- \n
- What are Shielded Cables?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Why use Shielded Power Cables?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- How Does Power Cable Shielding Reduce EMI Effects?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- What are the Different Types of Cable Shielding?<\/a>\n\n\n
- \nBraided cables<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Foil and Mylar Shielded Cables<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Can You Use Multiple Shielding Layers?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Power Cable Shielding vs. Unshielded Cables: What are the Differences?<\/a>\n\n\n
- \nApplications<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Benefits<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Do You Ground Both Ends of a Shielded Power Cable?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- How Do You Shield Electrical Cables?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Last Words<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n
What are Shielded Cables?<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Red](\"https:\/\/www.clooms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1-87-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRed power cable<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shielded cables<\/a> are wire variants with conductors and insulating layers encased in conductive shields. And manufacturers often make them from braided wire or metallic foil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Usually, this protective cloak creates an outer layer, helping to block some electromagnetic interference<\/a> received and generated by the cable. Unfortunately, power cables are an unavoidable EMI source in any environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How? They act as antennae by transmitting the interference to other devices or receiving intrusion. Typically, the EMI level depends on the equipment\u2019s power requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, homes and offices will always have lower ambient EMI levels than factory floors. But, more importantly, the degree of shielding you\u2019ll need on your cables will vary according to the interference level.<\/p>\n\n\n
Why use Shielded Power Cables?<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Three](\"https:\/\/www.clooms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2-76-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThree shielded power cables<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shielded cables can water the intensity and volume of various electrical noises & EMI. As a result, it mitigates the terrible effects and signal losses in transmission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, power cable shielding can stop crosstalk <\/a>between two nearby wires. Further, the shielding secures cables and protects other people & machinery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shielding ensures the data you\u2019re transferring stays protected from degradation due to EMI exposure. Surprisingly, this data quality loss is common in data centers, offices, and various industrial settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EMI is often externally generated and can affect electrical circuits through electromagnetic induction, conduction, and electrostatic coupling<\/a>. This disturbance (whether artificial or natural) can dampen circuit performance or shut it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hence, it\u2019s necessary to shield power cables, especially for areas with high degrees of electrical equipment, computer technology usage, or electronic devices.<\/p>\n\n\n
How Does Power Cable Shielding Reduce EMI Effects?<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Power](\"https:\/\/www.clooms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/3-65-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPower cable shielding<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shielding can help counter electromagnetic interference using two methods. First, it can reflect the interference, preventing it from escaping or entering the cable. Second, it can transmit interference to the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In both cases, the shielding will either negate the EMI entirely or reduce its power, preventing it from having a noticeable effect on the conductors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, as mentioned earlier, the cable\u2019s degree of shielding depends on various factors, including the ambient EMI present in your specified environment. Other influencing factors include cost, necessary diameter, flexibility, and weight.<\/p>\n\n\n
What are the Different Types of Cable Shielding?<\/h2>\n\n\n
You can choose from two types of cable shielding, and they include:<\/p>\n\n\n
Braided cables<\/h3>\n\n\n
Braided cables are shielding types featuring a mesh of woven copper <\/a>wires. Although they don\u2019t offer 100% shielding effects, braided shields are more durable than their foil counterparts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nevertheless, the braids\u2019 shielding capacity depends on the type of weave. And various weave types may offer 70% to 95% coverage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For stationary power cables, 70% coverage is enough to reduce EMI effects. In addition, copper manufacturers use braided cables for applications with high conductivity compared to aluminum or mylar foil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, copper braided shielding protects the cable from internal damage, making them incredibly effective. But, this variant can be expensive and even increase cable footprints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, braided shields are heavier, more durable, and more efficient than foil shielding, making them perfect for industrial environments.<\/p>\n\n\n
Foil and Mylar Shielded Cables<\/h3>\n\n\n
Unlike their braided counterparts, foil-shielded cables are lightweight, featuring thin sheets of copper or aluminum bonded to polyester<\/a>. In truth, merging these two metals helps to enhance cable strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also call this shield cable type \u201ctape shielding.\u201d And it offers 100% EMI protection. As a result, no instance of EMI will penetrate any wire you wrap in foil or mylar shielding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the foil inside the cable is delicate, making such cables tricky to work with\u2013especially when using a connector. Regardless, tape shielding is ideal for noisy retail or office environments.<\/p>\n\n\n
Can You Use Multiple Shielding Layers?<\/h3>\n\n\n
You can use multiple shielding layers for boisterous environments where each shielding type won\u2019t work individually. For such cases, you can combine braided and foil shields to create the ultimate cable shielding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In truth, both types are visible on some applications using multi-conductor cables. But sometimes, manufacturers may foil-shield individual pairs and braid (or foil-shield again) overall cables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foil shielding individual pairs can reduce the chances of crosstalk between a cable\u2019s different pairs.<\/p>\n\n\n
Power Cable Shielding vs. Unshielded Cables: What are the Differences?<\/h2>\n\n\n
True to their name, unshielded cables do not possess any shielding. Also, you can call them unshielded twisted pair cables (UTP), where manufacturers wrap individual wires in foil without adding extra protective layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what are the differences between them and cable shielding? Let\u2019s take a look.<\/p>\n\n\n
Applications<\/h3>\n\n\n
Shielded cables are the go-to option for noisy environments with high EMI chances and risks. Places like radio stations and airports are perfect instances of such environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also use shielded cables in security systems, helping to avoid power and radio frequency interference. As a result, you\u2019ll enjoy reduced chances of false alarm triggering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shielded cables are also effective for box-build applications with various components working closely together. In addition, they work in recording or public address systems, helping to create a balanced audio configuration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, unshielded cables are perfect for applications that don\u2019t require their shielded variants. For example, home and office LANs are inexpensive, flexible, and lightweight unshielded cables that work for less-noise applications.<\/p>\n\n\n
Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n
As mentioned, shielded cables can help prevent annoying EMI effects on people and equipment, reducing the chances of crosstalk between wires. Also, shielding adds extra insulation, protecting the cable from environmental elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, shielded cables won\u2019t easily suffer from abrasion, spills, moisture, or scraps, making them perfect for industrial environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In contrast, unshielded cables do not need grounding to operate. Hence, they help to save cost and installation time.<\/p>\n\n\n
Do You Ground Both Ends of a Shielded Power Cable?<\/h2>\n\n\n
Shielded power cables are more effective when you surround them with conductive tunnels at ground potential. In other words, you should ground shielded power cables on both ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note: Grounding on only one end would transform the other into an antenna for some frequencies.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n
How Do You Shield Electrical Cables?<\/h2>\n\n\n
You can shield a power cable by surrounding the insulation or assembly with a conducting and grounded medium. This process restricts the dielectric field to inside the shield.<\/p>\n\n\n
Last Words<\/h2>\n\n\n
Most times, the cable you need depends on your application requirements. Nevertheless, always opt for high-quality, shielded, or unshielded cables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another thing to consider is your work environment. For example, shielded cables are the best for noisy locations like airports and radio stations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, some settings may require foil-shielded cables, while others may accept braided variants. And some may demand a mix of both shielded cable types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you have more questions? Don\u2019t hesitate to contact us<\/a>; we\u2019ll gladly assist.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
About Power Cable Shielding, It\u2019s no surprise that electromagnetic interference is one of the most notorious problems when dealing with wires. So, it\u2019s necessary to understand the different … <\/p>\n
- Benefits<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Foil and Mylar Shielded Cables<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Why use Shielded Power Cables?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n