Industrial Sector Adopts Fourcore Cables for Control and Data

When building stable and reliable industrial control systems, have you ever struggled to choose the appropriate four-core cable? Different application scenarios demand varying performance specifications from cables. How can you identify the optimal solution among numerous available models?

Four-core cables contain four independent conductors and can be categorized into several primary types based on their structure and performance characteristics:

These cables typically feature PVC sheathing with excellent abrasion resistance and chemical corrosion resistance. They are available in both shielded and unshielded versions.

Applications: General industrial control and signal transmission, including sensor connections and actuator control.

Characterized by transparent or gray PVC sheathing, these cables offer excellent flexibility and oil resistance. Some models feature steel wire armoring for enhanced mechanical stress tolerance.

Applications: Signal transmission and power supply in control systems, including motor control and PLC connections.

These cables typically use green PVC sheathing and offer superior interference resistance and transmission performance. Their twisted pair structure effectively suppresses common-mode interference.

Applications: Data transmission applications including bus communication and network connections.

When selecting four-core cables, engineers should evaluate several critical parameters:

This determines the cable's current-carrying capacity and directly impacts system safety and reliability. Larger cross-sections provide greater current capacity but at higher cost.

Shielding significantly affects interference resistance, with shielded cables providing better electromagnetic interference protection. Common shielding types include copper braid and aluminum foil.

The sheath material determines abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and weather resistance. Common materials include PVC, PUR, and PE, each suited for different environmental conditions.

Certifications like DEF STAN (UK defense standard), BS EN 50525 (European cable standard), and IEC 60228 (international conductor standard) ensure quality and reliability compliance.

• Rated Voltage: Must exceed the system's operating voltage
• Operating Temperature: Must accommodate environmental conditions
• Bending Radius: Critical for installation flexibility

Require highly flexible, abrasion-resistant, interference-resistant cables for connecting controllers to joint motors and sensors.

Need oil-resistant, corrosion-resistant cables for PLC, sensor, and actuator connections.

Demand oil-resistant, durable cables for connecting numerical control systems to servo motors and sensors.

Require high-performance cables with excellent interference resistance for network equipment connections.

For an automated production line sensor transmitting 4-20mA analog signals at 24VDC in an environment with electromagnetic interference and oil contamination, a shielded control cable with 0.5 mm² conductors and oil-resistant PVC sheath would be appropriate.

Proper four-core cable selection is crucial for industrial control system stability and reliability. Engineers must carefully evaluate conductor size, shielding, sheath material, and certifications while considering specific application requirements. Thorough research and testing before selection can ensure optimal cable performance in operational environments.