Cables and wires are essential components for transmitting electrical energy, signals, and data. Wires are single conductors, while cables consist of multiple insulated conductors bundled together. They form the backbone of modern infrastructure, enabling power distribution, communication networks, industrial automation, and consumer electronics. Their reliability, efficiency, and adaptability to environmental conditions directly impact system performance.
| Type | Functional Characteristics | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Power Cables | High current capacity, insulation for voltage protection | Building wiring, substations, heavy machinery |
| Communication Cables | Low signal loss, noise immunity | Telecom networks, Ethernet connections |
| Coaxial Cables | Shielded design for high-frequency transmission | Cable TV, RF systems, military communications |
| Optical Fiber Cables | Light-based data transmission with ultra-low loss | Internet backbone, medical imaging, 5G networks |
| Control Cables | Multi-core design for precise signal transmission | Industrial automation, HVAC systems |
A typical cable/wire structure includes:
Example: A 3-core power cable uses stranded copper conductors with XLPE insulation, aluminum foil shielding, and LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jacket.
| Parameter | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Conductor Material | Copper (high conductivity) or aluminum (lightweight) | Determines conductivity and weight |
| Cross-sectional Area | Measured in mm (e.g., 2.5mm ) | Impacts current-carrying capacity |
| Voltage Rating | 0.6/1kV, 12/20kV, etc. | Defines operational safety limits |
| Frequency Range | DC-100MHz (Ethernet), DC-40GHz (coaxial) | dictates signal transmission capability |
| Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C | Ensures stability in extreme environments |
| Shielding Effectiveness | Measured in dB (e.g., 60dB@100MHz) | Quantifies EMI resistance |
| Fire Resistance | FR (Flame Retardant), FRLS (Fire Resistant Low Smoke) | Critical for safety compliance |
| Manufacturer | Representative Product |
|---|---|
| Prysmian Group | 132kV High Voltage Submarine Cable |
| Nexans | Okazaki Mining Cable for heavy-duty environments |
| Sumitomo Electric | 5G Millimeter-Wave Antenna Cable |
| CommScope | SYSTIMAX Optical Fiber Solutions |
| Furukawa Electric | LANMASTER Cat8 Ethernet Cable |
Key considerations:
Case Study: Selecting LSZH cables for subway systems ensures low smoke emission during fires.
Emerging trends include: