Key Aspects of Control Cable Specification

1. Construction

   • Conductor Material: Typically made of copper (Cu) due to its excellent electrical conductivity. Options include bare copper, tinned copper, and silver-plated copper.
   • Conductor Size: Specified in American Wire Gauge (AWG) or cross-sectional area (mm²). The size depends on the current-carrying requirements and voltage drop considerations.
   • Stranding: Conductors can be solid or stranded. Stranded conductors offer better flexibility, which is beneficial in applications requiring frequent movement.

2. Insulation

   • Material: Common insulation materials include PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene), PE (Polyethylene), and EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber).
   • Thickness: The insulation thickness is determined based on the voltage rating and environmental conditions.
   • Color Coding: Insulation is often color-coded for easy identification of conductors.

3. Shielding

   • Purpose: Shielding is used to protect the control signals from external electromagnetic interference (EMI) and to prevent crosstalk between cables.
   • Types: Common types of shielding include braided copper, aluminum foil, and combined foil-braid.
   • Coverage: Shielding coverage is specified as a percentage, indicating how much of the cable is protected by the shield.

4. Outer Sheath

   • Material: The outer sheath can be made from materials like PVC, LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen), or PUR (Polyurethane).
   • Properties: The sheath material is chosen based on the environmental conditions, such as resistance to chemicals, oils, UV, and mechanical abrasion.

5. Voltage Rating

   • Low Voltage: Control cables are generally rated for low voltage applications, typically up to 600V.
   • Medium Voltage: Some control cables may be rated for medium voltage applications, up to 1kV or higher.