Multiconductor Electronic Cables
Multiconductor electronic cables are popular indoors and outdoors, and they power many of the most commonly used items in our lives. They are composed of multiple lead wires and an overall jacket that offers protection and cleanliness for the application at hand. A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cable is the cheapest, most basic version of a multi-conductor cable, but there are many others for specific installations.
Types of Multiconductor Cables
We carry several different types of multiconductor cables at WesBell Electronics.
Unshielded Cable
As the name implies, unshielded cables don’t include any additional shielding such as aluminum foil. Shielding is a method used to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), and unshielded cables accomplish this by twisting the wires within the cable in a certain way. They are typically more flexible and lightweight than shielded cables.
Shielded Cable
Shielded cables use a variety of methods to keep electrical signals moving steadily. These methods might include things like copper tape or a layer of aluminum just beneath the jacket through foiling, screening and braiding. Shielded cables are a bit thicker than unshielded cables, making them a little less flexible. Common applications include those where nearby equipment can cause EMI and degrade the signal.
Speaker Wire
The name gives a lot away — speaker wire is used to connect speakers and amplifiers. It is typically a low-voltage cable made of copper or silver and may involve a coating of aluminum or silver to resist corrosion. It usually features two or more conductors and plastic insulation, such as PVC or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) materials. Speaker wire aims to offer extremely low levels of resistance, capacitance and inductance.
Thermostat Wire
Thermostat cables are designed for — you guessed it — thermostats. They are color-coded to connect to the different components of a home’s heating and cooling system. These cables utilize solid copper conductors with PVC insulation and come in several different sizes.
Fire Alarm Wire
Another type of specialty wire is fire alarm wire, which can vary quite a bit based on its environment. There are a few different types, and they can be shielded or unshielded, but they typically feature a bright red jacket for easy identification by electricians and other building professionals.
Multiconductor Cables From WesBell Electronics
The experts at WesBell are well-versed in multiconductor cables and know what it takes to meet the needs of a wide variety of projects. We also offer a range of wire processing services like twisting and striping that can save you time and help you get right to work when your wire arrives.
Click the links above to explore the different types of multiconductor cables we have to offer, or reach out to us to learn more or get assistance with wire selection!