Instrumentation and control cables are made up of multiple conductor cables that convey low-energy electrical signals to monitor or control electrical power systems and associated processes. They also play a crucial role in different processing and manufacturing projects. Without instrumentation cables, it will be difficult to transmit low-energy signals to regulate different critical functions that depend greatly on electronic circuits. Some of the most common applications of instrumentation and control cables include broadcasting, industrial equipment control, mass transit systems, and assembled equipment.
Simplified signal broadcasts are used by state-of-the-art wireless transmission mediums, which people are most accustomed to. Shielded instrumentation cables transmit signals in electric circuits and are commonly used in various industries, such as petrochemicals, fertilisers, cement, and steel.
When buying control and instrumentation cables, it’s essential to know the basics.
Instrumentation Cable Types
Various industries typically use instrumentation cables, especially in harsh environments with outstanding thermal, and electrical features.
Here are some of the different instrumentation cable types.
PVC cable – This instrumentation cable is made up of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating. It is the most popular thermoplastic insulation material because it is made of copper, a popular electrical conductor. Because of this, the instrumentation cable type is fire-, scrape-, and moisture-resistant. More importantly, PVC cable meets significant cable construction standards, such as UL 2250, BS-EN-50288, EIL 52-46, and more.
XLPE cable – Made of a superior quality thermal and moisture-resistant cross-linked polyethylene material. It has strong molecular three-dimensional bond structures, and its wire can withstand exposure to oil, UV rays, and other external factors. It is similar to the PVC cable, constructed with highly flexible stranded copper conductors with very high electrical conductivity.
Key Technical Specifications of Instrumentation Cables
It’s essential to know the most important technical specifications of instrumentation cables to make the right choice and avoid cable failure in the long run.
| Part | Type | Range |
| Conductor | Solid Conductor
Stranded Conductor | Standard sizes: 0.81mm dia (0.5mm2), 20 AWG 1.13mm dia (1.0mm2) 1.29mm dia (1.31mm2), 16AWG 1.38mm dia (1.5mm2) 1.79mm dia (2.0mm2)
Standard sizes: 7×0.31mm dia (0.5mm2), 20AWG 7×0.43mm dia (1.0mm2) 7×0.49mm dia (1.3mm2) 7×0.53mm dia (1.5mm2) 7×0.67mm dia (2.5mm2) |
| Core Insulation | PVC 70◦C PVC 85◦C PVC 105◦C LDPE | Standard thickness: 0.6mm
|
| Units | Core Pair Triad Quad | Length of Twist: 0.5mm2 conductor 55 mm/18 twists per meter 0.1mm2 conductor 60 mm/17 twists per meter 16AWG conductor 60 mm/17 twists per meter 1.5mm2 conductor 70 mm/14 twists per meter 2.5mm2 conductor 80 mm/12 twists per meter
|
| Unit Screen | 1 layer of polyester tape 1 tinned copper drain wire 1 layer of aluminium mylar tape with 25% overlap for 100% coverage
| Polyester tape 25 micron thick 7×0.31mm dia (0.5mm2) Aluminium – mylar tape 65 micron thick |
| Number of Units | Single unit Multi unit
| |
| Communication Pair | 7×0.31mm dia (0.5mm2) insulated, twisted pair
| Provided for cables with 6 pairs, 6 triads, 6 quads, and above
|
| Overall Screen | Same as for Unit Screen
| |
| Inner Sheath | PVC 70◦C PVC 85◦C PVC 105◦C FRLS Grade PVC
| Standard thickness: 1.0mm min.
|
| Armour | Galvanised and steel wires
Galvanised flat steel wires
| Standard size: 1.0mm dia for cable OD up to 1.3mm and 1.4mm dia above 13mm 4×0.81mm (optional)
|
| Outer Sheath | PVC 70◦C PVC 85◦C PVC 105◦C FRLS Grade PVC | Standard thickness: 1.2mm for cable OD up to 13mm and 1.50mm above 13mm
|
Other Factors To Keep in Mind
When selecting instrumentation cables to specify, it’s important to note that you must avoid areas where there is a potential for spillage. Cables should also not be used in hot environments or areas with fire hazards. You must also avoid limiting access to general traffic. Places with potential exits for escaping gases or vapours should also be avoided. Additionally, cables must be kept as short as possible to avoid interfering with accessibility.
These are just some of the basic best practices you need to remember when choosing instrumentation and control cables and planning your plant floor layout. Moreover, you should also ensure that you only source your cable needs from a reputable cable company in Singapore, such as Cable Source.
At Cable Source, we are a stockist and distributor of cables for oil & gas, petrochemical, industrial, marine, and offshore use. We offer strong logistical support to serve our clients better and ensure that we meet expectations. Contact us today if you need instrumentation and control cables in Singapore.
