As per API RP11S5, cable insulation isolates the electrical potential between conductors and other conducting materials. Insulation also minimizes leakage current from the conductors.
Insulation selection depends on many factors mainly related to produced fluids properties and well behavior; such as: gas type and concentration, well environment, gas to oil ratio, pressure cycling, exposure to downhole chemicals…
There are two classes of cable insulation materials used in oil and gas industry:
