thermoplastic insulation are widespread in Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain - and are part of the NEK HD 620 12K standard. Nexans Research Center (NRC) in France and our local laboratory in Grimsås have been involved in developing and testing the material, verifying its reliability and quality. Pilot projects have been operational in the Swedish market for a couple of years now.

Nexans in Grimsås has invested in a state-of-the-art production facility for medium voltage cables with TPI. Our local production facility enables shorter transport and logistics solutions, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions from long-distance transportation.

The new production facility in Grimsås is currently being commissioned and will be in commercial operation during 2025.

"We are very pleased and proud of our new production facility for our medium voltage cables with TPI. This enables us to combine high performance with environmentally conscious design. We believe that innovations like this will drive the industry in the right direction forward."

Aron Andersson
Product Manager Power Grid

Axclight becomes Nexans AMCL

Our three-core cable 12 kV and 24 kV new medium voltage cable will be named Nexans AMCL, where "M" stands for thermoplastic insulation. In addition to the recycling benefits of thermoplastic insulation, AMCL will be produced with low-carbon aluminum, reducing CO2 emissions.

Our TPI cables are 100% compatible with existing equipment and technology. You can use the same tools and preparations as when working with similar cables. Additionally, you can use the same joints and terminations - and splice with installed PEX cable.

Questions and answers about TPI

What does TPI mean?	What are the advantages of thermoplastic insulation?	Which standard applies to TPI?	Can the same joints and accessories be used as before?	Should TPI cables be sealed at the ends?
TPI stands for Thermoplastic Insulation.	TPI can be melted and recycled into new plastic products in the future.	Since January 2024, Sweden has a new standard, SS 424 14 20, which describes the construction and testing of TPI-insulated cable from 12 kV to 36 kV.	Yes.	Sealing should be used just like with PEX cables mainly because oxidation occurs on the conductor otherwise.

Nexans AML 1 kV first with TPI

For over a year now, Nexans AML 1 kV with TPI has been available. It is manufactured in Grimsås with an outer sheath made of recycled plastic and a conductor of low-carbon aluminum.

Press release about Nexans AM
Learn more about Nexans AML
Product datasheet Nexans AML