Electrical parameters of low-voltage power distribution cables used for power-line communications

Many models proposed in the literature to describe low-voltage power distribution networks in consumer premises as communication media require knowledge of the electrical parameters of the cables comprising these networks. These parameters are nevertheless affected by a large number of factors which may vary greatly from case to case, making it thus very difficult to achieve an exact estimation about them. In this work, a study of the electrical parameters of two cable types widely used in residential low-voltage power distribution networks is presented. Moreover, a finite-element approach is used for the verification of the results of the theoretical model concerning the series impedance per unit length of the cable type under study with respect to its normal operational conditions.