Common types of signal cables for industrial applications

Signal cables play a critical role in industrial applications. Depending on each specific application, users need to choose compatible types of signal cables. Let’s explore the common types of signal cables in the following article.

1. What are signal cables?

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Signal cables, also known as control signal cables, are specifically designed to transmit signals, audio, and video. These cables are used across a wide range of applications, from transmitting signals for camera systems to delivering audio signals in large-scale projects, such as factories, high-rise buildings, or industrial automation systems. With outstanding technical characteristics, signal cables are popular not only in civil construction projects but also play an essential role in industrial electrical systems.

2. The importance of signal cables

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In the industrial sector, reliable signal cables are a key factor in maintaining the stable operation of automation systems and enhancing production efficiency. Industries such as medical equipment, aerospace, and defense also rely on signal cables to transmit critical information, ensuring systems operate accurately and safely.

Modern automation systems depend on data and signal transmission for precise control and monitoring. Signal cables enable the exchange of digital information between various components, such as thermostats, sensors, and control panels. Thanks to these cables, information transmission is seamless and accurate, ensuring effective signal delivery for tasks such as motor control, air vent operation, and pressure monitoring.

Additionally, signal cables ensure the transmission of critical signals between devices within the same system, such as voltage, current, and frequency—essential elements for the precise operation of the system.

3. Classifications of signal cables

There are various types of signal cables. They are often categorized on the basis of usage purpose. Besides, other types of signal cables are also classified based on criteria such as material, number of cores, cross-sections, properties or specific standard…

3.1 Anti-interference signal cables

In industrial environments, various sources of interference can limit, obstruct, or degrade signal quality between devices and machinery, impacting data transmission. Therefore, anti-interference signal cables are a necessary solution, ensuring a stable connection and enabling cables to perform their functions optimally. When selecting anti-interference signal cables, users should consider interference sources and installation conditions to choose the most suitable cable type.

Some outstanding anti-interference cables from HELUKABEL that you can refer to such as: PAAR-TRONIC-CY, TRONIC-CY (LiY-CY), PAAR-TRONIC-Li-2YCYv

Dây cáp điện HELUDATA® ROBOFLEX® 2001-D

3.2 Fire-resistant signal cables

Fire-resistant signal cables are electrical cables designed to ensure stable operation for a specific duration during a fire. Each type of fire-resistant cable can withstand certain temperatures and maintain the integrity of the electrical circuit for a set period, depending on the specific standards it meets.

These cables are used in environments with high fire risks, such as the oil, gas, chemical, and steel industries. Some notable products you may consider include: HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 FIRE RES OS 500, HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 FIRE RES IOS 500, HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 FIRE RES OSA 500, HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 FIRE RES IOSA 500, and HELUTHERM® FR BS 7629.

3.3 Audio signal cables

Audio signal cables are specialized cables used to transmit audio signals such as voice or music. These cables can connect to various audio devices, including stereo systems, microphones, and speakers. Specifically designed to transmit clear signals and minimize interference, audio signal cables help maintain sound quality without distortion or degradation.

HELUSOUND® is a product line in HELUKABEL's communication and event cable category. HELUSOUND® audio signal cables are specially designed to transmit audio, such as music and voice, between devices while minimizing noise and signal interference, ensuring the best possible audio quality.

3.4 Fire alarm signal cables

Fire alarm signal cables (fire-warning cables) are electrical cables used to transmit signals from the control center to various system components, including alarm lights, sirens, fire sprinkler systems, emergency exit lights, automatic dialers, and other devices. These specialized signal cables are designed to maintain stable operation even in the event of a fire, with fire-resistant and flame-retardant properties to prevent the spread of fire. In case of a fire incident, these cables can continue to transmit signals for a certain period, ensuring that the fire alarm system functions effectively.

Some fire alarm signal cable products from HELUKABEL include: J-Y(St)Y Lg, JE-H(St)H Bd FE 180/E30-E90, J-H(St)H Bd, JE-H(St)H Bd Fire Alarm Cable FE 180/E90, and JE-H(St)H Bd Fire Alarm Cable FE 180/E30.

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3.5 Instrumentation cables

This is a specialized signal cable designed to transmit low-power signals, primarily in industrial and process control applications. This cable plays a crucial role in connecting measuring devices and control systems, enabling precise monitoring and management of automated processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, oil and gas, and petrochemical.

HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 PVC/PVC OS 300

HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 PVC/PVC IOSA 500

HELUDATA® EN-50288-7 XLPE/PVC IOS 500

3.6 Torsion-resistant cables

Robots and cobots are essential components in factories and production lines with increasingly high levels of automation. Due to the repetitive movements millions of times in all directions, signal cables for robotic applications must meet the highest standards for torsion resistance, tensile load capacity, and resilience to operational stress and harsh environments.

Some signal cable products users may consider include HELUDATA® ROBOFLEX® PUR UL/CSA, HELUDATA® ROBOFLEX®-D PUR UL/CSA, and HELUDATA® ROBOFLEX®-PAIR-D PUR UL/CSA.

3.7 Fiber optic cables

The signal cables mentioned above use copper conductors to transmit electrical signals, while fiber optic cables use optical fibers to transmit light signals. Compared to copper signal cables, fiber optic transmission is considered to produce less interference.

HELUKABEL supplies multiple types of fiber optic cables, satisfying the diverse needs of users:

  • GOF, HCS, POF industrial fiber optic cables and drag chain compatible fiber optic cables such as I-V4Y(ZN)11Y, I-V2Y, I-V2Y(ZN)11Y
  • PROFIBUS + PROFInet (breakout) fiber optic cables
  • Indoor and outdoor fiber optic cables

3.8 VFD signal cables

VFD signal cables are designed to transmit electrical energy for AC drive systems with variable frequency, allowing for the control of speed and torque of electric motors. This type of signal cable is built to operate in harsh environments, such as those with voltage surges, high noise levels, and unfavorable environmental conditions.

Some products in this category include: TOPFLEX® 600 VFD, TOPFLEX® 650 VFD, TOPFLEX® 1000 VFD, TOPSERV® 600 VFD, and TOPSERV® 650 VFD.

3.9 Ethernet cables

Ethernet cables are a widely used type of cable in Bus technology for connecting devices and ensuring the transmission of signals and data. This type of cable plays a crucial role in maintaining a stable, secure, and more reliable connection compared to conventional network systems. Ethernet cables are commonly used to connect devices such as computers, routers, and switches. The development of Ethernet cables was aimed at addressing the issues of unstable transmission, particularly in manufacturing environments that demand high signal accuracy.

3.10 Other types of signal cables

In addition to the aforementioned types of signal cables, users also rely on certain technical characteristics to name and select appropriate signal cables. Some other classification methods include:

  • Based on material: PVC, PUR, TPE signal cables…
  • Based on the number of cores: Single-core, two-core, three-core signal cables…
  • Based on cross-sectional area: Signal cables with a cross-section of 0.5 mm², 1 mm², or other common measurement units such as 16 AWG signal cables, 18 AWG signal cables, etc.
  • Based on certain standards: UL, IEC, VDE signal standards…

If you still have any concerns or questions about signal cables, don't hesitate to reach out to HELUKABEL Vietnam's engineering team promptly for detailed assistance.

HELUKABEL® Vietnam

Address905, Nguyen Kiem Street, Ward 3, Go Vap District,
Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
Emailinfo@helukabel.com.vn
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