What does a cable consist of?

What does a cable consist of?

Cables are an important infrastructure for modern power transmission, communications and data exchange and are widely used in industry, homes and communications. Understanding the structure of cables can help you better select and use them. This article will introduce the components of the cable in detail, and combine it with the hot topics and hot content on the entire network in the past 10 days to help readers more fully understand the structure and function of the cable.

1. Basic composition of cables

Cables are usually composed of conductors, insulation layers, shielding layers, sheaths and other parts. Here are the main components of a cable and their functions:

2. Conductor: the core part of the cable

Conductors are the core part of cables and are responsible for transmitting electrical current or signals. Common conductor materials include copper and aluminum. Copper has excellent electrical conductivity, but its cost is high; aluminum has slightly inferior electrical conductivity than copper, but its price is lower, and it is suitable for long-span transmission lines.

3. Insulation layer: the key to ensuring safety

The insulation wraps around the outside of the conductor and its main function is to prevent current leakage or signal interference. Common insulation materials include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), and rubber. XLPE is widely used in high-voltage cables due to its high temperature resistance and chemical corrosion resistance.

4. Shielding layer: Reduce electromagnetic interference

Shielding is mainly used to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), especially in communication cables and high-frequency cables. Common shielding materials include copper braid and aluminum foil. The design of the shielding layer can effectively prevent external signal interference and ensure the stability of data transmission.

5. Sheath layer: protects the cable from damage

The sheath is the outermost layer of the cable, and its main function is to protect the cable from mechanical damage and environmental erosion (such as moisture, chemicals, etc.). Common sheathing materials include PVC, polyethylene (PE) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The selection of sheath layer needs to be determined according to the usage environment of the cable.

6. Classification and application of cables

According to use and structure, cables can be divided into power cables, communication cables, control cables, etc. The following are common cable types and their applications:

7. The relationship between hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days and cables

Recently, with the rapid development of new energy and smart grids, the cable industry has also attracted much attention. The following are the hot topics related to cables on the Internet in the past 10 days:

1.Demand for new energy cables surges: With the acceleration of photovoltaic and wind power projects, the demand for special cables (such as high temperature resistant and corrosion resistant cables) has increased significantly.

2.5G communication cable technology innovation: The popularization of 5G networks has promoted the demand for high-frequency, low-loss communication cables, and related technologies have become a hot topic.

3.Research and development of environmentally friendly cable materials: Tightening environmental regulations have prompted the cable industry to accelerate the development of halogen-free, recyclable cable materials.

8. Summary

The composition and structure of cables are complex and diverse, and the selection of materials for different parts directly affects the performance and service life of the cable. With the development of technology, the cable industry is moving towards high performance and environmental protection. Understanding the composition and classification of cables can help us make more reasonable choices in practical applications.