Conductor: Usually made of multi - strand copper or aluminum wires, it has good electrical conductivity and flexibility to meet the requirements of signal transmission and facilitate installation.
Insulation layer: Commonly, insulation materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and cross - linked polyethylene (XLPE) are used. These materials can effectively isolate the electrical connection between conductors and between the conductors and the outside world, ensuring the stability and reliability of signal transmission.
Shielding layer: To prevent external electromagnetic interference from affecting control signals, many control cables are equipped with shielding layers. Common shielding materials include copper wire braids, aluminum foils, and copper tapes. The shielding layer can confine electromagnetic interference within the cable and also prevent the internal signals of the cable from interfering with the outside.
Sheath: The sheath materials are typically polyvinyl chloride, neoprene, etc. They have characteristics such as wear resistance, tear resistance, oil resistance, and water resistance, which can protect the internal structure of the cable from external physical damage and chemical corrosion, thereby extending the service life of the cable.
Characteristics
Stable signal transmission: Control cables have good insulation performance, which can effectively reduce signal attenuation and distortion during transmission, ensuring the accurate transmission of control signals and the normal operation of equipment.
Strong anti - interference ability: The presence of the shielding layer endows control cables with strong anti - electromagnetic interference ability, enabling them to work stably in complex electromagnetic environments without being affected by external interference signals.
Good flexibility: The multi - strand conductor structure and the soft insulation and sheath materials make control cables highly flexible, facilitating bending and installation to adapt to different installation environments and requirements.
High safety: Control cables usually have features such as flame retardancy, low smoke, and halogen - free. In case of emergencies like fires, they can reduce the generation of smoke and toxic gases, minimizing harm to people and equipment and enhancing safety in use.
Classification
By insulation material: They can be classified into PVC - insulated control cables, PE - insulated control cables, XLPE - insulated control cables, etc. Different insulation materials have different performance characteristics and are suitable for different working environments and requirements.
By shielding type: There are unshielded control cables, copper wire braided - shielded control cables, aluminum foil - shielded control cables, copper tape - shielded control cables, etc. The choice of shielding type depends on the electromagnetic environment where the cable is located and the requirements for anti - interference in signal transmission.
By the number of cores: There are various specifications such as 2 - core, 3 - core, 4 - core, 5 - core, 6 - core, 7 - core, 8 - core, 10 - core, and 12 - core. The number of cores is selected according to the actual number of control signals and transmission requirements.
Applications
Industrial automation: In the control systems of factory automation production lines, machine tools, robots, etc., they are used to transmit various control signals, sensor signals, and instructions to achieve the automated operation and precise control of equipment.
Power systems: In power plants, substations, and switchgear rooms, they are used to connect control equipment, protection devices, measuring instruments, etc., to monitor, control, and protect the power system.
Building electrical systems: In the electrical equipment of buildings such as lighting systems, air - conditioning systems, fire - protection systems, and security systems, they are used to transmit control signals and instructions to achieve intelligent control and management of the equipment.
Transportation: In the electrical control systems of vehicles such as cars, ships, and airplanes, they are used to connect various control devices and sensors to control the operation and monitor the status of the vehicles.