The Introduction Of Control Cables And The Difference Between Power Cables

What is a control cable?

Control cables are designed for automation control, signaling control equipment, and measurement and adjustment. Due to the nature of the environment in which they are used, these cables must be flexible or bent.

Control cables are used in automation systems, transportation, construction, construction, mining, and industry. These are multi-conductor cables. They are more commonly copper conductors due to their excellent electrical conductivity.

Control & Instrumentation & Signaling

The terms control, instrumentation, and signaling refer to cables that are not used to transmit electrical power. However, there are subtle differences between these terms.

Signal cables include coaxial cables, twisted pair cables, and fiber optic cables. Control wires are similar to signal cables in that both carry signals. However, signal cables carry data. Therefore, they require shielding to prevent electromagnetic interference. Conventional control cables do not always have shielding.

Another term commonly associated with control cables is instrumentation cables. Cables that fall under this definition also need to be protected against crosstalk and EMI. Sometimes the terms "control" and "instrument" are used interchangeably to refer to the same cable. Instrumentation and controls are related functions.

Type of control cable

According to the primary classification VDE standard, control cables are divided into three types: CY, YY, and SY. YY is a normal unshielded cable.

CY is a flexible cable that prevents EMI. It is either shielded individually or has an overall shield. SY cables have a steel wire braid for control applications that require additional mechanical protection.

The standard control cables in the market are SEOW control cables, sprinkler control cables, pallet control cables, marine control cables, etc.

The difference between a power cord and a control cord

Both power cables and control cables are used in industrial, residential, and commercial applications. Aside from their general purpose, power and control cables differ in many ways.

On the one hand, they differ in voltage. The voltage of power cables is usually 0.6/1kV or higher than control wires. Control cables work at 300/450/600/750V.

Because power cables are used in active environments and transmit large amounts of energy, they require excellent sheathing. In power cords, the sheath is durable and resistant to a variety of external factors, including corrosion and temperature. Control wires do not require the same jacket and usually have regular PVC insulation.

Power cables require thicker insulation and jackets than control cables when used in the same environment as an industry.

Control cables often have complex color coding, while power cables are usually black and white.

Power Control Cable: Between the two functions

While the distinction between power and control functions is clear, some cables do not fall into either category. The reason for this is that they perform both functions. These include airport lighting cables, welding cables, different types of marine and shipboard wires, portable power cords, and more.