Cables are often used in home renovations and construction. They're typically buried or installed underground, so they're not very visible in everyday life. This is why many people don't know what cables are. Wires and cables refer to materials used for power, electrical, and related transmission. Let's take a look at what cables are and what they do.
What is the basic definition and function of cables?
A cable is typically made up of several or several groups of conductors twisted together, similar to a rope. Each group of conductors is insulated from each other and often twisted around a central core. The entire cable is covered with a highly insulating coating. Cables are characterized by internal conduction and external insulation.
Cables are primarily used in power systems, information transmission, and instrumentation systems. Besides providing power, cable products also have a secondary function, such as local telephone cables, fiber optic cables, and data cables.
We have summarized the main categories of cables as power cables, rubber-sheathed cables, communications cables, and flexible fire-resistant cables.
What is the structure of a cable?
There are many different types of cables, each with its own unique structural characteristics. Next, we'll introduce the basic structure of common power cables. The basic structure of a cable is shown in the figure below. From the inside out, it consists of: conductor (copper, aluminum), insulation layer, wrapping tape
layer (wrapping tape, filler cord, etc.), and sheath.
Depending on the application requirements, cables may incorporate additional layers to this basic structure. For example, to enhance the cable's mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, a steel tape armor layer may be added between the wrapping layer and the outer sheath.
Shielded cables are commonly used in communication control circuits to prevent signal interference from external electromagnetic waves. Shielded cables are added between the wrapping layer and the outer sheath. Common shielding layers include aluminum foil, copper tape, and copper braid.
This is a brief introduction to cables and their structure. Wires and cables are wire products used to transmit electrical (magnetic) energy, information, and convert electromagnetic energy. There are many types of it, and different types have different functions. Wires and cables have been widely used in our daily lives and are closely related to our lives.
