Multiconductor Cables

Multiconductor cables contain two or more conductors. Each conductor consists of a single wire or a combination of wires. Conductor materials include aluminum, copper, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, aluminum-clad steel, and copper-clad steel. Aluminum has a density that is about one-third that of copper or steel; however, copper is the most widely used conductor material in wires and cables. Cable shielding is placed around an insulated conductor or group of conductors to prevent electrostatic or electromagnetic interference between the enclosed wires and external fields. Common shielding methods include braiding, drain wire, thin foil, and braided foil. Typically, the wires in stranded conductors are braided together. By contrast, paired cables consist of pairs of insulated wires that are twisted together. Stranding makes wires more flexible. Pairing increases the rejection of noise and interference.

Insulation materials for multiconductor cables have a high resistance to the flow of electric current in order to prevent the leakage of current from conductors. Insulation materials include ethylene propylene diene elastomer (EPDM), mica tape, neoprene, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and silicon rubber. EPDM is a chemically cross-linked elastomer with excellent flexibility at both high and low temperatures (- 55° C to 150° C). Mica tape also has a very high temperature rating. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber with good resistance to oil, chemicals, and flames. PE is a thermoplastic with excellent electrical properties and a stable dielectric constant over all frequencies. Polypropylene is similar to polyethylene, but somewhat stiffer and with a higher softening point (temperature). PVC, a general-purpose thermoplastic, offers high flexibility and is often used in nonplenum wire insulation and cable jackets.

Multiconductor cables vary in terms of conductor size. In North America, wire area is expressed in American wire gauge (AWG). Internationally, wire area is measured in square millimeters (mm2). AWG is a U.S. standard for non-ferrous wire materials such as copper and aluminum. The term "gauge" refers to the wire's diameter. The higher the gauge number, the smaller the diameter and the thinner the wire. Thicker wire carries more current because it has less electrical resistance over a given length. Household wiring is typically AWG 12 or 14. Telephone wire is usually AWG 22, 24, or 26. AWG 2/0, 3/0, and 4/0 are also referred to as 00, 000 and 0000, respectively. Sizes larger than 4/0 are measured in circular mils (CM) or thousand circular mils (MCM).

Multiconductor cables requirements meet the requirements of several safety organizations. For example, multiconductor cables that meet the published standards for safety from Underwriters Laboratories receive the UL mark. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) mark may appear alone or with indicators. The CSA mark appears alone when products are certified for the Canadian market, and with “C and US” or “NRTL/C” indicators when products are certified for both the Canadian and U.S. markets.

• Wiring
  Several types of wire conductors are used to connect electrical systems. Common ones include single wires, twisted pairs, coaxial cable, flexible flat cable, and bundled wires. Single or...
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Part Numbers for Multiconductor Cables