The material commonly used for insulation in high voltage cables is-

Insulation in High Voltage Cables:

High voltage cables are designed to carry high voltage electrical power from one point to another. These cables need to have effective insulation to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency. The insulation material in high voltage cables serves several critical purposes:

• Preventing electrical leakage: It prevents the electrical current from leaking out of the conductor to the surrounding environment or other conductors.
• Protecting against short circuits: It helps to prevent short circuits by keeping the conductors separated.
• Ensuring safety: It protects individuals and equipment from coming into direct contact with high voltage.

Materials Used for Insulation:

Different materials can be used for insulation in high voltage cables, each with its own properties and applications. The most common materials include:

• Lead: Although it has been used in the past, lead is not commonly used for insulation in modern high voltage cables due to its toxicity and environmental concerns.
• Rubber: Rubber has good insulating properties but is generally used in low to medium voltage applications. It is not typically used for high voltage insulation because it may not provide adequate performance under high voltage stress.
• Paper: Paper insulation, specifically oil-impregnated paper, is commonly used in high voltage cables. It has excellent dielectric properties, which means it can effectively withstand high voltage without breaking down. The paper is typically impregnated with a dielectric fluid (such as mineral oil) to enhance its insulating properties and thermal stability.

Conclusion:

The correct answer is option 2: Paper. Paper insulation, especially when impregnated with oil, is widely used in high voltage cables due to its excellent dielectric properties and ability to effectively handle high voltage stress. It ensures the safe and reliable operation of high voltage power transmission systems.