Photograph) LS Cable & System employees discuss the first AC-DC dual-purpose PP cable developed in Korea.


■ Optimized for AI, IDC, ESS, and renewable energy facilities due to application of high heat-resistant PP insulation material
■ Preemptive response to power infrastructure market currently in transition due to lack of standards on DC power distribution technology 
■ Demonstrated reliability by completing KEPCO demonstration and piloting in semiconductor and petrochemical plants


LS Cable & System announced on the 25th that it has launched the first distribution cable for both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) in Korea.

As the demand for DC-based power grids is growing rapidly due to AI data centers, ESS, and solar and wind power facilities, this product is attracting attention for its ability to handle AC and DC with one cable.

Due to the use of high heat-resistant polypropylene (PP) as the insulation material, it remains stable even at temperatures as high as 110℃, which exceeds the heat resistance of conventional XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene, about 90℃). 

The structure is optimal for DC-based high-power systems, as it provides high heat resistance and reliability even in high-temperature and high-voltage environments, such as those found in AI data centers and renewable energy facilities. 

In addition, as there is no technical standard or certification system for DC distribution cables in Korea, this product is considered a practical alternative for responding to the transition in renewable DC power infrastructure. 

Additional effects such as simplified design, improved construction efficiency, and reduced investment costs are also expected.

In 2015, LS Cable & System developed the world's second recyclable PP insulated cable. While XLPE emits methane gas and is difficult to recycle, PP is methane-free and recyclable, so it’s been attracting attention as an eco-friendly material in terms of carbon neutrality and resource recycling.

The cable has been demonstrated through a joint pilot project with KEPCO, and has also been used in large domestic semiconductor and petrochemical plants that require high quality and reliability.

"Initially developed as an eco-friendly product, it has been newly commercialized as a high heat-resistant cable that’s useful for high-power environments," said an LS Cable & System official. "We will expand its supply to various power grid fields such as IDCs, renewable energy, and chemical and semiconductor plants."