Understanding Cables: Types, Construction, and Selection Guide

What is a Cable?

A cable is an assembly of two or more electrical conductors, typically insulated and bundled together to transmit power or signals. Cables are vital in:

Building wiring systems
Industrial power distribution
Food processing plant automation
Control and instrumentation setups

Main Components of a Power Cable

1. Conductor

Material: Copper or Aluminium
Type: Solid or stranded (e.g., 7, 19, 37, 61 strands)
Designation: Shown as 7/A, 19/B, etc., where A, B indicates strand diameter

2. Insulator

Common insulating materials:

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Impregnated Paper
Butyl Rubber
Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE)

Key Properties of Good Insulation:

High resistance and dielectric strength
Low power factor and thermal resistance
High mechanical strength and heat endurance

3. Inner Sheath

Protects against moisture
Common material: Aluminium or Lead alloy
Used in underground cable installations in food manufacturing zones

4. Armouring

Reinforced with galvanized steel wire
Offers mechanical protection during underground or heavy-duty installation

5. Oversheath

Made from thermoplastic materials
Shields the cable from dirt, moisture, corrosion, and physical damage

Types of Cable

1. Ribbon Electric Cable

Multiple insulated wires in parallel
Used in data transmission, connecting CPUs to motherboards
Suitable for food automation controls

2. Shielded Cables

Braided/aluminium foil shielding
Reduces electromagnetic interference
Ideal for sensitive instrumentation in food labs

3. Coaxial Cable

Solid copper/steel conductor with metallic shielding
Used in high-speed networking, CCTV, audio-visual systems

4.Twisted Pair Cables

Color-coded twisted copper wires
Used in telephone lines, networking, sensor signals

5.Fiber Optical Cable

Transmits data via light
High bandwidth, EMI-resistant
Essential for high-speed communication systems in food industry automation

6.Instrumentation Cable

Flexible, shielded
Transmits control signals in automated food processing plants
Withstands electromagnetic interference

7.Underground Cable

Used in areas unsuitable for overhead wiring
Multi-core, moisture-resistant
Common in urban food plant facilities

Selection of Cable

When selecting a cable for food processing factories or engineering facilities, consider:

System Voltage
Current Carrying Capacity
Permissible Voltage Drop
Short Circuit Rating

Choosing the right cable ensures:

Electrical safety
Operational continuity
Compliance with FSSAI, IEC, and other food industry standards

Conclusion

The proper selection and installation of electrical cables are critical in food industry consulting, process plant design, and engineering services. Whether it’s for control systems, power transmission, or data flow, understanding cable types and specifications helps in building safer, smarter, and more reliable food factories.

References

1. https://www.systemswire.com/electrical-cable-types/

2. https://instrumentationtools.com/types-of-cables/