#control cable

Shielded vs. Unshielded Control Cables: An Expert Guide for Industrial Applications

There is no universal “better” option—only the most suitable one for your specific application.

Choose Shielded Control Cable​ for performance and reliability in electrically noisy industrial settings. It’s an investment in signal integrity and system stability.

Structure and Material Composition

The construction of a control cable is optimized for flexible, multi-circuit signal transmission and protection against interference.

Conductor:​ Typically made of copper for superior conductivity, though aluminum may be used. The conductor cross-sections are relatively small, ranging from 0.5 mm² to 10 mm². A defining feature is the high number of cores, commonly from 2 to 61 cores, packed into a single cable to manage multiple control circuits efficiently.

Insulation:​ Individual conductors are insulated, usually with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)​ or Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE). This layer provides essential electrical isolation between the cores.

Shielding (Optional):​ For environments with significant electromagnetic interference (EMI) from nearby power cables or heavy machinery, a copper tape or braided shield​ is often added. This shield protects the sensitive control signals from distortion, ensuring signal integrity.

Armouring (Optional):​ For cables installed in harsh environments, directly buried, or requiring extra mechanical protection, a steel wire or tape armour​ layer is applied. This guards against crushing, impact, and rodent damage.

Elevolt Control Cable Manufacturers provide cables designed for flexible use under medium mechanical stress, allowing free movement without tensile or forced strain in dry, moist, and wet environments. These cables are not suitable for outdoor installation. They are ideal for measuring and controlling applications in tool machines, conveyor belts, production lines, machinery manufacturing, air-conditioning systems, and steel production.