Everything You Should Know About Different Cable Wire Types




The terms "electrical cable" and "wires" are quite distinct. A wire is a single electrical conductor, but a cable is a collection or bundle of numerous wires contained under a common wrapping. Both of these things are used to carry electrical current.

 

Almost everything nowadays is powered by electricity, thanks to technological advancements. Indoors or out, we require a steady supply of electricity, which is delivered by using the appropriate wires and cables. Not only does the electrical industry employ cables and wires for electricity transmission and distribution to our homes and businesses, but the telecom industry also uses various types of cables for reliable data transmission. Let’s learn about some of these power cables

 

1. Coaxial Cable: Coaxial cable, often known as coax, is a four-layer electrical cable with a coaxial shape. A conductor is the center component of a coaxial cable, which is surrounded by a metallic shield and is coated by an insulating plastic coating. The fourth layer of plastic insulation is added on top of it. The coaxial cable is used for high-frequency signal transmission. The metallic shield is employed to block noise interference for this reason. It's frequently used for cable television signal distribution, as well as signal transfer between antennae, transmitters, and receivers.

 

2. Fibre Optic Cables: Fibre optic cable, also known as optical fibercable, is a type of communication line composed of flexible, transparent glass fibers that transport data in the form of light. The fiber is about the same thickness as human hair, and each strand is insulated with plastic. Another layer of external shielding shields the fibers from interference. Single Mode or Mono-mode Fibre Optics Cable and Multi-Mode Fibre Optics Cable are the two primary types of fiber optic cable.

 

3. Armoured Cables: A protective twisted or braided metallic layer is usually formed of steel over the conductor in this type of metallic sheathed cable. Plastic is used for the external sheath. The metallic coating adds extra mechanical protection against damage and can also be utilized for grounding connections. As a result, they are not usable in moist or wet environments or underground. Wire braid, steel wire, or steel tape can be used as the armored layer. The most prevalent form of armored cable used for power transmission is steel wire armored (SWA).

 

4. Twin-Lead Cable: Twin lead cable is a two-conductor flat cable used to carry radio frequency RF signals in a balanced line. A plastic covering between the conductors keeps them apart and evenly spaced. The uniform spacing is critical because it prevents the signal from becoming distorted. To avoid skin irritation, the conductors are typically stranded and insulated with the same plastic substance. Because they are more susceptible to external noise interference and weather conditions, these considerations are taken into account during installation. Although coaxial cable provides better noise shielding, the twin-lead cable is chosen because of its reduced power losses.

 

5. Shielded Cable: Shielded cable, also known as screened cable, is a type of electrical cable in which the conductors are shielded by an additional metallic layer. The shield could be composed of braided aluminum, copper, or any other metal, or it could be a foil, spiral tape, or solid sheet made of conducting metals. It shields you from electrical noise and EMI (electromagnetic interference) created by nearby power sources. It is removed by grounding one end of the shield. The shield layer is grounded in power lines to keep the insulation from breaking due to corona discharge and to prevent electrical shock.

 

6. Ribbon Cable: Ribbon cable is made up of several small insulated wires running parallel to one other in a flat pattern that resembles a piece of ribbon, hence the name. They are adaptable and can withstand very low voltages. They're commonly used in electronic gadgets and computers to link various internal peripherals that require data buses, such as hard drives, CD drives, and printers. They obstruct airflow inside the computer due to their flat structure, which has an impact on the cooling system. Round cables have mostly supplanted them in recent years.

 

These are six main types of cables and wires used in the industry. Cabcon India is a good place to go if you’re willing to purchase industrial cables. It has a developed infrastructure, in-house facilities and enhanced machinery that provides the best service. Learn more by visiting their website at www.cabconindia.com.

 

Comments