At Precision Manufacturing Company Inc., we manufacture high-quality wire harnesses and assemble electrical-mechanical systems. One of our core services is building harnesses and cables that meet the unique needs of our customers. Wires are the individual conductors that can transmit signals or power, and cables are the assemblies with insulative layers and sheath jackets that protect the wires.
Types of Electrical Cables and Wires
Coaxial Cables
Coaxial cables usually have four layers with a common axis. In the center is a conductor, which is surrounded by an insulative layer (the second layer), a metallic shield (the third layer), and another plastic insulative layer (the fourth layer). The metallic shield layer helps reduce interference.
Applications: These cables can transmit high-frequency signals for cable television and other information transmission systems.
Twisted Pair Cables
Twisted pair cables often have two wires twisting around each other to form a tightly wound pair. This formation mitigates the risk of electromagnetic interference. They come in two main varieties: unshielded twisted pair cables and shielded twisted pair cables. The customer states the number of twist per inch.
Applications: Twisted pair cables are used in telephone and Ethernet networks.
Shielded Cables
These cables have a shield, or a metallic layer, that protects the conductor. The shield is often made from aluminum or copper and can be either a foil or a braided shield. The shield helps the cable provide consistent transmission regardless of interference or electrical noise.
Applications: Shielded cables are commonly used for power cables.
Unshielded Cables
Unshielded cables include any cable systems that don’t have a protective foil or braid of metal. They don’t have the built-in protection against noise or interference. Unshielded twisted pair cables, for example, are still wires twisted together but lack the foil covering under the assembly’s protective jacket.
Single/Discrete Conductor Wire
A single conductor wire is simply a conductive wire, without any shield. They come in a range of sizes and classifications.
Two common types are:
- Single Stranded: These wires are usually made from copper multiple thin strands of wiring in a protective jacket. They are flexible and easy to twist or bend.
- Single Solid: This wiring type is usually made from a single copper strand. Low-gauge single solid wires are very thick and stiff.
Applications: Single conductor wires are popular for residential wiring applications, such as lighting and sockets.
Multiconductor
These cables have multiple wires, each housed in a separate insulative sheath before they are all put into one jacket. This style makes it convenient to work with electrical systems that have multiple individual wires, or connections that use a single point and connectors with multiple pins.
Applications: Multiconductor cables are used in audio systems and many original powered equipment.
Paired Cable
Paired cables have two insulated wires inside a single insulation cover or jacket.
Applications: Paired cables are ideal for DC applications. They can also be used in some low-powered AC applications.
Ribbon Cable (Flat Ribbon Cable)
Rather than a rounded collection of wires, ribbon cables hold multiple wires in flat, rows. This makes the cable flexible and able to fit in thin openings.
Applications: Ribbon cables are used in such applications as medical devices and transmission from computer boards.
Choose PMCI Today
The wires and cables we manufacture provide unique value in a broad range of applications and environments. Contact our team today for help finding the right electronic equipment for your organization or facility. You can also request a quote online to learn more details about pricing.
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