What factor heavily influences the insulation choice for power cables in outdoor environments?

The insulation choice for power cables in outdoor environments is significantly influenced by moisture resistance. Outdoor cables are exposed to various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and humidity. Moisture can penetrate insulation, leading to electrical failures, short circuits, or deterioration of the cable over time.

Choosing insulation with strong moisture resistance helps ensure the longevity and reliability of the cables when installed in outdoor settings. This is why moisture resistance is a critical consideration—if insulation fails in the presence of moisture, it can compromise the safety and functionality of the entire electrical system.

While factors like cost, temperature fluctuations, and color coding do play a role in cable selection, they do not address the immediate and severe risks associated with moisture exposure in outdoor installations. Cost considerations typically revolve around budget constraints, temperature fluctuations may affect the thermal performance of the cable but do not directly impact insulation material selection specific to outdoor moisture concerns, and color coding is primarily for identification and does not influence the insulation's protective capabilities.