Electric cable
Revision as of 13:15, 10 July 2019 by Michel Lamontagne (talk | contribs)
Electric cables, also called conductors, insulated conductors and wiring, are used for the transmission of electrical power, grounding and communications. For a Martian settlement the following requirements apply:
- It should be recyclable.
- It should be made in-situ from local resources.
- The insulation must be fire-proof if used inside a habitat.
Conductors
Most high voltage and high amperage conductors are aluminium, while copper is usually used in domestic distribution and communications. Both metals are recyclable. Conductors are temperature limited, and conductivity decreases with temperature.
Insulation
Glass fabric made from fiberglass is an interesting material for cable insulation, for it meets all above-mentioned requirements. See also lunarp:In Situ Electrical Insulation.
Open Issues
- What conductive material can be produced in-situ with the lowest effort?
- Outdoor cables need special protection against static electricity. Preventive measures, shielding and protective circuits must be defined.
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