Patent ID: 7514633

Claim:
A cable for use in a predetermined voltage class, said cable comprising: at least one conductor; at least one extruded insulating layer surrounding said conductor, said insulating layer being made from a non-crosslinked insulating material comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one dielectric liquid, said insulating layer having a thickness such as to provide a voltage gradient on the outer surface of the insulating layer not smaller than 1.0 kV/mm; and a protective element around said extruded insulating layer having a thickness and mechanical properties selected to provide a predetermined impact resistance capability, said protective element comprising at least one expanded polymeric layer, said thickness being sufficient to prevent a detectable insulating layer damage upon impact of at least 25 J energy; wherein said extruded insulating layer has a thickness at least 20% smaller than the insulating layer thickness provided for in IEC Standard 60502-2 (Edition 1.1-1998-11) for said predetermined corresponding voltage class.