Page 6 - AutomationNOTEBOOK volume 41

FYI
Frequently Asked Questions about Multi-Conductor Cable
By Bill Dehner
At AutomationDirect, we are always on the lookout for ways to save you even more.
Recently, we decided to offer our bulk multi-conductor cable in
any length you specify. So, not only are our cable prices very affordable but now you can cut out (pun intended) the expense of paying for extra cable you do not need. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about bulk multi-conductor cable and the new cut-to-length process.
Why use a shielded cable?
The shield in a control cable acts as a Faraday cage to reduce the effect of electrical noise on the enclosed signals, and to reduce electromagnetic radiation from the cables that may interfere with other signals or devices in
the vicinity.
Shields are typically made of braid or mesh of wire, a spiral wrap of copper tape, or a layer
of conducting polymer, or some combination of those three constructions. The shield may be applied as the outside layer (just inside the jacket) for the entire cable – or there may be individual shields for particular groups of wires (typically twisted pairs) within the cable – or both.
If the control signals in a cable are sensitive to outside disturbance OR if they are expected to cause
a disturbance themselves, OR if the installation is in an electrically noisy environment (such as a factory) it is wise to specify a shielded cable to maintain the highest degree of signal integrity along the length of the cable run.
In addition to specifying shielded cables – it is a good idea
to become familiar with proper shield grounding techniques. In most installations, it is advisable to ground the shield of the cable at one end only – but there are cer- tain situations that may require dif- ferent techniques.
All Flexible Control Cable from Automation Direct are available with or without a shield.
What is the difference between cord and cable?
In the context of electrical power connections, these
terms are used somewhat interchangeably in common speech, and both refer to a collection of electrical conductors that are enclosed in a single jacket. Cord usually refers to a connection that is either temporary or intended for frequent handling by factory personnel, while Cable
Go to Article
Editor's Note
New Product Focus
- WEG High-Performance AC Drives
- FREE Online PLC Training
FYI
Cut to Length Q&A: Bulk Multi-Conductor Cable
PLC Speaking
Business Notes
Cover Story
Mastering Machine Maintenance
What's New
User Solutions
Open System Provides Precise Temperature Control
Student Spotlight
Copley High School Student Project and Update
Break Room
Brain Teasers
continued>>
FYI
www.automationnotebook.com | Issue 41