What Are the Types of Control and Communication Cables?

What Are the Types of Control and Communication Cables? . Control and communication cables are integral to modern industrial, commercial, and residential systems. These cables facilitate efficient signal transmission and control processes in various environments. With advancements in technology, the range of available cables has expanded, catering to diverse needs and industries.

In this article, we’ll delve into the types of control and communication cables, their key characteristics, applications, and factors to consider when choosing the right one for your system.

Read More : Cables Feeder Protection

What Are Control and Communication Cables?

Control and communication cables are specialized wires designed to transmit signals and data for control systems or communication purposes. Unlike power cables, which deliver electricity, these cables focus on precision and reliability in data and signal transfer.

Key Features of Control and Communication Cables:

High signal integrity
Resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Durable insulation and shielding
Temperature and chemical resistance (depending on the type)

Applications:

Industrial automation systems
Audio and video communication
Building management systems (BMS)
Security and surveillance networks

Read More : Types of Electrical Wires and Cables

Types of Cables used in Control and Communication

Control Cables

Control cables are used to connect instrument transformers, coils of circuit breakers and contactors, control switches, meters, protection devices and other control and monitoring equipment.

Control cables have conductors in copper, insulation and outer sheath in PVC and they may have up to 150 cores.

Each core is identified by a different color or by a number marked on the insulation.

In order to avoid electromagnetic interference caused by power cables laid nearby control cables may be shielded.

Communication Cables

Communication cables are used for the transmission of data, voice and images, like CCTV systems.

The first type of cables used for these functions were coaxial cables.

Coaxial cables have an inner conductor surrounded by a tubular insulating layer, surrounded by a tubular conducting shield, like is shown in Figure 2.

Modern technology calls for the use of cables with copper conductors organized in twisted pairs, with insulation and outer sheath of polyurethane.

Common types are:

UTP (unshielded twisted pairs) – the most used.
STP (shielded twisted pairs).
FTP (foiled twisted pairs).

This type of cables is usually manufactured with twisted pairs, each conductor with an overall diameter of 0.5 mm (the designation of the cable is: UTP / STP / FTP N x 2 x 0.5, “N” being the number of pairs), and they are used when the length is lower than 100 m.

This type of communications cables are classified in categories (Cat) according to the performance for crosstalk and “system noise”.

Categories are defined in accordance with IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) standards and EIA / TIA Standard 568B (EIA: Electronic Industries Alliance – USA; TIA: Telecommunications Industry Association – USA).

Nowadays the most recent category is Cat 6 which provides performance of up to 250 MHz and is suitable for 10BASE-T10, 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet), 1000BASE-T/1000BASE-TX1 (Gigabit Ethernet) and 10GBASE-T10 (10-Gigabit Ethernet).

Each pair is identified by a color and the conductors of each pair are identified having an insulation of the same color of the pair and an insulation of the same color of the pair and white, as shown in Figure 3.

When distances are longer than 100 m an optical fiber cable must be used.

An optical fiber cable contains one or more optical fiber.

The optical fiber elements are typically individually coated with plastic layers and contained in a protective tube suitable for the environment where the cable will be deployed.

An example may be seen in Figure 4.

Optical fiber consists of a core and a cladding layer; the cladding is usually coated with a layer of acrylate polymer or polyimide, for the protection of the fiber from damage.

Modern cables come in a wide variety of sheathings and armor, designed for applications such as direct burial in trenches, dual use as power lines (carries data on a conductor that is also used simultaneously for AC power transmission or distribution), process known as PLC (Power Line Carrier), installation in conduit, lashing to aerial telephone poles, submarine installation and insertion in paved streets.

In electrical transmission and distribution networks optical fiber cables are used for the communication between Control Centres and protection systems.

Splicing, joining and termination of twisted pair cables and optical fiber cables require trained, specialized and certified personnel.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Control and Communication Cables

1. Application Requirements

Determine the specific needs of your system, such as signal type, distance, and operating environment.

2. Environmental Conditions

Consider temperature, humidity, and exposure to chemicals or abrasives in the installation area.

3. EMI Resistance

Select cables with appropriate shielding if the application is prone to electromagnetic interference.

4. Flexibility and Durability

For dynamic or harsh environments, choose cables with flexible yet durable materials.

5. Compliance Standards

Ensure the cables meet industry standards, such as ISO, IEC, or UL certifications.

Read More : What Are Submarine Cables?

Benefits of Using the Right Control and Communication Cables

1. Enhanced System Performance

Proper cables ensure reliable signal transmission, improving overall system efficiency.

2. Longevity

High-quality cables withstand wear and tear, reducing maintenance costs.

3. Safety

Flame-retardant and insulated cables minimize fire and electrical hazards.

4. Scalability

Choosing the right cable type allows for easy system upgrades or expansions.

FAQs

1. What are the most common types of control cables?

The most common types include instrumentation cables, multicore cables, and paired cables like twisted pairs.

2. How do I choose the right communication cable?

Consider the application, distance, environmental factors, and the required bandwidth. Fiber optic cables are ideal for high-speed needs, while coaxial cables work well for shorter distances.

3. Are fiber optic cables better than coaxial cables?

Yes, fiber optic cables offer higher speeds, better signal quality, and immunity to EMI, but they may be more expensive than coaxial cables.

4. What is the lifespan of control and communication cables?

With proper installation and maintenance, these cables can last 10–30 years depending on the type and environmental conditions.

Aerospace Engineering

Computer Engineering

Automobile Engineering

Autocad

Architectural Engineering

Electronic Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Electrical Engineering

What Are the Types of Control and Communication Cables?