Instrumentation Cables Guide
Published by Adam Pol,
It goes without saying that signal transmission has become easier because of modern wireless data transfer mediums. Data is received and transmitted seamlessly with the help of wireless mediums while these mediums are spread across the electronic gadget and any computer-based applications. The best thing is that this wireless transmission has partially reduced some part of physical wiring placed around or inside the equipment. Besides this, wires and cables have also proven as great in transmitting electrical signals in an electric circuit.
Cables and wires in industrial applications can target different responsibilities like transmission of signals and data or transmission of power. Those cables that are used in transmission applications are built to sustain damage and environmental impacts. On the other hand, cables used as signal transmission cables are designed to shield the cable from any outside signal interference.
What are Instrumentation Cables
An instrumentation cable or a wire is a cable type that consists of several conductors that can help in conveying signals with a low energy signature. This signature is mainly used for controlling and monitoring electrical systems, power controls and some other things related to this. Besides this, instrumentation cables are also used in microprocessor-based or computerised instrumented systems. In other words, a quality instrumentation cable is designed to transmit signals without any interruptions and interference from any external source.
Applications of Instrumentation Cables
Generally speaking, instrumentation cables can find place mainly in communication and control applications. In other words, they can find mainly use in process industries where a lot of systems are involved. They are also involved in process control, communication of analog or digital signals and voice transmission, process control circuitry and signalling in industrial circuitry.
When it comes to the use in industries, instrumentation cables can be used mainly in process industries, petrochemical industries, oil and gas industries, fertilizer industries, cement and steel industries. When talking about the outer coating, instrumentation cables can be made of different materials out of which the most popular and most commonly used is PVC (polyvinyl chloride). This material is a thermoplastic resin produced by polymerization process and because of this process, PVC is resistant to flames, fire, abrasion and moisture. Besides this, PVC is also considered a quite durable material, durable enough to be used in outdoor environments as well. Except for this, PVC is light in weight, resistant to chemicals, corrosion and weathering, and because of all this, this material is considered the ideal choice for instrumentation cables and for some other power cables too. PVC coating can be found over many instrumentation cables. These cables are designed according to different standards like for example the AS/NZS 3808, BS-EN-50288, EIL 6-52-46 and so on.
Except for PVC, the outer coating of these cables can also be made from some other materials.
PLTC
This is a material built for power-limited circuits for industrial control and energy management. It can also be used as intercom, alarm and audio applications. This material also has excellent wet electrical performance, extreme temperature operation and oil and chemical resistance. Cables made of this material can also resist sunlight, moisture and vapour penetration.
ACIC Cable
Armoured, power cables – ACIC cables and CSA -rated control cables are suitable for use in 300V, 600V and 1000V environments. With such a huge range, you can surely find the right one for your needs. The ACIC eliminates the need for extra installation materials. It is also resistant to sunlight, chemicals and oil which is essential for keeping signals strong.
What Are Control Cables
Control cables are a type of instrumentation cables that are quite similar to the power cables. These cables are used for transmitting signals to equipment in order to control its working. They can also be a part of autonomous systems that have automated controls. They also consist of copper conductors and have a braiding of galvanized steels in their construction.
These cables also have a resistive covering that resists any external interference, and because of its properties, low voltage signals can be sent all around the system.
Another important thing to know about instrumentation cables is that they can face a high amount of electromagnetic interference that can lead to some inaccurate transfer of instrumentation signals. In order to avoid some unwanted interference, certain rules need to be followed so there would be less effect due to EMI.
For instance, instrumentation cables and instrument wires need to be away from power cables and they can be placed in separate trays in order to avoid crosstalk. In case there is no chance of keeping distance between instrument cables and power cables, then both cables should be arranged in a way that they would cross each other at the right angles. Since loops can be formed on instrument wiring, this can cause interference which is why this should be avoided while installing the cables.