The Different Types of Multiconductor Cables and Their ...

Jun. 24, 2024

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The Different Types of Multiconductor Cables and Their ...

Multiconductor cables are integral in conducting electricity, as they transfer power and signals to electrical appliances and technology devices. These functional cables are likely present in every room within a house and even extend to the outdoors, enabling exterior lighting and irrigation systems to work.

Due to the popularity of multiconductor and portable cables, you need to know how to identify the different types, including SJOOW vs SOOW and Type G so you can figure out how and where to use them.

What Are Multiconductor Cables?

Multiconductor cables, also called multi-core cables, have each conductor covered by an insulating jacket that gives it certain protective properties, such as heat, moisture, and chemical resistance. They are fairly flexible and easy to solder.

In addition, multiconductor cables come in various American Wire Gauge (AWG) sizes, with specifications and standards to support safe installations in many different applications. They typically handle between 300 and 600 volts and are rated for maximum temperatures of 90-105°C.

Multiconductor wire can have treatments such as tin coatings or annealing that offer greater functionality in specific environments.

Understanding Multiconductor Cables

Since multiconductor wire can pose electrical hazards, professional skills and expertise are usually required when handling it. Whether you're installing it, buying it, or simply using products that use it, it's still helpful to know basic information about these cables and how to use them.

All our portable devices run perfectly because of the presence of these electrical wires and cables. We can use mobile phones, laptops, and tablets because people possess extensive knowledge of wires and cables, which allows them to integrate portable power supplies and complicated circuitry. This also applies to equipment like cars and lawnmowers.

Inside the house, you'll also find many uses and purposes for multiconductor cables. From the porch and living room to the bedroom and bathroom, wires and cables make the entire house run. We get to enjoy all the comforts of modern living thanks to the connections from these wires and cables. The ability to prepare food, watch our favorite shows and do countless other things around our homes is all thanks to multiconductor cables in their correct places.

Because of how pervasive they are, it is important to know or be familiar with the different types of cables and wires that we use. The most common is the power cable or extension cord. People use this type of cable to plug multiple devices into one wall socket or a device with a short cable, such as a hairdryer. We also use electronic ones to connect two or more devices. For instance, if you have an alarm system at home, it is also activated through this type of cable.

Types of Multiconductor Cables

Knowing the different types of multiconductor cables and their applications is essential to ensure you use the correct type of multiconductor wire for each project. This knowledge is also helpful even if we aren't doing the job.

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When a maintenance specialist comes in to do some odd jobs, knowing a few important things about the wires can help them decide whether buying a specific brand over another would be more practical. This information would also be helpful during emergencies, which would take a long time before help arrives. Basic knowledge about wires and cables helps you handle certain emergency conditions independently.

Here is a brief overview of the five main multiconductor cable categories:

Unshielded cables: As the name suggests, this is a cable type without shielding. It provides a cost-effective approach to limiting signal interference while offering greater flexibility. Since there's no shield, the wire is much thinner and can bend more easily, making it ideal for a wide range of indoor networking systems. Some typical applications include burglar alarms, intercom systems and cash registers.
Shielded cables: This cable type consists of copper multiconductor wire surrounded by a material layer, such as braided copper strands, aluminum foil or some kind of polymer. It effectively keeps electromagnetic interference out and retains the signal's integrity through the cable. High-speed data transmission, computer connections, control circuits and industrial equipment all rely on shielded cables.
Fire alarm cables: There are various types of fire alarm cables, but one thing they all have in common is their durability. These cables consist of copper to withstand fire and play a crucial role in connecting control panels, detectors, alarms and more in one system.
Thermostat wires: Temperature control systems ' such as furnaces and air conditioning systems ' require thermostat wires to ensure the conditions stay within the certified ranges. These multiconductor wires are distinguishable by colors and numbers, so working with a professional is best to ensure seamless repairs and installations.
Speaker wires: While all home entertainment systems likely contain speaker wires, these multiconductor cables differ vastly. Thicker variants offer lower resistance, allowing signals to move through the cables and produce optimal sound quality.

Types of Multiconductor Portable Cord

There are numerous types of multiconductor portable cords on the market, but they serve very different functions. See how their properties compare so you can select the best one for your application:

SJOOW Cable (300-volt): These portable cables are oil-, water- and weather-resistant, making them durable in challenging environments. With a smaller 300 voltage, SJOOW cables are ideal for smaller applications, such as powering household appliances and portable tools.
SOOW Cable (600-volt): Professionals rely on these durable cables for heavy-duty applications, like battery chargers, industrial tools and heavy equipment. SOOW cables are available in 2 to 18 AWG sizes, enabling you to find the perfect width for your indoor and outdoor applications.
Type W: If you need a versatile cable for a range of heavy-duty environments, Type W cables are your solution. The entertainment industry relies on these cables extensively to support different types of portable power in both temporary and permanent applications.
Type G and G-GC: An essential part of many applications is grounding, and Type G and G-GC cables offer this ability. These cords are similar to SOOW cables, yet they have a small grounding wire for each conductor.

Wire and Cable Solutions ' How WesBell Electronics Can Help

If you're looking for PVC wire, consider our hook-up wire. Our PTFE wire offers an effective solution if your application involves high temperatures. If you don't see the cable you need, we are happy to help ' just contact the professional team at WesBell Electronics and walk us through your project. We'll help you find the cable or conductor type that offers the best balance of price and performance.

Top 10 Things to Know before Buying a Portable Battery ...

We have arrived in an era where our smartphones and laptops have become an essential for everyday life. Our smartphones have not only become a means for communication but also a medium of entertainment and a daily resource for useful apps that make life just plain easier. Being the multitasking, multi-functioning machines that they are comes the much dreaded battery drain. You may be in the middle of a very important work activity on your smartphone, tablet or laptop, and there goes your screen blacking out and all the progress goes to waste while you scramble to find an AC outlet. That's why a portable battery pack is your gadget's best friend. Here are some factors to consider in buying your very handy lifesaver:

Power Capacity/mAh

The power capacity is measured in milliAmpere Hour or mAh. There are portable battery packs out there that packs up power of up to 24,000 mAh that can juice up multiple devices at the same time, or power your smartphone multiple times over. While you can get one with a lower power capacity, considering buying a higher capacity battery pack that can power up numerous devices and even minor appliances may be a better idea and will be more beneficial and cost effective. One product that stands out from the rest would be PLUG (insert hyperlink for PLUG) from ChargeTech. It boasts of 48,000 mAh power capacity and has two AC outlet plugs that can power up any electronic device up to 250W.

Durability

You may need a portable battery pack from simply powering your smartphone/tablets for your mundane daily activities to powering your laptops for work. Considering the vast usage of your devices daily, taking into account the power capacity of a battery pack to be sure it's sufficient should be on the top of your list.The power capacity is measured in milliAmpere Hour or mAh. There are portable battery packs out there that packs up power of up to 24,000 mAh that can juice up multiple devices at the same time, or power your smartphone multiple times over. While you can get one with a lower power capacity, considering buying a higher capacity battery pack that can power up numerous devices and even minor appliances may be a better idea and will be more beneficial and cost effective. One product that stands out from the rest would be PLUG (insert hyperlink for PLUG) from ChargeTech. It boasts of 48,000 mAh power capacity and has two AC outlet plugs that can power up any electronic device up to 250W.

There may be hundreds of portable battery packs in the market today, but few may just stand the test of time and usage.

Ports

Naturally, if you are using multiple devices, it is best to purchase a portable battery pack that has sufficient number of ports across the number of your devices. Purchasing a portable battery pack or a power bank that has less than the ideal ports would not be beneficial for you.

As with any functioning electronic device, durability should also be a priority. The type of material and the manufacturer in this regard is very important. Buying from a reputable company that is focused on creating quality products would also help give you the guarantee that you will be acquiring a reliable product.Naturally, if you are using multiple devices, it is best to purchase a portable battery pack that has sufficient number of ports across the number of your devices. Purchasing a portable battery pack or a power bank that has less than the ideal ports would not be beneficial for you.

Size

Although most of the portable battery packs today are generally small and very convenient to bring, this is still a factor that you can include in your considerations. Generally, the higher the capacity, the bigger the portable battery pack will be. For some, this is not an issue as the main objective of buying a battery pack is to power up as many times and as many device as possible. However, some do lean on getting the pocket friendly versions that can easily fit on a jean pocket or a small carry-on.

Input Current

Another factor to consider is how long it would take to top up the charge and this is determined by the portable battery pack's input current. Majority of the battery packs accept between 0.8A and 1.5A, with the higher currents typically found on the higher power capacity ones. If you come across two seemingly identical battery packs and both are in the same price range, this little detail could be your deciding piece.

Safety

With all the exploding battery problems that surrounded the Samsung Note 7, one may beg to ask, is it really safe to own a portable battery pack? Though there are very few instances of portable battery pack explosions, buying from a reputable and esteemed charging solution company is a must. They offer well-made batteries that have safety features built into the battery itself to avoid overcharging and overheating which is why exploding batteries are relatively rare.

Cables

Portable battery packs usually come with connecting cables. Since they all function off the USB ports, you can easily use the charging cables you already own. If they do come with connecting cables, it's best to check that the cable inclusions suit your needs. Ideally for iOS users, you can also look into if the lightning cable connector that comes with it is MFI certified. You could also check out the cable lengths as some do offer different lengths of cables.

Desgin

To some the design is a minor aspect of the decision making, but it is more often than not that you will choose an aesthetically pleasing device. You wouldn't really want an unpleasant-looking piece of furniture or gadget in tow regularly. Color is also a factor as normally there are color choices available for the different models available in the market.

Price

The price of the power bank may be the make or break deciding factor in your purchase. Cheaper portable battery packs may tend to easily break or do not have after-sales service to offer. So if you're going to buy something that will be powering up your expensive devices, you might as well consider investing in a pricier alternative ' something that you will be satisfied in the long run.

Brand

As with the other factors to consider, brand is crucial. You do not want to buy a portable battery pack that will cause you further problems along the road. Sticking with a brand who is a pioneer in the charging industry should always be amongst your choices - a brand that has a proven track record of providing the best charging solutions.

Do remember that owning a portable battery pack does not only mean you get to power up your devices on the go as some even offer ones that have AC outlets to power up any equipment/appliance that needs an AC. Surely, investing in a sturdy and highly powered battery pack from a reputable brand has its lifetime advantages.

Want more information on Type W Portable Power Cables? Feel free to contact us.