The rise of complexity in contemporary electrical technologies, and the ever-increasing distance that signals need to travel, have intensified electrical interference in cables and have caused business disruptions. As a result, cable manufacturers have opted to shield their cables.

Different cable shielding types have different applications so it is important to ensure you work with a managed services provider that can assess exactly what needs to be done to protect your business and time.

Purpose of Cable Shielding

Proper shielding is crucial for many applications. It protects cable components from physical damage and effectively blocks the unwanted interference we discussed above, safeguarding signal integrity.

When using unshielded cables, electromagnetic interference (EMI) poses a significant threat, especially in small signal or high-frequency applications where even minor variations can have a substantial impact. Shield quality is paramount in these scenarios.

All electrical cables emit and absorb energy from their surroundings. Effective shielding contains this electromagnetic energy, protecting nearby sensitive components.

Electrical Magnetic Interference (EMI) & Business Disruption

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is when electrical devices interfere with each other through electromagnetic waves. Those with interference issues experience:

Bad phone reception: Your phone call might get fuzzy or drop out.

Wi-Fi issues: Your internet connection might slow down or disconnect.

Static on radio/TV: You might hear static on your radio or see flickering on your office TV.

Malfunctioning devices: Devices like hearing aids or medical equipment might not work properly.

Basically, EMI is like unwanted noise that messes with how your devices communicate or function. Bad phone reception and Wi-Fi issues directly impact business operations – if you are experiencing any of the above, reach out to CTA today.

Types of Shielded Cables

shielded-cable-example

The primary function of a cable shield is to minimize the escape of signals from cables and limit external disruption.

1. Foil

Foil shields utilize a thin coating of aluminum or copper with a laminate material, preferably polyester, to enclose a cable and boost the cable’s longevity. A foil shield has one conductive side and a laminate side. For proper shield grounding, the drain wire should be in touch with the metallic surface of the shield.

Foil shielding boasts many perks. First, foil shielding provides complete coverage and can withstand high-frequency Radio Frequency Interference applications. Therefore, these cable shields are most prevalent in coaxial and electronic cables. Also, this cable shielding is lightweight and relatively cheap. Finally, this type of cable shielding is quick and easy to produce.

Keep in mind, that foil shields feature fragile elements. As a result, the shielding may not be durable and can be difficult to work with.

2. Braided

Braided shielding encloses an assembly of shielded cables with a densely woven mesh of thin copper wires or tin. The braid-like arrangement provides a low-resistance route to the ground. Electrical wire connection businesses largely use this type of cable shielding to insulate cables against high-frequency electromagnetic interference.

The efficiency of this shielding variant corresponds to the tightness of the braid and the amount of braid cover on the wire. The more the braid coverage, the longer it takes to produce, increasing the production cost. Nonetheless, braid shielding producers often supplement this cable shielding with foils to improve shield coverage.

The braided nature of this cable shielding keeps it structurally robust and flexible. However, braided shielding is hefty and may not be appropriate for tiny spaces. The bulk and weight of this shielding make it relatively expensive. Braided shielding is also more difficult to terminate than foil shielding.

3. Tape

Tape shielding is a lightweight shielding that offers coverage over cable conductors. This shielding consists of various materials, most commonly a mix of bronze, copper, and aluminum, with a laminate. The shielding features a drain wire that is required for easy termination.

Tape shielding offers similar qualities to foil shielding. The primary distinction between the two cable shielding types is that foil shielding is always aluminum. While tape shielding is usually a component of the standard cable structure supplied by the producer, it can be a DIY project.

4. Spiral

Spiral shielding contains individual small-gauge copper strands winding parallel around the cable’s core. This cable shielding variant is basic yet helpful in a range of applications. Since the copper wires are wound very tightly and consistently in one direction, the shielding obtains nearly total coverage, efficiently combating electromagnetic interference.

Thanks to the many individual wires, spiral shields offer high flexibility. The key distinction of a spiral shield is the minimal looping tendency when laying the cable. Spiral shields are easy to terminate, but they are relatively inductive because the wires wind around the cable.

This shielding variant is commonly used in retractile cord cables, microphones, and audio cables where exceptional flexibility and prolonged life are necessary. Spiral shields are most effective when used in the audio frequency range.

Experiencing Business Interruptions? Talk with CTA Today

The various cable shielding variant you need depends on the application. You should consult with a cabling expert to determine the shielding type that suits your needs.

We won’t overwhelm you with tech jargon – the goal is to keep your business operating smoothly through managed technology services. Our recommendations are based on real-world situations and decades of experience. For more information on cable shielding and solutions to keep your business running, contact the experts at CTA.