How to Select and Use Control Cables?

Cables connected from the control center to various systems to transmit signals or control operation functions are collectively referred to as control cables. The early functions of control cables were relatively simple, including indicator light display, instrument indication, operation of relays and switchgear, alarm interlocking system, etc. In recent years, due to the widespread application of weak current and computer networks, in order to enhance new functions, higher requirements have been put forward for the selection and application of control cables.

The main types of control cables today include polyvinyl chloride insulated control cables, natural styrene-butadiene rubber insulated control cables and polyethylene insulated control cables, etc. Cross-linked polyethylene insulation and ethylene-propylene rubber insulation products are also used in the market. The oil-impregnated paper insulated lead-sheathed control cables produced in the early years have been eliminated.

The rated voltage of the control cable is expressed as U0/U. The national standard promulgated by China in 1998 stipulates that the rated voltage of plastic insulated control cables is 450/750V, and foreign countries have proposed 600/1000V voltage products as the conventional series of control cables. At present, my country can also produce 600/1000V plastic insulated control cables. The rated voltage of rubber insulated control cables is stipulated as 300/500V.

The control cable core is a copper core with a nominal cross-section of 2.5mm or less, 2~61 cores; 4~6mm, 2~14 cores; 10mm, 2~10 cores. The operating temperature of the control cable varies according to the material, such as 65℃ for rubber insulation, 70℃ and 105℃ for polyvinyl chloride insulation. The control cables used in computer systems generally use PVC, polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene and fluoroplastic insulation products.