What is Instrument Cable? Basically instrument cable is used for automation and instrumentation control. Instrument cables are thin in size and can handle only a small amount of voltage and current (typically up to 24VDC and 20 mA). All instruments, field devices and controllers like PLCs require this type of cable to control the current.

What is a power cable? Power cable is basically used for high voltage transmission. Power cables are used to handle high voltages and currents (typically up to 400 A and 32KVAC).

What materials are used in instrumentation cables? Basically the materials used in instrumentation cable are PVC, PE, XLPE, LSZH, mica tape, steel wire armouring, metal braid and lead alloy sheath.

What are all aluminum conductors? Basically AAC (All Aluminum Conductor) is an electrical conductor made completely of aluminum. It can be seen as a stranded set of conductors, stacked one upon the other. Aluminum is a good conductor of electricity, and being such a bulk conductor material, AAC has the best conductivity. Also, it is extremely corrosion-resistant. But, with such a large amount of aluminum, its weight increases relative to its moderate strength and it starts to bend. Hence these types of conductors are used for shorter distances and where grid towers are close. Because, even though it will run for only a short distance, it will provide an excellent current transfer.

What are the types of overhead conductors? Basically the most common types of overhead conductors are listed below. AAC (All Aluminum Conductor) AAAC (All Aluminum Alloy Conductor) ACSR (All Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced) ACAR (Aluminum Conductor Alloy Reinforced)

What is Overhead Cable?  Basically, long lengths of electrical cables running through power distribution and transmission grids. It is seen everywhere around us. These cables bring electricity to your home. They are called overhead cables. An electrical cable consists of two parts, conductor and insulator. A conductor is a material inside that allows electricity to pass and an insulator is a material that prevents electricity from passing through it.

What is lead or lead alloy sheath in cable?  Lead sheathing offers the best protection against oils and chemicals and is required where there is continuous contact with mud heavily contaminated with hydrocarbon material. Lead alloys are a lighter alternative to the chemical barrier offered by lead, frequently used in high vibration areas.

What is single or double layer of metal tape cable?  Essentially the metal tape is either steel or brass wrapped around the bedding covering the insulated core longitudinally. And this cable is somewhat less flexible than the SWA version while providing a tight covering seal on the core. Tapes provide mostly complete coverage. Steel tapes provide the best inductive protection while brass tapes are most commonly used for rodent protection.

What is the use of steel wire armouring?  Steel wire armoring (SWA) is used to provide significant resistance to mechanical impacts. SWA is made up of either round steel galvanized wires or flat steel galvanized wires wound around the bedding covering the insulated conductor.

Why glass-backed mica tape is used in fireproof cables?  Glass-backed mica tape is widely used in fireproof cables in general because of its exceptional performance as an insulation material under fire conditions.

What is Low Smoke Zero Halogen?  Low Smoke Zero Halogen is also known as LSZH. And low smoke zero halogen materials are used in place of PVC materials where fire conditions pose a significant risk to life and equipment. These cables do not produce halogen acid gases when burned and do not release the significant layers of dense black smoke of PVC equivalent materials in the event of a fire. Various additives can be added to this material to improve its resistance to chemicals, including oils and solvents. Silicone rubber is used in applications where an extended temperature range is required, suitable for applications from -90°C to 180°C. And silicone rubber is also widely used where cables are required to maintain circuit integrity under fire conditions.

What is cross-linking polyethylene?  Cross-linking polyethylene is also known as XLPE. And cross-linking improves PE cable performance, increasing temperature and chemical resistance. Cross-linking polyethylene materials are mainly used as insulation materials.

What is Polyethylene?  Polyethylene is also known as PE. and is used as either insulation or cladding material. It has excellent chemical resistance including oils and very low water absorption. Polyethylene also has excellent mechanical strength and low-temperature resistance. Due to the stiffness of the PE material, PE cables are somewhat rigid and not flame-resistant. Because of its flammability, PE sheathing is typically used for outdoor applications or with cables for direct burial.

What is Polyvinyl Chloride? Polyvinyl chloride is known as PVC. And is flame retardant and self-extinguishing. and is used either as an insulation material or as a cladding material. PVC is an extremely versatile material that has traditionally been used extensively in the cable industry. PVC can be modified for both indoor and outdoor use, in both wet and dry conditions, conduit or direct burial, and high- and low-temperature applications. PVC also has resistance to various chemicals, including some oils and solvents. PVC is being replaced by low-smoke, halogen-free materials in certain applications, where fire conditions pose a greater risk to life and equipment.

What materials are used in instrumentation cables?   Materials commonly used in instrumentation cable design are PVC, PE, XLPE, LSZH, mica tape, steel wire armouring, metal braid and lead alloy sheath.