Electromagnetic interference is a constant nuisance in industrial equipment. Unstable signals cause machine malfunctions, production line delays, and safety concerns. These problems are not only costly and time-consuming but also impact business. As a Chinese cable manufacturer, we’ve seen these situations countless times and know how to solve them for you.
What can we do for you?
Our shielded control cables use aluminum foil, braided mesh, and insulation layers for multiple layers of protection, blocking external interference and ensuring accurate signals. Whether you’re using PLC systems, robots, elevators, or medical equipment, we can:
Customize to your needs: Length, number of cores, temperature resistance, etc., are all customizable. Don’t settle for off-the-shelf solutions.
Durable and robust: Oil-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and durable through bending. Lasts for many years, reducing replacements and repairs and saving money.
Affordable pricing: Factory direct sales, no middlemen, helping you lower costs.
Comprehensive service: From technical support to after-sales service, a one-stop solution to ensure smooth project progress.
What is a shielded control cable? How does it differ from a regular control cable?
A shielded control cable is a cable specifically designed for control and signal transmission with an AC rated voltage of 450/750V and below. Its core feature is the addition of a metallic shielding layer outside the insulated conductors, suppressing external electromagnetic interference and preventing its own signal radiation.
Regular control cables (such as KVV and KVVR) are used only for general signal transmission and do not have a shielding layer, making them suitable for clean electromagnetic environments. Shielded cables (such as the KVVP series) have an added shielding structure after the “P” designation and are suitable for high-interference environments such as metallurgy, power, petrochemicals, rail transportation, and medical equipment.
Key differences:
Regular control cables: Unshielded, low cost, but susceptible to interference.
Shielded control cables: Contain an internal shielding layer (braided or foil), increasing interference resistance by several times to tens of times and providing higher signal integrity.
Shielded Control Cable Technical Parameter Table
| Serial Number | Project Name | unit | Parameter Indicators / Typical Values | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| one | Electrical performance | |||
| 1 | Rated voltage | Uo/U | 300/500V or 450/750V | Commonly used is 450/750V |
| 2 | DC resistance of conductor (20℃) | Ω/km | ≤ 18.1 (1.0mm²) ≤ 12.1 (1.5mm²) ≤ 9.5 (2.5mm²) | Compliant with GB/T 3956 standard |
| 3 | Insulation resistance | MΩ·km | ≥ 10 (PVC) ≥ 50 (XLPE) | Length ≥ 100m |
| 4 | Insulation withstand voltage | kV/5min | 2.0 (300/500V) 2.5 (450/750V) | Non-penetration |
| 5 | Shielding layer resistance | Ω/km | ≤ 100 (copper wire braid) ≤ 500 (copper strip wrapping) | It depends on the weave density. |
| two | Physical and mechanical properties | |||
| 6 | Long-term allowable operating temperature | ℃ | PVC: 70℃ XLPE/PE: 90℃ | Maximum temperature during short circuit: 160℃/250℃ |
| 7 | Minimum laying temperature | ℃ | Fixed installation: -40℃; Non-fixed installation: -15℃ | Avoid low-temperature brittleness |
| 8 | Minimum bending radius | D (outer diameter) | Unarmored: 6D steel belt; Armored: 12D | Prevent damage to internal structure |
| 9 | Tensile strength (long-term/short-term) | N/mm² | Long-term: 30 Short-term: 80 | Installation reference |
| three | Shielding structure | |||
| 10 | Shielding type | – | Braided copper wire, Foil-wrapped copper strip, Aluminum-plastic composite tape | Weaving has the best anti-interference effect |
| 11 | Shielding coverage | % | ≥ 85% (Superior Grade) ≥ 70% (Qualified Grade) | The higher the electromagnetic interference (EMI) immunity, the better. |
| 12 | Shielding lead-out method | – | Copper braided lead wire (Pigtail) Aluminum foil lead wire | Grounding terminal required |
| Four | Sheath and outer cover | |||
| 13 | Sheath material | – | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), PE (Polyethylene) , LSZH (Low Smoke Halogen-Free) | LSZH is used in subways/high-rise buildings. |
| 14 | Sheath color | – | Black, Grey, Blue, or custom | Black is the most common color, while blue is often used in instruments. |
| 15 | Sheath thickness | mm | Nominal thickness ±0.2mm (e.g., 1.8mm) | Depends on cable outer diameter |
| five | Special features (optional) | |||
| 16 | Flame retardant properties | – | Class A, Class B, and Class C (IEC 60332) | Bundle Combustion Test |
| 17 | Fire resistance properties | – | Class A and Class B (IEC 60331) | Maintain electrical flow in the flame for 90/120 minutes |
| 18 | Oil-resistant/acid and alkali-resistant | – | Compliant with relevant industry standards | For use in chemical plants/oil-contaminated environments |
Shielding types and application scenarios
| Shielding type | Structural features | advantage | shortcoming | Recommended Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braided copper wire shielding | It uses fine copper wires woven in a cross pattern, with a coverage rate typically between 70% and 95%. | Excellent mechanical strength and good low-frequency protection. | High cost and complex production process | Frequently moving robotic arms, heavy industrial environments |
| Aluminum foil shielding (Foil) | Aluminum foil Mylar tape wrapping, 100% coverage | Low cost and excellent high-frequency protection. | Easily broken, low mechanical strength | Fixed installation, inside the electronic cabinet |
| Double shielding (Foil + Braid) | Aluminum foil and copper wire braiding | Covers all frequency bands of interference, providing the strongest protection. | Expensive, with a thicker outer diameter | Extremely high precision instruments, highly interfering mining areas |
Comparison table of common shielded control cable models and their meanings
| model | Full name/meaning | Shielding type | Applicable Scenarios | standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYCY | European standard shielded control cable | Copper braided shielding | European industrial standards application | DIN/IEC |
| LIYCY | European standard shielded instrument cables | Copper braided shielding | Instrument signal transmission | DIN/IEC |
| CY | European standard shielded control cable basic model | Copper braided shielding | General Industrial Control | DIN/IEC |
| SY | European standard shielded instrument cable base model | Copper braided shielding | Instrument Connection | DIN/IEC |
| KVVP | Copper core PVC insulated PVC sheathed braided shielded control cable | Braided shielding | General industrial control and monitoring circuits | GB/T 9330 |
| KVVP2 | Copper core, PVC insulated, PVC sheathed, copper tape shielded control cable | Copper tape shielding | Strong electromagnetic interference environment, weak current system | GB/T 9330 |
| KVVRP | Copper core PVC insulated PVC sheathed braided shielded flexible control cable | Braided shielding | Mobile devices, frequent bending applications | GB/T 9330 |
| KVVP2-22 | Copper core, PVC insulated, PVC sheathed, copper tape shielded, steel tape armored control cable | Copper strip shielding + armor | Direct burial, large mechanical stress environment | GB/T 9330 |
| ZR-KVVP | Flame-retardant copper core PVC insulated PVC sheathed braided shielded control cable | Braided shielding | Locations requiring flame retardancy | GB/T 9330 |
| NH-KVVP | Fire-resistant copper core PVC insulated PVC sheathed braided shielded control cable | Braided shielding | Fire protection and emergency systems | GB/T 9330 |
| WDZ-KVVP | Halogen-free, low-smoke, flame-retardant copper core, PVC insulated, PVC sheathed, braided shielded control cable | Braided shielding | Densely populated areas with high environmental protection requirements | GB/T 9330 |
| RVVP | Copper core PVC insulated PVC sheathed braided shielded flexible cable | Braided shielding | Signal transmission, instrument connection | GB/T 9330 |
How to choose the right model? 5 quick decision steps
1. Assess the electromagnetic environment: Select combined shielding for high interference; select braided shielding for general interference.
2. Determine flexibility requirements: Select KVVP for fixed installations; select KVVRP or highly flexible PUR sheath for frequent relocation.
3. Consider environmental factors: Select XLPE or fluoroplastics for high temperatures; select oil-resistant sheaths for oil/chemical contamination; select UV-resistant types for outdoor applications.
4. Voltage and core count: Control signals are typically 0.75-2.5mm², select the core count based on the number of circuits (leaving a 20% margin).
5. Budget and certification: Select UL/CE for export projects; select ZR-prefix for flame-retardant applications; prioritize reputable manufacturers for large projects (type test reports can be provided).
FAQ
Q1: Must shielded control cables be grounded?
A: Yes! Without grounding or with poor grounding, the shielding effect will decrease by more than 90%.
Q2: What is the difference between KVVP and RVVP?
A: KVVP is a standard control cable (more cores, larger cross-section); RVVP is a flexible cable (small cross-section for household/low-voltage applications).
Q3: Is copper braid or aluminum foil better for the shielding layer?
A: It depends on the frequency: copper braid for low frequencies, aluminum foil for high frequencies, and a combination for all frequencies.
Q4: How much does it cost?
A: Standard KVVP 4×1.5 costs approximately 8-15 RMB/meter, depending on specifications and brand. It is recommended to compare prices from at least 3 manufacturers.
Q5: Must the shielding layer be made of copper? Can aluminum be used?
A: Copper is the best conductor. Aluminum’s shielding effect is only 1/3 that of copper and it is prone to oxidation and breakage; it is only recommended for non-critical temporary circuits.