Types of Cables Used in Industrial Automation

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Types of Cables Used in Industrial Automation

Explore the various types of cables used in industrial automation systems, including PVC, PUR, POC, STP, UTP, coaxial, and fiber optic cables.


Cables are a crucial component of industrial automation. Understanding which cables to use and where to use them is essential to avoid errors in instrumentation or electrical systems.



Types of Cables Used in Industrial Automation

There are many types of cables employed in industrial automation, but it’s important to categorize them based on different aspects since defining each type in a single section can be challenging.


Types of Cables Based on Material

There are three basic types of cables categorized by the material used:


  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Cables
  • Polyurethane (PUR) Cables
  • POC Cables

PVC Cables

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) cables are among the most commonly used in industrial automation. They are suitable for moderate mechanical stress and provide good resistance to various chemicals.


These cables are frequently used in applications exposed to varying temperatures and are best suited for low to medium voltage applications.


PUR Cables

Polyurethane (PUR) cables are ideal for high mechanical stress. They can easily withstand wear from many industrial applications and are highly fire-resistant, as well as resistant to welding sparks.


PUR cables are often used in situations where maintaining the cleanliness of the medium through which the cables pass is critical, as they prevent microbial growth within the sheath, thus avoiding bacterial spread.


POC Cables

POC cables are the best choice for applications with significant welding activity or sparks. They offer extremely high mechanical strength and thermal resistance up to 150 degrees Celsius.


As such, these cables can endure extreme heat and are suitable for high-temperature applications.


Types of Cables Based on Signal Transmission

There are three basic types of cables categorized by signal transmission method:


  1. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cables
  2. Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cables
  3. Coaxial Cables
  4. Fiber Optic Cables
    

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cables

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables consist of a total of 8 wires, organized into 4 pairs. These 8 wires are twisted together and insulated, but they lack any shielding between the wires.


This lack of shielding makes UTP cables more susceptible to electromagnetic interference and other types of noise, making them primarily used in local Ethernet networks where noise disturbance is minimal.


Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cables

Shielded twisted pair (STP) cables also consist of 8 wires organized into 4 pairs. Like UTP, these wires are insulated and twisted together, but STP cables include a shielding layer.


This shielding makes STP cables less vulnerable to electromagnetic interference and other types of noise, making them the preferred choice in industrial automation applications. They are generally more expensive than UTP cables.


Coaxial Cables

Coaxial cables transmit data in the form of low-voltage electrical signals and consist of five layers. The outer layer is a plastic covering that serves as a shield for the entire cable.


The second layer is a metal insulating shield that protects against noise. The third layer is a conductor made of either metal braid, foil, or a combination of both.


The fourth layer is another insulating shield, and the final layer is a copper conductor. Coaxial cables are highly resistant to interference from neon lights, motors, and other types of signal disruptions.


Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optic cables use light pulses for transmission through fibers made of glass, silica, or plastic. They consist of four layers: the outer layer is plastic.


The second layer is the cladding (less dense glass or plastic). The third layer is the core, and the final layer is the fiber itself. Light travels through these fibers based on the principle of internal reflection.


This design causes the light to reflect within the channel and continue until the end. The densities of the last two layers are maintained in such a way that the light beam passing through the core reflects off the cladding.


Information is transmitted in a binary manner as a sequence of on and off signals, representing 1s and 0s.


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Tio Rian
Tio Rian Hello, my name is Tio Rian, and I am an expert in the field of electricity and electronics with a passion for solving complex technical challenges. With several years of experience working on various electrical systems, from residential installations to industrial automation, I have developed a strong expertise in designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical and electronic circuits. I am dedicated to staying updated on the latest advancements in the field, ensuring that my work is both efficient and innovative. My goal is to apply my skills to improve system performance and contribute to safer, more reliable electrical solutions

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