Why is Medium Voltage Cable So Complicated?

Published by Mike Sobol on 28th Jan 2026

Medium voltage power systems can seem mysterious at first glance. Designed to fit between low-voltage building wiring and high-voltage transmission lines, there is an entire class of equipment and cable that quietly carries most of the energy that keeps facilities running.
MV cable construction is more complex than many other types of power cable, which can sometimes make the exact spec you need harder to find. Construction details like copper versus aluminum conductors, XLPE versus EPR insulation, different shield designs, and jacket materials each exist for a reason. Together, these choices affect electrical performance, reliability, installation, and long-term safety in highly engineered systems.

If you're looking to clear up some confustion about MV cables, check out our full guide here:

The article breaks down key materials, ratings, and common applications so that medium voltage cable design and terminology feel more approachable for non-technical stakeholders.

Of course, if you already have the print legend or spec sheet for the mv cable you need, you can shop here, or  contact us, and we can help you locate the right material in no time. We have access to thousands of skus that do not appear on our website, so if you can't find what you're looking for, just ask. Chances are, we can find it for you!

Pro Wire & Cable is a Proud Supplier to US Gov't Agencies, Universities & Trusted Brands

UEID: FJKDJ5JSPAH7   CAGE: 8GZ43   DUNS: 114451316

Supplier to NASA
Supplier to Tesla