Notes on Cable Types

05/29/2023

Cables play a crucial role in various industries and applications by facilitating the transmission of power, signals, and data. Choosing the right cable type for a specific application is important for several reasons:

  • Electrical Performance: Different applications have specific electrical requirements. Choosing the right cable ensures optimal electrical performance, such as low signal loss, minimal interference, and efficient power transmission. Improper cable selection can result in signal degradation, power loss, or even system failure.

  • Environmental Conditions: Cables may be exposed to a wide range of environmental conditions, such as temperature extremes, moisture, chemicals, UV radiation, or mechanical stresses. Selecting cables with appropriate insulation, shielding, and protective jackets ensures their durability and reliable performance in specific environments. Failure to consider environmental factors can lead to cable deterioration, reduced lifespan, or safety hazards.

  • Safety and Compliance: Safety is paramount in many applications. Certain industries or environments have specific safety regulations and standards that dictate the use of specific cable types. Using cables that meet the required standards ensures compliance and minimizes the risk of electrical hazards, fires, or harmful emissions.

  • Mechanical Durability: Cables are often subject to physical stresses, such as bending, pulling, or abrasion. Choosing cables with suitable mechanical strength, flexibility, and resistance to wear and tear ensures their longevity and reliable operation. Inadequate cable selection can result in premature failure, frequent maintenance, and increased downtime.

  • Data Transmission Speed and Quality: In applications that require data transmission, such as networking or telecommunications, selecting the appropriate cable type directly affects data transmission speed, bandwidth, and signal integrity. High-quality cables with proper shielding and transmission characteristics ensure reliable data transfer and minimize data loss or distortion.

  • Cost and Efficiency: Selecting the right cable type balances performance requirements with cost considerations. Choosing cables that meet the specific needs of an application helps avoid overspending on unnecessary features or risking system inefficiencies due to subpar cable performance.

Below, we list cable types (with their brief characteristic information) that are frequently used in indoor and outdoor applications.

For Data Transmission:

  • CAT5e/CAT6 Ethernet Cables: Used for high-speed data transmission in indoor applications, such as office buildings, homes, and data centers.

  • Coaxial Cables: Used for audio, video, and data signal transmission, commonly used in television, CCTV systems, and high-frequency applications.

  • Fiber Optic Cables: Used for long-distance, high-speed data transmission. Fiber optic cables are commonly used in telecommunications, internet connectivity, and outdoor networking applications.

  • Flat Cables: Flat cables, also known as ribbon cables, are commonly used for internal wiring and interconnection purposes in electronic devices. Their distinctive flat and ribbon-like structure, with multiple conductors arranged side by side, allows for space-efficient utilization within compact electronic systems. Flat cables are often employed in applications such as computer peripherals, printers, audio/video equipment, and industrial automation. Their design simplifies cable management, making them easy to install and route in confined spaces. Additionally, flat cables typically feature insulation materials that provide good electrical performance and protection against signal interference.

  • LIYY Cables: LIYY cables are flexible multi-conductor cables used for data transmission in indoor applications. They are commonly used in computer peripherals, audio equipment, and control systems. Usage: Indoor.

  • LIHCH Cables: LIHCH cables are multi-conductor cables designed for indoor applications that require high flexibility and shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). They are often used in computer networking, automation, and control systems. Usage: Indoor.

For Energy Transmission:

  • PVC Cables: Commonly used for low to medium voltage energy transmission in indoor applications.

  • Armored Cables: Provide mechanical protection for energy transmission in outdoor applications.

  • SWA (Steel Wire Armored) Cables: Used for energy transmission in underground or direct burial installations, providing mechanical strength and protection.

  • Rubber Cables: Rubber cables are versatile and can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments. They are designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures, moisture, and environmental conditions. However, specific types of rubber cables may be better suited for either indoor or outdoor use, depending on their insulation and jacketing properties.

Additional Cable Types:

  • YSLY Cables: YSLY cables are multi-conductor cables suitable for indoor applications. They are often used for control and signal transmission in automation, machinery, and instrumentation systems. Usage: Indoor.

  • PUR Cables: PUR (Polyurethane) cables, as mentioned earlier, are known for their durability, flexibility, and resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and oils. They are used in various indoor and outdoor applications, including industrial automation, robotics, and automotive, for both data and energy transmission. Usage: Indoor/Outdoor.

NYAF cables with H07Z1-K standardization:

  • NYAF cables: NYAF cables are single-core, flexible copper conductor cables with PVC insulation. They are commonly used in low voltage electrical installations for indoor applications.

    H07Z1-K standardization:
    H07Z1-K is a European standard that specifies cables with a harmonized designation for low smoke, zero halogen (LSZH) characteristics. H07Z1-K cables are halogen-free, low smoke, and flame-retardant, making them suitable for indoor applications where fire safety and reduced smoke emissions are important. NYAF cables with H07Z1-K standardization combine the flexibility and insulation properties of NYAF cables with the LSZH characteristics of H07Z1-K cables. This means they offer enhanced fire safety features by reducing smoke emissions and minimizing the release of toxic gases in the event of a fire. They are commonly used in indoor applications where LSZH properties are required, such as public buildings, hospitals, and commercial installations.