Are you working in an environment where electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a concern? Do you have sensitive equipment that needs to be protected from outside interference? If yes, then it’s time to consider using shielded cables. In this post, we will help you understand what shielded cables are and how they work to protect your equipment from EMI. We will also discuss the different types of shielded cables available and when it is appropriate to use them. Additionally, we will weigh the pros and cons of using these cables, along with practical tips for installation and maintenance. Keep reading to learn more about when and how to use shielded cables in your workplace.
Understanding Shielded Cables
Shielded cables have a conductive layer that helps protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI) in industrial settings. They are thicker and stiffer than unshielded cables, so they require extra care when handling. Unshielded cables use twisted pairs and are thinner, cheaper, and ideal for LAN and office settings where EMI is not a problem. However, in some cases, extra shielding may be necessary to negate EMI.
Cat 8 Shielded Cable has the fastest data transfer rate due to its shielding that eliminates EMI. Ethernet cables typically use twisted pairs to negate EMI, but shielded cables can provide added protection against interference. In summary, if you’re working in an industrial setting or need faster data transfer rates for mission-critical applications, shielded cables are the right choice for you.
What are Shielded Cables?
Shielded cables are a type of electrical cable that contain conductors encased in a conductive layer and a protective shield layer. They are designed to reduce electromagnetic interference, making them ideal for use in industrial settings where high levels of interference may be present. Shielded cables are thicker and more rigid than unshielded cables, and require greater care when working with them.
There are several types of cable shields available, including combination shields, foil shields, metallic braid shields, spiral shields, serve shields, and tape shields. The shield can act as a return path for the signal or a screening device, providing additional protection for the cable.
While shielded cables are ideal for industrial settings, unshielded twisted cables are better suited for LAN or network cable systems in an office setting. These cables negate interference by employing a twisted set of cables. Understanding the differences between these two types of cables is important when selecting the right option for your specific needs.
How do Shielded Cables Work?
Shielded cables are designed to protect signals from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). They typically have insulating conductors surrounded by a conductive layer made of braided copper or conducting polymer. The jacket covering the shield can act as a return path for the signal or screening device.
There are two main ways of adding shielding to cables: wrapping them in a thin aluminum foil or surrounding them with a copper braid. Both techniques provide excellent protection against EMI and RFI, but they differ in terms of flexibility, cost, and effectiveness.
Shielded cables are thicker, more rigid, and require greater care compared to unshielded ones. However, they are essential in industrial settings where electrical noise is prevalent. Choosing the most suitable shielding technique depends on factors such as the application’s needs and environment. Overall, understanding shielded cables is key to ensuring reliable signal transmission and preventing signal degradation caused by EMI and RFI.
Types of Shielded Cables
Shielded cables come in many different types, each with its own unique shielding material. The shield can be composed of braided copper, spiral copper tape, or conducting polymers, among other materials. Shielded cables are thicker and sturdier than unshielded cables and require extra care when working with them.
Unshielded twisted cables are ideal for use in an office setting because they use a twisted set of cables to negate electromagnetic interference. When it comes to commercially available cable shields, there are several types to choose from, including combination shields, foil shields, metallic braid shields, spiral shields, serve shields, and tape shields.
The shield in shielded cables can either act as a return path for the signal or a screening device. It is important to consider your specific needs and requirements before selecting the appropriate type of shielded cable for your application.
Foil Shielded Cables
Shielded cables are used to protect against electromagnetic interference and are commonly used in industrial settings. There are two main types of shielding: foil and braided. Foil shielding involves a thin layer of copper or aluminum foil adhered to a polyester carrier, providing 100% protection from interference, but can be more difficult to work with. Braided shielding employs a mesh of woven copper wires and is commonly used in commercial settings.
Shielded power cables are necessary for circuits over 2000 volts to prevent corona discharge and electrical shock. Stress relief cones should be applied at the ends of shielded power cables to prevent losses, heating, and reduce the maximum current rating of the circuit. When deciding which type of shielded cable to use, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your application and consult with an expert if necessary.
Braided Shielded Cables
Shielded cables are an important component in many industrial and commercial electrical installations, helping to reduce electromagnetic interference and improve signal quality. One type of shielded cable is the braided shielded cable, which features a mesh of woven copper wires that can provide 70% to 95% coverage. This type of shielding makes them ideal for use in harsh industrial environments.
Shielding is achieved by enclosing insulating conductors in a conductive layer with a protective shield layer. The shield can be made from braided copper, spiral copper tape, or conducting polymers. Braided shielded cables are more durable than foil shielded cables and less prone to damage.
However, it’s important to note that working with shielded cables requires greater care due to their thickness and rigidity. Braided shielded cables are most often found in industrial settings where other nearby equipment is likely to generate electromagnetic interference. By choosing the right type of shielded cable for your specific application, you can help ensure reliable performance and minimize risk of interference or signal degradation.
Combination Shielded Cables
When it comes to shielded cables, one type to consider is the combination shielded cable. This type of cable provides 100% foil coverage, mechanical strength, and decreases the chance of EMI and crosstalk. Shielded cables are thicker and more rigid than unshielded cables and are commonly used in industrial installations where electromagnetic interference (EMI) can cause problems.
Shielded cables contain insulating conductors encased in a conductive layer, which can act as a return path for the signal. There are many types of cable shields available, including foil shields, metallic braid shields, and spiral shields. Each type has its own specific benefits and can be used in different applications.
Despite their effectiveness, shielding is not always necessary or practical in every situation. In some cases, other methods such as grounding or using EMI blocking materials may be sufficient. However, in situations where EMI is a concern, shielded cables remain an important part of the telecommunications industry.
When to Use Shielded Cables
Shielded cables are used to protect power and data paths from EMI exposure and reduce electrical noise in heavy industrial settings, radio stations, and consumer electronics. A shielded cable has protecting conductors enclosed in a conductive layer made of braided copper, spiral copper tape, or conducting polymer. They are thicker and more rigid than unshielded cables. Shielded cables are most often found in commercial settings and installations where other equipment is likely to generate electromagnetic interference. There are many types of cable shields commercially available, including combination shields, foil shields, metallic braid shields, spiral shields, serve shields, and tape shields. The usage of these shields depends on the application. Shielded cables contain one or more insulated conductors enclosed by a common conductive layer composed of braided copper strands or conducting polymer, and a jacket that can act as a return path for the signal or screening device. Overall, shielded cables should be used when there is a risk of electromagnetic interference that could affect the performance of connected devices.
High-EMI Environments
Shielded cables are used in environments that are prone to high levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI can cause adverse effects on signals and transmission, resulting in data or power loss. Shielded cables protect power and data paths from EMI exposure during transfer, reducing the adverse effects on signals and transmission.
In heavy industrial settings, radio stations, and consumer electronics, shielded cables are commonly used to reduce electrical noise and EMI. In environments with a high degree of electrical power, shielded cables reduce the transfer of data or power from ambient EMI.
Although twisted pair wiring may suffice in commercial and domestic settings, shielded cable is preferred in industrial environments where EMI sources are known to exist. It’s important to note that EMI can disrupt the proper operation of equipment in all environments—both natural and artificial sources can cause disruption.
Long Cable Runs
Shielded cables are ideal for use in industrial settings where nearby equipment can cause electromagnetic interference. They are designed to limit voltage stress, dissipate insulation leakage current, carry ground-fault current and protect against energized cables. One specific scenario where shielded cables are recommended is for long cable runs, which can result in increased susceptibility to interference.
For power cables over 2000 volts, a shield layer of copper or aluminum tape is typically used to prevent corona discharge. In addition, stress relief cones should be applied at each shield end of power cables to prevent induced current flow and reduce maximum current rating. While shielded cables require greater care when working with them, they offer protection against electrical shock and high-voltage stress.
Sensitive Equipment
Shielded cables are best used in situations where sensitive equipment is involved. In industrial settings, shielded cables are commonly used to minimize electromagnetic interference and ensure that equipment functions properly. Shielded power cables use a copper or aluminum tape or conducting polymer as a shield layer to prevent corona discharge and electrical shock. Various materials can be used for shield layers in shielded cables, including braided copper, spiral copper tape, and conducting polymers.
However, it’s important to note that shielded cables require special handling due to their thicker and more rigid construction. Stress relief cones should be applied at the shield ends of power cables operating at more than 2 kV to earth to prevent induced current and reduce circuit rating. By using shielded cables appropriately, you can protect your sensitive equipment from interference and ensure optimal performance.
Pros and Cons of Shielded Cables
Shielded cables are designed to protect against EMI (electromagnetic interference), electrical noise, and electromagnetic radiation that can cause signal degradation and data corruption. These cables are particularly crucial in heavy industrial settings, radio stations, and consumer electronics. Shielded cables also provide protection from power surges and prevent people from exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
However, using shielded cables comes with a few drawbacks. They are more expensive to manufacture and install than unshielded cables. Proper grounding is required to prevent EMI, which adds to installation costs. Despite the cost factor, shielded cables are necessary for protecting power and data paths from degradation caused by EMI. Overall, if you need high-quality signal transmission with minimal interference or noise, shielded cables are an excellent choice.
Advantages of Shielded Cables
Shielded cables offer several advantages over unshielded cables. They provide better protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI), electrical noise, and electromagnetic radiation, reducing the risk of system failure. This is particularly important in industrial settings where equipment is more likely to generate EMI.
Shielded cables have a conductive layer, often made of braided copper, which provides an additional layer of protection against EMI. However, this also makes them thicker and more rigid than unshielded cables. It is important to handle shielded cables with care during installation to avoid damaging the conductive layer.
There are different types of cable shields available commercially, including metallic braid shields and tape shields. The choice of shield will depend on the specific application. While shielded cables require greater care during installation, they are essential in environments where nearby equipment is likely to generate EMI or other forms of electromagnetic interference.
Disadvantages of Shielded Cables
Shielded cables have several advantages when it comes to protecting data signals from electromagnetic interference and power surges. They are necessary in heavy industrial and radio settings where equipment can be disrupted due to EMI exposure during power and data transfer. Additionally, shielded cables can provide extra protection against alien crosstalk and are useful for sensitive data transmission.
However, there are some disadvantages associated with shielded cables. They can be more expensive to manufacture and install than unshielded cables. They are also thicker and require more care when handling due to the added shielding material. Unshielded twisted cables, on the other hand, are lightweight, thin, and ideal for indoor use in office settings but lack internal shielding to reduce interference.
Overall, secured cables are commonly used in commercial settings and installations where other nearby equipment is likely to produce electromagnetic interference. It’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of shielded cables before deciding whether they’re the right choice for your particular application.
Using Shielded Cables in Practice
Shielded cables are essential when it comes to protecting against electromagnetic interference (EMI) from nearby equipment in industrial settings. Shielding can be achieved through a thin, polyester-backed aluminum foil or copper braid, or by using a helix of wire in spiral shielding. Spiral shielding is beneficial for high-flex applications such as retractable cables in robot arms and microphones. It’s important to note that shielded cables are thicker, more rigid, and require more care when working with them. Choosing the appropriate shielding technique depends on the application, and in some cases, both types of shielding may be necessary in a cable to prevent EMI.
Installation Tips
When it comes to using shielded cables in practice, there are a few installation tips to keep in mind. Shielded cables have a conductive layer made of braided copper or polymer that protects against electromagnetic interference. However, they are thicker and stiffer than unshielded cables, so be cautious when working with them.
Shielded cables are ideal for industrial settings with nearby equipment likely to produce electromagnetic interference. On the other hand, unshielded, twisted cables are lightweight and suited for indoor office LAN systems.
While unshielded cables negate interference with a twisted set of cables, shielded cables provide better protection against interference. Ultimately, the choice between shielded and unshielded cables will depend on the specific needs of your installation.
Maintenance Tips
Shielded cables are an important tool for protecting against electromagnetic interference (EMI) in a variety of applications. When using shielded cables, it is important to take certain maintenance steps to ensure their effectiveness.
Proper grounding of the shielded cable is crucial for effective EMI shielding. Use cable clamps or ties to secure shielded cables and prevent damage to the shielding. It is also important to regularly inspect the cables for damages and wear that can compromise their shielding capabilities.
Avoid sharp bends or kinks in the cables as this can cause damage and lead to signal loss. By taking these maintenance steps, you can help ensure that your shielded cables are effective in protecting against EMI and preventing unexpected failure.
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Conclusion
Shielded cables are essential for certain applications where electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a concern. They work by providing an extra layer of protection that helps block out unwanted electrical noise, thus ensuring signal integrity and reducing the risk of data loss. There are different types of shielded cables to choose from depending on your specific requirements. However, the general rule of thumb is to use them in high-EMI environments, long cable runs, and with sensitive equipment. While there are both advantages and disadvantages to using shielded cables, they can be an invaluable asset when it comes to maintaining reliable communication networks. For best practices on installation and maintenance tips, check out our blog post on using shielded cables in practice.
Mr. Jahangir Alam is an Electrical & Electronics Engineer with a wide range of experience in several fields of Engineering. He finds engineering articles to be very interesting, and that is why he likes to write them. To know more about him, please click here.