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Types of Cables - A Complete Guide

Types of Cables - A Complete Guide

Vishal kumarUpdated on 02 Jul 2025, 05:02 PM IST

Types Of Cables

Cable is that the medium through which data/information usually transfer from one network device to another. In this article we will discuss about, what is cable? or definition of cable. What are different types of Cables and Wires? What are different types of network cable, electrical cables and computer cables? What are types of electrical wiring with its chart? difference between wire and cable. Which type of cable is used for underground service connection? So let’s see,

Types Of Cables

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What are the main types of cables used in electrical circuits?
A:
The main types of cables used in electrical circuits are coaxial cables, twisted pair cables, and fiber optic cables. Each type has unique properties and applications. Coaxial cables are used for high-frequency signal transmission, twisted pair cables are common in computer networks, and fiber optic cables use light for data transmission over long distances.
Q: Why are twisted pair cables used in computer networks?
A:
Twisted pair cables are used in computer networks because the twisting of the wire pairs reduces electromagnetic interference and crosstalk between adjacent pairs. This design allows for reliable data transmission over short to medium distances, making them ideal for local area networks (LANs) and telephone systems.
Q: How does the bandwidth of coaxial cables compare to twisted pair cables?
A:
Coaxial cables generally have higher bandwidth than twisted pair cables. This means they can carry more data per second, making them suitable for applications that require high-speed data transmission, such as cable television and internet services. However, modern high-category twisted pair cables are closing this gap.
Q: Why are some cables categorized as "Cat 5," "Cat 6," etc.?
A:
The "Cat" (Category) system for cables, particularly twisted pair cables, indicates the cable's performance characteristics. Higher numbers generally mean better performance in terms of data transmission speed and frequency range. For example, Cat 6 cables can handle higher frequencies and data rates than Cat 5 cables, making them suitable for faster network connections.
Q: How do power cables differ from signal cables?
A:
Power cables are designed to carry high currents and voltages to supply electrical power, while signal cables are optimized for transmitting information with minimal distortion. Power cables typically have thicker conductors to handle higher currents and may have additional insulation for safety. Signal cables focus on maintaining signal integrity and often have features like shielding to reduce interference.

What is a cable?

Thick wire

Definition: A cable may be a thick wire, or a gaggle of wires inside a rubber or plastic covering, which is employed to hold electricity or electronic signals. The meaning of cable is “an insulated wire or wires having a safeguarding casing and applied for transmitting electricity or telecommunication signals”. The connection between your PC (computer) and your internet service provider is an example of a cable.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of impedance matching in cable systems?
A:
Impedance matching ensures that the impedance of the cable matches the impedance of the source and load devices. This is crucial because:
Q: What is the significance of cable shielding patterns like braided shield vs. foil shield?
A:
Cable shielding patterns affect the cable's ability to resist electromagnetic interference:
Q: What is the importance of proper cable termination, and how does it affect signal quality?
A:
Proper cable termination is crucial for maintaining signal integrity:
Q: What are the key differences between analog and digital signal transmission in cables?
A:
Analog and digital signal transmission differ in several ways:
Q: How do cables handle power and signal transmission simultaneously, as in Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
A:
Cables handling both power and signal, like in PoE, use specialized designs:

What is Electrical cable?

Definition: The cable that's used for the transmission and distribution of electric power is understood because the electric power cable. It’s used for the transmission of high voltages in places where overhead lines are impractical to use.

Construction of Cable

The power cable has three main components, namely, conductor, dielectric, and sheath. The conducting path for the present within the cable is provided by the conductor. The insulation or dielectric resist the service voltage and isolates the live conductor with other objects. The sheath doesn't allow the moistures to enter and protects the cables from all external influences like chemical or electrochemical attack and fire.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of cable jackets, and how do they differ for various applications?
A:
Cable jackets provide mechanical protection, electrical insulation, and environmental resistance. The material and design of the jacket vary depending on the cable's intended use. For example, outdoor cables may have UV-resistant jackets, while cables for industrial settings might have oil-resistant or flame-retardant jackets. The jacket also often carries important information about the cable's specifications and ratings.
Q: What is crosstalk in cable systems, and how is it minimized?
A:
Crosstalk is the unwanted coupling of signals between adjacent cable pairs or conductors. It can cause signal distortion and errors in data transmission. Crosstalk is minimized through techniques like twisting wire pairs (in twisted pair cables), using shielding, and maintaining proper cable separation. In fiber optic cables, crosstalk is virtually non-existent due to the use of light for signal transmission.
Q: How do cables contribute to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in electronic systems?
A:
Cables play a crucial role in electromagnetic compatibility by either containing electromagnetic emissions or resisting external interference. Proper shielding, grounding, and cable routing help prevent cables from acting as antennas that radiate or pick up unwanted electromagnetic energy. This is particularly important in complex electronic systems where multiple devices operate in close proximity.
Q: How do fiber optic cables maintain signal integrity over long distances?
A:
Fiber optic cables maintain signal integrity over long distances by using total internal reflection to guide light signals with minimal loss. The purity of the glass or plastic core, combined with advanced signal processing techniques, allows for data transmission over hundreds of kilometers without the need for signal regeneration. This is in contrast to electrical cables, which suffer from resistance-induced signal degradation over much shorter distances.
Q: How do cables handle electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI)?
A:
Cables handle EMI and RFI through various methods:

Types of Cable

Various different types of Cables are used everywhere for different applications. Not all cables perform the same and equal application. The function of a cable depends upon the different kinds of cable. Like Electrical cable, Power cables and Computer cables.

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Different types of Electrical cables:

The electrical cables are made up of aluminum or copper wires protected by an insulating coating which can be made up of synthetic polymers. So following are the types or electrical cable type list:

  1. Network cables: Network cables are used to connect different components in a networking system. It is also known as data communication type of cable. Based on the size and structure of the systems, different types of network cables are used. These are listed below,

  2. Coaxial Cables:

Coaxial Cables

This cable (also called coax) contains a conducting core, surrounded by another conducting layer. Both the layers are separated by a dielectric or insulator within the sort/kind of a coaxial cylinder. Shown in diagram

Coaxial Cables

The entire setup is given an outer jacket for cover. Coaxial cables are wont to transmit high-frequency signals with minimal energy loss in several devices like televisions, radio transmitters, antennas and lots of more.

  1. Twisted Pairs: Two cables are twisted in conjuction and color-coded. As compared to a pair of untwisted cables, the twisted one has less possibility of crosstalk or interference. These cables are utilized in Ethernet networking systems.

Twisted Pairs

There are two types of twisted pairs: Shielded twisted pair and unshielded twisted pair. The best example of twisted pair cables are this cables are utilize in telephone lines and low speed data cables.

  1. Optical Fibers: Fibers have glass cores surrounded by some protective layers. These cables use total internal reflection to transmit light and therefore have almost zero energy dissipation. Optical fiber has a core inside a cladding. The covering/casing is optically rarer than the core. The transmitting electromagnetic wave reflects in the core-cladding interface several times. Optical fibers can be classified further in two types, which are multi-mode fiber (short-range) and single-mode fiber (long-range).

  2. Patch Cable: Patch cables are used to connect or “patch” different devices/information.

  1. Internet Cables: Types of internet cables are also known as ethernet cables (shielded and twisted type). Ethernet cables attached to a computer or a game console to a modem. These cables transmit information across the internet. Some cables, called “cross-over cables” can attach with two devices.

  1. Power Cables: What is a power cable? Electrical Power cable assemblies are wont to transmit electric power. These are often used as permanent wiring in buildings. Power line types are cord, extension cable, twisted, shielded, extensible, communication cable, and lots of more. These are all the types of power cables. These cables are often used overhead or buried underground.

  2. Types of Computer Cables: Types of computer cables are power cable and data cable. Power cords are used in the charging of a computer or a laptop. Data cables can be of DVI, VGA, or HDMI types. Data cables are used to transfer multimedia from one device to another.

What type of cable is used for underground service connections?

Low tension 3 ½ core cable – This kind of cable is utilize or used for underground service connections.

Classification of Cables and colours

Different colors of wires are used for various purposes. In DC circuits, the colours are,

  • Red: Wires for positive current.

  • Black: Wires for negative current.

  • White or Grey: Ground wires.

For AC circuits (power 120/208/240 Volts),

  • Black: Phase 1 lines are colored black. These wires are for power generation.

  • Red: Phase 2 or transmission wires.

  • Blue: Phase 3 or power distribution wires.

  • White: Neutral wires.

  • Green or Green with Yellow Stripes: Ground wires.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of shielding in cables?
A:
Shielding in cables, such as the metallic layer in coaxial cables, helps to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). This protection ensures signal integrity, especially in environments with high electromagnetic noise, making shielded cables crucial for applications requiring clear, uninterrupted signal transmission.
Q: What is the difference between single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic cables?
A:
Single-mode fiber optic cables have a smaller core diameter and allow only one mode of light to propagate. This results in less signal degradation and is suitable for longer distances. Multi-mode cables have a larger core diameter, allowing multiple modes of light to travel, which is suitable for shorter distances but can handle higher bandwidths over those shorter spans.
Q: What is the advantage of using fiber optic cables over metal cables?
A:
Fiber optic cables use light signals instead of electrical signals, offering several advantages: they can transmit data over much longer distances without signal degradation, they're immune to electromagnetic interference, they have higher bandwidth capacity, and they're lighter and thinner than metal cables.
Q: How do fiber optic cables transmit information using light?
A:
Fiber optic cables contain thin strands of glass or plastic called optical fibers. Information is encoded into pulses of light, which are then sent through these fibers. The light signals bounce off the walls of the fiber due to total internal reflection, allowing the information to travel long distances with minimal loss.
Q: What is the purpose of the dielectric material in coaxial cables?
A:
The dielectric material in coaxial cables serves as an insulator between the central conductor and the outer metallic shield. It helps maintain the cable's electrical properties, reduces signal loss, and contributes to the cable's overall impedance. The choice of dielectric material affects the cable's performance characteristics.

What is a wire?

Definition: A wire may be a flexible metallic conductor, especially one made from copper, usually insulated, and wont to carry current during a circuit. ... A wire may be a flexible metallic conductor, especially one made from copper, usually insulated, and wont to carry current during a circuit.

Different types of wire:

  1. Rubber Wire/cable: It can be obtained from milky sap of tropical trees or from oil materials. Different types of wire:

It has dielectric capacity of 30 KV/mm. Susceptible todamage due to rough handling and ages to exposure light.

  1. Vulcanized India Rubber Wire (Moderate voltage cables): It can be made from mixing pure rubber with mineral compunds that is zinc oxide, red lead and sulphur and heated up to

150C.

Vulcanized India Rubber Wire

  1. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): This product has good dielectric strength, high insulation resistance and high melting temperatures. It is inert to oxygen and almost inert to many alkali and acids. PVC steel wire armored.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

  1. Mineral Insulated copper clad cable/wire: It is kind of electrical cable which is made by copper conductors in the copper sheath, insulated by inorganic magnesium oxide powder. The name is often abbreviated to MICC MI cable is made by internal copper rods inside a circular copper tube and filling

Mineral Insulated copper clad cable/wire:

the intervening spaces with dry periclase powder. the general assembly is then pressed between rollers to scale back its diameter. CTS cable full form is Cabe Tyre sheath wire. Up to seven conductors are frequently found in an MI cable. Here I show you, chart of electrical wire:

Illustration describing types of electrical wires. #electricity | Electrical wiring, Home electrical wiring, Electricity

Types of copper wire are:

  • Beryllium Copper wire.

  • Copper Alloy wire.

  • Copper Clad Aluminum wire.

  • Copper Clad Steel wire.

  • Copper Nickel & Nickel Plated Copper wire.

  • Oxygen-Free Highly Conductive Copper (OFHC) wire.

  • Titanium Clad Copper wire.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between stranded and solid conductor cables?
A:
Stranded conductor cables consist of multiple thin wire strands twisted together, while solid conductor cables use a single, thicker wire. Stranded cables are more flexible and resistant to breakage from repeated bending, making them ideal for applications requiring frequent movement. Solid conductor cables offer better electrical performance over longer distances and are often used in fixed installations.
Q: How does cable length affect signal quality in different types of cables?
A:
Cable length affects signal quality differently depending on the cable type. In copper cables (like coaxial and twisted pair), longer lengths increase resistance and capacitance, leading to signal attenuation and potential distortion, especially at higher frequencies. Fiber optic cables can maintain signal quality over much longer distances, but eventually, they too require signal regeneration for very long spans.
Q: How do different cable types affect data transmission speeds in computer networks?
A:
Different cable types affect data transmission speeds in computer networks as follows:
Q: How do fiber optic cables compare to copper cables in terms of bandwidth and signal loss?
A:
Fiber optic cables offer several advantages over copper cables:
Q: How do different insulation materials in cables affect their performance and applications?
A:
Insulation materials in cables significantly impact their characteristics:

Difference between Wire and cable

WireCable
Single conductorsMulti conductors
To bear mechanical loads, to gain electricity and telecommunications signals, heating, jewelry, clothing, mesh, automotive or industrial manufactured parts, pins, needles, fish hooks, bulbs.Power transmission, to gain electricity and telecommunications signals
Types of wires are Solid wire, and stranded wiresTypes of cable are Twisted pair cable, coaxial cable, multi conductor cable and fiber optic cable.
Its advantage is Solid wires are better for use in higher frequencies, offer low resistance. Stranded wire represents higher resistance to metal fatigue.Advantage of cable is Higher strength, heavy duty, insulated.

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NCERT Physics Notes:

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: How does a coaxial cable differ from a regular electrical wire?
A:
A coaxial cable consists of a central conductor surrounded by an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating jacket. This structure allows it to carry high-frequency signals with minimal interference. In contrast, a regular electrical wire typically has a single conductor with a simple insulating layer, making it more susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
Q: What is the significance of characteristic impedance in transmission lines?
A:
Characteristic impedance is a property of uniform transmission lines that describes the ratio of voltage to current for a wave propagating along the line. Matching the characteristic impedance of a cable to the source and load impedances is crucial for maximum power transfer and minimal signal reflection, especially in high-frequency applications like radio and television transmission.
Q: How does the impedance of a cable affect signal transmission?
A:
Impedance is the total opposition a cable offers to alternating current flow. Matching the impedance of the cable to the source and load impedances is crucial for maximum power transfer and minimal signal reflection. Mismatched impedances can lead to signal loss and distortion, especially in high-frequency applications.
Q: How do environmental factors affect the performance of different cable types?
A:
Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and electromagnetic interference can significantly impact cable performance. For example, extreme temperatures can affect the electrical properties of metal cables, while moisture can degrade signal quality in improperly sealed cables. Fiber optic cables are generally less affected by environmental factors but can be sensitive to physical stress and bending.
Q: Why are some cables referred to as "balanced" or "unbalanced"?
A:
Balanced cables, like twisted pair cables, use two conductors to carry the same signal with opposite polarity. This design helps cancel out common-mode noise and interference. Unbalanced cables, like coaxial cables, use a single conductor for the signal and a ground reference. Balanced cables are generally more resistant to interference but may be more complex and expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the challenges and solutions in cable design for high-frequency applications?
A:
High-frequency cable design faces several challenges:
Q: What is the difference between plenum and non-plenum rated cables?
A:
Plenum-rated cables are designed for use in the plenum spaces of buildings (areas used for air circulation in heating and air conditioning systems). These cables have special jackets that produce less smoke and fewer toxic fumes when burned, meeting strict fire safety standards. Non-plenum cables don't meet these standards and are used in less critical areas where fire safety requirements are less stringent.
Q: What is the role of velocity factor in cable performance, and how does it differ between cable types?
A:
Velocity factor is the speed at which a signal travels through a cable compared to its speed in vacuum:
Q: How do different cable designs address the issue of signal reflection and standing waves?
A:
Cable designs address signal reflection and standing waves through:
Q: How do environmental factors like temperature and humidity affect different types of cables?
A:
Environmental factors impact cables in various ways:
Q: What are the key considerations in choosing between solid core and stranded cables?
A:
Choosing between solid core and stranded cables involves several factors:
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