Power cables are the backbone of power systems, used to transmit and distribute high-power electrical energy. Their rated voltage is generally 0.6/1 kV and above. Control cables, on the other hand, transmit power directly to various electrical equipment and devices, and their rated voltage is 450/750 V. This results in thicker insulation and sheathing for power cables than for control cables during production. The differences can be summarized as follows:
1. Differences in standards between power and control cables: Control cables adhere to the 9330 standard, while power cables adhere to the GB12706 standard.
2. Differences in wire color between power and control cables: Control cables typically have black insulation with white lettering, while low-voltage power cables are typically color-coded. 3. The difference between power cables and control cables: Control cables transmit electrical energy directly from the power system's distribution point to the power connections of various electrical equipment and devices, while power cables are primarily used for high-voltage power transmission within power generation, distribution, transmission, transformation, and supply lines. They carry high currents and are used to transmit and distribute high-power electrical energy within the power system's main trunk lines.
4. The difference in cross-section between power cables and control cables: Power cables are primary load conductors. Their current-carrying capacity increases with power, and the conductor cross-section must also increase with current. Therefore, power cables are generally larger, up to 500 square meters (the range of conventional manufacturers). Larger cross-sections are generally rare. Control cables, on the other hand, are secondary command conductors, controlling the current-carrying operation of devices such as contactors. The load current is extremely low, and the conductor cross-section is extremely small. Therefore, the cross-section of control cables is generally smaller, typically no larger than 10 square meters.
5. Differences in Core Count between Power Cables and Control Cables: Power cables have fewer cores, ranging from single-core, two-core, three-core, four-core (three-phase four-wire), and five-core (three-phase five-wire). Depending on grid requirements, the maximum number of cores is generally five. Control cables, used for transmitting control signals, have more cores, ranging from two to 61, or even more. Control cables also employ various core structures and shielding measures to achieve satisfactory electromagnetic compatibility.
6. Differences in Rated Voltage between Power Cables and Control Cables: Power cables are generally rated at 0.6/1kV and above, while control cables are primarily rated at 450/750V.
7. Differences in Cable Jacketing between Power Cables and Control Cables: Power cables require cable jackets with sufficient compressive strength, tensile strength, temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance. Control cables have lower requirements. When manufacturing industrial electrical power cables and control cables of the same specifications, the insulation and jacketing of power cables are thicker than those of control cables.
