Armored and unarmored cables are two common types of cables. These cables come in many different sizes and models, including armored and unarmored cables. What is the difference between these two types of cables?
1. Armored Cable:
Armored cable is a cable with an additional protective layer, typically made of a metal braid or metal tape. This metal layer is designed to provide enhanced physical and electromagnetic protection to suit specific environments or applications. The following are the main features of armored cable:
1. Physical Protection: Armored cables have a metal outer layer that provides additional physical protection, making them resilient to mechanical damage, strain, and pressure.
2. Electromagnetic Shielding: The metal outer layer of armored cables also acts as an electromagnetic shield, reducing the effects of electromagnetic interference and ensuring high-quality data transmission.
3. Applications: Armored cables are often used in environments requiring additional protection, such as industrial applications, underground cables, subways, and submarine communications.
4. Durability: Due to their metal outer layer, armored cables are generally more durable and can withstand prolonged use in harsh conditions.
2. Unarmored Cable:
Unarmored cable is a standard cable typically consisting of insulation, a conductor, and an outer jacket, but without a metallic outer layer for protection. Its characteristics include:
1. Flexibility: Due to the lack of a metallic outer layer, unarmored cable is often more flexible and suitable for applications requiring bending or flexing.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: Unarmored cable is generally less expensive than armored cable and suitable for general use.
3. Applications: Unarmored cable is suitable for general residential, commercial, and data center environments where additional physical or electromagnetic protection is not required.
4. Ease of Installation: Due to its flexibility and smaller size, unarmored cable is often easier to install.
3. How to Choose:
When choosing between armored and unarmored cable, consider the following factors:
1. Application Requirements: The first consideration is the environment and application in which the cable will be used. If additional physical or electromagnetic protection is required, armored cable may be an option.
2. Cost Budget: Armored cable is generally more expensive.
3. Cable Diameter and Flexibility: Consider the cable's diameter and bending properties to ensure it meets specific installation requirements.
4. Electromagnetic Interference: If the application requires reducing the effects of electromagnetic interference, armored cable is preferred.
