1. Differences in the standards for power and control cables: The standard for control cables is 9330, while the standard for power cables is GB12706.
2. Differences in cable core color between power and control cables: The insulation core of control cables is generally black with white lettering, and low-voltage power cables are generally color-coded.
3. Differences in the functions of power and control cables: Control cables transmit electrical energy directly from the power distribution point of the power system to the power connection lines of various electrical equipment, while power cables are primarily used for high-voltage power transmission in 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 main lines of the power system.
4. Differences in Cross-Sectional Sizes between Power and Control Cables: Power cables are primary load conductors. Their current-carrying capacity increases with power, and the cross-section of the conductors must also increase with current. Therefore, power cables are generally larger, up to 500 square meters (the range that conventional manufacturers can produce). Larger cross-sections are generally available to relatively few manufacturers. Control cables, on the other hand, are secondary command conductors, controlling the current-carrying operation of devices like contactors. The load current is extremely low, and the cross-section of the conductors 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 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 core count is generally five. Control cables, on the other hand, are used to transmit control signals and have a higher core count, ranging from two to 61 cores, 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: The rated voltage of power cables is generally 0.6/1kV and above, while that of control cables is primarily 450/750V.
7. Differences in Cable Jacketing Between Power Cables and Control Cables: Power cables require jackets with sufficient compressive strength, tensile strength, temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance. Control cables have lower requirements. When manufacturing industrial power cables and control cables of the same specifications, the insulation and jacketing of power cables are thicker than those of control cables.
