When it comes to cable selection, the two types – armored and shielded – sound similar. Protecting the integrity of the cable is a major function of these two metallic layers that enclose the cable assembly. However, there are actually noticeable variations in how they are used.
Say you are installing a new sound system in your home. You want to make sure that your audio experience is crystal clear and free of interference. This is where shielded cable comes into play, acting as a protective barrier against unwanted noise.
Conversely, if you’re working in a harsher environment, such as an industrial site, you’ll need armored cables that can withstand physical damage while keeping connections intact.
So just because “armor” and “shielding” cables look similar doesn’t mean they’re interchangeable!
Read on to learn more about their differences!
Comprehending “Armored” Cable
First of all, we need to figure out “What is the difference between armored cable and normal cable?” In addition to the insulation and conductors, armored cables have an extra armoring layer to provide a double layer of protection for the cable. The armor layer, usually made of steel wire or steel tape, prevents damage to the insulation and conductors within the armored cable and ensures safe and reliable transmission of electrical signals.
The purpose of the armor layer:
It can improve the anti-interference performance of cables through shielding protection, as well as to improve the service life of cables through mechanical protection such as tensile and compressive resistance. In addition, ZW cable offers three different types of steel wire armored cables, steel ribbon armored cables and aluminum wire armored cables in order to satisfy different needs.
When should you use armored cable?
There are tons of benefits to using armored cable! But when should you actually think about using it?
Outdoor installations-Armored cable is a great option when laying wires outdoors. Armored cables are strong and durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent damage to cables caused by animals looking for a comfortable nest. Additionally, armored cables reduce the risk of short circuiting due to contact with water, ensuring the safety of your home and garden.
Basements and Crawlspaces-If you work in a basement or crawlspace where moisture is an issue, then armored cable is the way to go. Armored cable prevents moisture from causing corrosion in standard wiring. It will make your electrical work safer and longer lasting, which is a good thing for any homeowner.
High Vibration Areas-Have an area where equipment vibrates a lot, like near heavy machinery or generators? Armored cable is up to the task. Their rugged construction minimizes the risk of damage from shock and vibration, ensuring the safety and functionality of your electrical system.
Industrial environments-In industrial environments, safety is key. Armored cables are resistant to shock and abrasion, making them ideal for use in factories or warehouses. They help protect your electrical system from potential hazards while ensuring everything runs efficiently, keeping equipment and workers safe.
Understanding“Shielded” Cable
A shielded cable consists of one or more wires with a separating material (insulator) and a surrounding conductive layer, usually made of aluminum or copper. This layer of corrosion protection is called the shield. Wire shielding types include foil shielding for 100% coverage at high frequencies, braided shielding for flexibility and durability at low frequencies, and spiral shielding for good flexibility at audio frequencies. Combination shielding merges foil and braided options for enhanced protection across a wide frequency range.
The purpose of the shield:
Blocking external interference: EMI from external sources such as power lines, motors or radio waves can interfere with the signals in the wire. The shield acts as a barrier, reflecting or absorbing this EMI and preventing it from reaching the inner conductors. The next step is to suppress internal interference: the shield also prevents signals within the cable from radiating outward, thereby increasing the likelihood of interference with other equipment. Also, you can also contact with ZW cable immediately to get the best quality shielded ethernet cable and twisted pair cable.
When should you use Shielded cable?
Data Centers-Data centers are highly active and filled with a large number of devices that communicate in real time. In such situations, shielded cables play a key role in reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can interfere with data transmission.
Manufacturing Plants-In the bustling world of manufacturing, there is no shortage of heavy machinery and heavy electrical systems. In these environments, shielded cables are essential because they can withstand interference from surrounding industrial equipment. It means you can trust that your sensors and control systems are getting accurate readings, which helps to keep that everything runs as it should.
Armored Cable vs Shielded Cable – Comparison in Three Areas
Different functions:
- Armored cables are mainly used to protect electrical conductors from physical damage and environmental factors. Armored cables are ruggedly constructed for high-stress environments that require mechanical protection.
- Shielded cables aim to prevent interference from external electromagnetic fields guaranteeing signal integrity in sensitive applications.
Different bending radius
Cables are designed to allow for smaller bending radii, with metal tape wrapped around a shield or steel wire. For armored cables, the diameter of the steel strip must be at least 12 times the outside diameter of the cable to maintain the structure and flexibility of the cable. Unarmored flexible cables or braided shielded cables require only at least 6 times the outside diameter. This flexibility makes shielded cables more suitable for applications that require greater flexibility and adaptability, while armored cables provide greater protection in more demanding environments.
Different applications
- Armored cables are typically used in industrial environments, construction sites and outdoor installations where they may be exposed to shock, abrasion or moisture.
- Shielded cables are primarily used in electronics and telecommunications where preventing signal degradation is critical. They are ideal for data centers, audio equipment and telecom lines.
In wrapping up our discussion on armored cables versus shielded cables, we can clearly see that both have their own unique advantages. Armored cables offer solid protection in harsh environments while shielded cables provide more reliable data transmission. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and environment. So whether you’re looking to protect against the elements or keep your signal clear, there’s a cable that will meet your project’s needs!
