Industrial cables might be tricky to understand. However, as fire resistant and flame retardant cable specialists in Singapore, we are here to equip you with the cable knowledge you need. Here are 10 interesting facts about industrial cables that you might not have known.
1. Wires and Cables Are Different
Many mistake wires and cables to be the same thing. However, they have multiple differences. One is how a wire is a single conductor strand, while a cable is a cluster of small conductors intertwined. Usually, the cable increases a material’s tensile force. Moreover, a wire is used to bear mechanical loads, heat jewellery, or industrially manufactured parts such as needles and bulbs. On the other hand, cables are used for telecommunication signals, to carry electricity and for power transmission.
2. Copper as a Conductor
Since copper is an electrical conductor in various scenarios, it is the more well-known conductor. Its low resistance against electricity makes it perfect for safely transporting a current without getting too hot. It is also flexible, pliable, and affordable compared to suitable conductors like gold or silver.
3. Aluminium vs Copper
Although copper has better conductivity when compared to other types of metals, some metals have better conductivity than copper or are reasonably appropriate as conductors compared to copper despite being inferior in conductivity. One such metal is aluminium because it has better elasticity than copper and is much lighter (almost three times lighter). Aluminium is also much more cost-effective compared to copper.
4. Marine “Wire” Is a Misnomer
Marine and marine battery wires are utilised in outfitting a boat, ship, or other marine settings. It may be named wire; however, a marine wire is typically a marine control cable and an incredibly finely braided cable.
5. Marine Cables Have an Extremely High Strand Count
As mentioned above, marine wires are usually cabled with a significantly elevated strand count. The main explanation for this is to improve the cables’ flexibility. Marine conditions will demand a high level of flexibility from the cables utilised for two specific and relevant reasons. One, the insides of boats and ships are incredibly tight, with tiny, unmoving cavities and angles positioned sharply against each other. Using the wiring in these circumstances has to be very pliable. Meaning the cable has to accommodate, as the ship can’t.
The other explanation is due to the surroundings, though not the tightness of the marine vessel. A boat under duress is prone to pressure and stress, and the electrical work on board must be able to put up with that.
6. Marine Cables Are Not Aluminum
Another fact about marine battery cables is if you remove their insulation, they will appear silver. Tinned marine wires are copper but have tinned silver strands to prevent corrosion. We already mentioned that other metals are also used as conductors aside from copper. So, you might think that marine cables might be aluminium, but they are not.
7. Colour Does Matter
The most crucial explanation about electrical wires is that they are colour-coded as it assists the electrician in identifying the lines and separating the wires following their usage.
8. Welding Cables Are More Flexible Than Other Wires
Welding cable appears powerful and challenging because it looks pretty massive and complex. Despite its thickness, it is much more pliable than other wires and cables of identical gauges. This is due to the circumstances where welding cables must be operated and must stay functional.
9. Welding Cable Must Be Tough to Be Practical
A welding cable is pliable and incredibly hard, and stable in the event of numerous environmental factors. For one thing, our cables are resistant to oil and gas. Multiple welding cables are likewise protected with materials that make them invulnerable to abrasion, water and some chemicals.
10. Solar Panel Cables Have to Be UV Resistant
Solar panel cables, called photovoltaic or PV cables, are generally immune to climate and ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet destroys organic and inorganic materials. A cable that is utilised in the wiring of solar equipment should be resistant to this sort of radiation.
Conclusion
With the vast world of cables, there is always much to learn about them and how they are used in each industry. To learn more about cables, read more under articles!
