Cables

Not from here. The simplest way would be to cut a small sample off both drums, strip it back to the conductors and observe locally.

I would use the term control cable for transferring control voltages (24vdc/vac 220vac/vdc etc...), whereas signal cables will definitely be millivolts and mostly for instumentation. For example, If you are having a panel having a variable speed drive for a pump then the cables used from remote start-stop to the panel will be called control cables, and the cables coming from the pressure transmitter to the variable speed drive will be a signal cable ( usually screened, to avoid interference) Good luck, Chaterpilar

Hi guys,

As mentioned, theoretically, it is indeed so that signal cables are for low voltage useage only. They should be screened, as should control cable in sensitive applications. You must however make sure of this when you are buying the stuff as we found that not every manufacturer comply with this generally accepted nomenclature. Buy from certified manufacturers and always ask the questions. That way you can ensure your own compliance with law and directives.

Basically a cable is a cable. some definitions will help though.

Cable :multi conductor assembly made of several wires bundled together shielded or not.

Wire :a single conductor, Shielded or not.

The difference between power, signal, control, or audio cables,will be determined by it's current sensitivity to EMI, or, does it produce EMI or not.

The amount of current will determine the size, or better say the cross-section of this wire or cable.

The presence of EMI will determine if the cable needs protection or better say SHIELDING or not. The shielding will almost always be at the lowest potential possible, means at ground, therefore eliminates the induction of stray electromagnetic radiation into the cable, influencing/distorting the usually low energy signals. In case of EMI generating cable, It will direct the generated EMI to ground, and so eliminating it's radiation outside the cable.

EMI: Electro Magnetic Interference.

Other than that, as said before no difference.

Hope it helps,

Wangito.

Another area of possible mis-communication is that some people will call large wire "cable" just because of its' size. I agree with the above discription. The main differance is what the wire or cable is carrying. This will impact the requirement: Shield or not, conductor size requirement due to current carried and quality of the insulation due to voltage. -- JHF