Signal Cable vs Control Cable: What’s the Difference?
Signal cables and control cables are two of the most common types of cable, and while easily confused, they actually serve two very different functions.
In this guide, we’ll go over the differences between signal cables and control cables, in terms of their construction, and the applications for which they can be used.
Signal Cable
Signal cables, also known as power cables, carry electrical information through the cable to power a device or machine. Their main function is to transmit and distribute electrical energy, and as such are normally found in electrical energy transmission and distribution sites, such as industries that utilise large machinery.
Signal cables are usually buried underground during installation, within ducting. However, they can also be installed within structures of the building itself, run overhead, or exposed too – they are versatile in terms of where they can be installed. Because of this, feature a much sturdier protective outer sheath than control cables. They are generally resistant to a range of external factors, including extreme temperatures and corrosion.
They also have a higher voltage than control cables, often working at voltages of 0.6/1kV or higher.
Control Cable
Control cables are integral to process automation in industrial applications, namely for machine tools and assembly lines. They are used to regulate and measure transmissions within automated progress, in industries such as building, construction, and railway transportation. In recent years, control cables have also been introduced to the domestic market as home automation has gained traction.
Generally, they feature multiple conductors and either braided or foil sheathing – sometimes both! Because of this, they tend to have a more superior resistance to electromagnetic interference, in comparison to signal cables, which generally do not feature shielding. However, their sheathing tends to be less sturdy than signal cables, and insulation is often constructed using PVC.
Control cables can be installed either within an organisation or buried underground. Because they are used for lower energy transmissions than signal cables, they tend to operate at voltages between 300V - 750V.
If you have any questions that weren’t answered in this guide, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team. We’re always happy to help!
Signal cables and control cables are two of the most common types of cable, and while easily confused, they actually serve two very different functions.
In this guide, we’ll go over the differences between signal cables and control cables, in terms of their construction, and the applications for which they can be used.
Signal Cable
Signal cables, also known as power cables, carry electrical information through the cable to power a device or machine. Their main function is to transmit and distribute electrical energy, and as such are normally found in electrical energy transmission and distribution sites, such as industries that utilise large machinery.
Signal cables are usually buried underground during installation, within ducting. However, they can also be installed within structures of the building itself, run overhead, or exposed too – they are versatile in terms of where they can be installed. Because of this, feature a much sturdier protective outer sheath than control cables. They are generally resistant to a range of external factors, including extreme temperatures and corrosion.
They also have a higher voltage than control cables, often working at voltages of 0.6/1kV or higher.
Control Cable
Control cables are integral to process automation in industrial applications, namely for machine tools and assembly lines. They are used to regulate and measure transmissions within automated progress, in industries such as building, construction, and railway transportation. In recent years, control cables have also been introduced to the domestic market as home automation has gained traction.
Generally, they feature multiple conductors and either braided or foil sheathing – sometimes both! Because of this, they tend to have a more superior resistance to electromagnetic interference, in comparison to signal cables, which generally do not feature shielding. However, their sheathing tends to be less sturdy than signal cables, and insulation is often constructed using PVC.
Control cables can be installed either within an organisation or buried underground. Because they are used for lower energy transmissions than signal cables, they tend to operate at voltages between 300V - 750V.
If you have any questions that weren’t answered in this guide, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team. We’re always happy to help!
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How do you Identify a Control Cable?
Knowing the difference between the different types of cables is always important, especially if you’re working in an environment that comes into contact with all sorts of cable types.In this guide, we’ll explain how and where you can spot control cables.Features of Control CablesSome control cables will require labelling that tells the user the cable number, cable type, and/or KKS (Kraftwerk Kennzeichen System) data.However, if this information isn’t readily available on the cable, here are some ways you can differentiate a control cable from other cable types:Either braided or foil interior screening – this layer of protection helps the cable to prevent electromagnetic interference, as well as crosstalk with other adjacent cables PVC outer sheathing – the protective outer sheathing is ordinarily manufactured using sturdy PVC, although LSZH versions are also often available Generally black or white in colour – control cables don’t tend to be coloured as they don’t follow any particular colour coding requirements Where to Find Control CablesControl cables can be found in all sorts of applications, but they’re mainly present in the following areas:Assembly lines & production centres Automated systems – both home automation and industrial automated systems Robotic technology Power distribution spheres Control cables are quite versatile, as they can be run within a structure, underground within ducting, or in an exposed area.If you have any questions that weren’t answered in this article, please click here to speak to our team of experts. We’re always happy to help!
What are Control Cables Used for?
Control cables are integral to process automation in industrial applications, namely for machine tools and assembly lines. They are used to regulate and measure transmissions within automated processes, in industries such as building, construction, and railway transportation. In recent years, control cables have also been introduced to the domestic market as home automation has gained popularity in recent years.In this handy guide, we’ll explain the different ways control cables can be used.Industrial Control ApplicationsControl cables work by sending information down the wire from one hub or machine to another, causing an action to take place. For example, a sensor picks up on a change in the environment, which automatically sends the electrical information down the control cable to the connected machinery, thereby causing it to take action.They’re often used for robotic or automatic machinery, so that whatever process the machinery is involved in can be as streamlined and automated as possible.Examples of industrial applications include:Assembly lines Robotics Power distribution Home AutomationSince the widespread population of home automation, control cables have found their place in the domestic market, too. Home automation networks work by combining integrated systems that provide services such as lighting, heating, security, or entertainment, via a central control unit. These central control units could be either a remote control, a fixed panel, or more recently a smartphone or tablet.Home automation systems can also work using sensors, too. An example of this is a sensor detecting a drop in temperature, automatically sending the electronic information down the control the cable, causing the heating system to increase the temperature.While general control cables can be used for home automation, there are also cables designed specifically for home automation applications.If you’re looking to build a home automation system using control cables, you can view our handy guide on home alarm wiring for a new house.If you have any further questions about control cables that haven’t been answered in this article, please click here to speak to a member of our team of experts.
What are the Different Types of Control Cable?
If you’re looking for control cables, we know that some of the names and jargon surrounding them can be a little confusing. In this handy guide, we’ll take it back to basics and go over what the different types of control cables are.There are a range of cables that can be used for control applications, but the main three types are YY Cables, CY Cables, and SY Cables. Their names are derived from codes used by CENELEC, the Comité Européen de Normalisation Électrotechnique (the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation).YY Control CablesHere’s a fun fact – all the ‘YY’ in YY Cable stands for is that the insulation and outer sheath material are PVC! Originally manufactured for measuring, controlling, and regulating control equipment in industrial applications, the YY cable is now also used in domestic applications with the rise of home automation systems.YY cables generally feature a super-durable PVC outer sheath, so it can withstand harsh conditions. However, since YY cables are unshielded, they’re not recommended for applications where electromagnetic interference may be a concern.YY cables also tend to be sold with Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) or Low Smoke & Fire (LSF) Sheath options, so that in the event of a fire the level of toxic substances released from the burning cable is reduced.CY Control CablesSimilar to YY Cables, CY Cables are named as such because they feature a copper braided shield and a PVC outer sheath. Normally used in for applications that specifically require a low amount of electromagnetic interference, CY cables are generally supplied in variations for both internal and external use.SY Control CablesAs above, SY Cables are named as such due to their steel wire braided shield and PVC outer sheath. Similar to CY cables, SY cables are often used in applications where electromagnetic interference is of particular concern.If you have any more questions that weren’t answered in this article, please click here to speak to someone from our team of experts. We’re always happy to help!