There are so many different types of cables so we are going to do blogs on all the different types to try and give an insight into the cable world. Starting with control cables.
Have you heard of control cables? Do you know where and why they are used? Let’s find out and discover what is a control cable?
Control cables are used in moving applications. The main purpose of a control cable is to measure, regulate and control transmissions. These cables transmit continually switching statuses and control signals between a transmitter and a receiver. Control cables from igus® are ideally suited wherever cables are subjected to increased loads due to movement, torsion or harsh environmental conditions.
There are many varied cable applications. These include:
Control cables are available for most mechanical requirements and are available with various approvals and conformity. Depending on the type of control cable required, they can be torsion-resistant, suitable for narrow radii and very low temperatures, UV-resistant, flame-retardant or halogen-free.
Flexibility is also a key consideration when choosing a control cable. It is important to understand how the control cable will need to react in relation to flexibility. For example, cables that will be continuously flexed in process automation can require different constructions compared to a cable that simply needs to be flexible so that it can be routed in a product correctly and still function properly.
Control cables from igus® are specifically designed to provide long-lasting service with little or no maintenance. As with all igus® products, the chainflex® control cables are predominately used in moving applications and due to the technical properties of the igus® control cables, they are suited for applications where there is a high demand on the jacket and/or cable cores.
Testing and research for us has always been a priority. This allows us to offer services online to help customers calculate the minimum number of strokes for their specified cable.
All chainflex® cables are thoroughly tested under extreme loads in the igus® test laboratory. For over 25 years, we have been working to optimise the service life of our products and ensure we can predict service life more accurately.
Every application is different, every production facility is different and every requirement is different. The need for more complex features to cope with extreme environmental conditions is growing year on year. There are now applications where the cables must withstand aggressive environments, and this can put a toll on the cable. To be able to offer suitable control cables for these specific environments, igus® has spent many years testing, researching and advancing technologies, ensuring we can offer suitable cable materials.
Along with the advancement in technology, the cable structure has also had to advance. The corkscrew effect is not an option, so a cable with cores wound in layers is no longer sufficient. To protect against cable break or corkscrews igus® has made flexible control cables that are durable, dependable and ideally suited for energy chain movement.
The chainflex® cable jacket materials are specially designed and adapted for moving applications. The variety of jacket materials allow particular levels of protection for the cable from adverse environmental conditions. To ensure this protection, the chainflex® control cables are available in jacket materials made of PVC, TPE, PUR or iguPUR, all of the materials offer different properties. All igus® control cables are available in both shielded and unshielded versions and can be installed together with other cables.
These can be purchased alongside our chainflex® cable case, a new innovation which reduces costs in delivery, saves storage space and is fitted with a QR code for easy reordering. To read more about this visit https://blog.igus.co.uk/the-igus-chainflex-case-the-cost-effective-innovative-storage-solution
Hopefully this helps answer “what is a control cable?” for you but for more information on chainflex® cables please visit https://www.igus.co.uk/info/unharnessed-cables-information-overview
Power Cable vs. Control Cable: What Is The Difference?
Power and control are some of the most common functions of electrical cables. In this blog, we discover the differences between the two and name the most common types of power and control cables.
The power cable is the type of cable used to send the energy from its source to the equipment. Power cables are used in overhead and underground energy transmission, as well as in industrial settings. These are multi conductor cables with aluminum or copper conductors.
Depending on the transmission system, power cables can be AC or DC. AC cables are used in domestic 50 Hz systems, while DC cables are used in DC transmission systems.
Standard power cables include:
In an industrial setting, popular types of power cables are Type W, Type G, type G-GC, and others.
Control cables are designed in automation control for sending signals that control the equipment, as well as for measurement and regulation. Due to the nature of the environment they are used in, these cables have to be flexible or flexing.
Control cables are applied in automation systems, transport, building, construction, mining, and industry. These are multi-conductor cables. It is more common for them to have a copper conductor because of its superior conductivity.
The terms control, instrumentation, and signal refer to cables that are not used to transfer power. However, there is a subtle difference between these terms.
Signal cable includes coaxial cables, twisted pair cables, and fiber optic cables. The control wire is similar to signal cables as both carry signals. However, signal cables transmit data. Therefore, they need shielding to prevent electromagnetic interference. A regular control cable does not always have shielding.
Another term commonly related to control cable is instrumentation cable. The cables that fall under this definition also need protection from crosstalk and EMI. Sometimes, the terms "control" and "instrumentation" may be used interchangeably to refer to the same cable. Instrumentation and control are related functions.
According to the primary classification, VDE Standards, there are three types of control cables: CY, YY, and SY. YY is a regular unshielded cable.
CY is a flexible cable protected from EMI. It is either individually shielded or has an overall shield. SY cables have a steel wire braid for control applications that require extra mechanical protection.
Standard control cables on the market are SEOW control cables, sprinkler control cables, tray control cables, marine control cables, and others.
Both power and control cables are used in industrial, residential, and commercial applications. Aside from the overall purpose, power and control cables have many differences.
For one, they differ when it comes to voltage. Power cables usually have a higher voltage than control wires at 0.6/1kV and higher. Control cables operate at 300/450/600/750V.
Since power cables are used in an active environment and transfer a high amount of energy, they call for excellent sheathing. In a power cord, the sheathing is strong and sturdy and is resistant to different external factors, including corrosion and temperatures. Control wires do not require the same sheathing and often have regular PVC insulation.
When used in the same environment, such as industry, a power cable needs a thicker insulation and jacket than a control cable.
Control cables usually have an elaborate color coding, while power cables are often black and white.
While the distinction between power and control functions is quite clear, some cables cannot be placed in either of these categories. 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 others.