4 Core CY Control Cable – Shielded Flexibility for Automated Environments
In automated production lines, signal distortion isn’t a minor annoyance. It causes unscheduled downtime, corrupts sensor data, and forces engineers into expensive fault tracing. This 4 Core CY control cable applies a tinned copper braid shield and a robust PVC sheath to keep low-voltage control signals intact. The result is predictable machine behaviour and fewer interventions on the factory floor.
Why This Cable Construction Reduces Field Failures
Tinned copper braid shield covers 85% optical coverage.
Advantage: High-frequency electromagnetic interference is diverted to ground before it reaches the conductor.
Benefit: Variable frequency drive (VFD) noise and crosstalk from adjacent power cables no longer degrade your control signals. Production uptime increases because spurious PLC trips disappear.
4-core configuration with black cores and continuous white numbering.
Advantage: Each conductor is immediately identifiable, even after repeated flexing or in poorly lit cabinets.
Benefit: Panel builders and service technicians terminate faster and make fewer wiring mistakes. Commissioning time drops noticeably across multi-machine deployments.
Class 5 flexible plain copper conductor.
Advantage: The fine-wire stranding handles vibration and constant motion without work-hardening and snapping at termination points.
Benefit: Cable drag chains and moving machine heads see longer replacement intervals. Your maintenance budget shifts from reactive repairs to scheduled PMs.
PVC insulation and jacket rated to meet CE low-voltage requirements.
Advantage: The material resists mineral oils, many cutting fluids, and mild acids found in manufacturing environments.
Benefit: Cable life in harsh enclosures extends beyond generic unrated alternatives. Fewer line stoppages for cable replacement directly impact OEE targets.
Grey outer sheath with UV-stabilised formulation.
Advantage: Sunlight exposure on outdoor sections of conveyors or rooftop sensor runs won’t embrittle the jacket prematurely.
Benefit: One cable specification covers both indoor and covered outdoor segments, reducing purchasing SKUs and inventory carrying costs.
Technical Specifications & Dimensions
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of cores | 4 |
| Conductor material | Plain copper, Class 5 flexible |
| Conductor cross-section (typical) | 0.75 mm² – 2.5 mm² |
| Core insulation | PVC (TI1) |
| Core identification | Black cores with white printed numbers |
| Shielding | Tinned copper braid, ~85% coverage |
| Inner sheath | PVC |
| Outer sheath | PVC, grey (RAL 7001 similar) |
| Rated voltage U₀/U | 300/500 V |
| Test voltage | 4 kV |
| Temperature range, flexible | -5 °C to +70 °C |
| Temperature range, fixed | -30 °C to +80 °C |
| Minimum bending radius | 10 x cable diameter |
| Flame retardance | IEC 60332-1-2 |
| Oil resistance | Moderate, suitable for light machine oils |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS |
Industry Applications & Scenario Validation
- Factory automation panels and cabinet wiring. The shield attenuates noise generated by contactors and inverters sharing the same enclosure. Control loops remain stable.
- Machine tool interfaces. Frequent movement and splash oil exposure demand a cable that bends tightly and resists chemical degradation. This CY construction serves that exact profile.
- Conveyor and sorting systems. Long parallel cable runs alongside power feeders inevitably pick up induced voltages. The braid drain wire simplifies grounding and keeps sensor outputs clean across metres of track.
- HVAC and pumping stations. Replacing unshielded cables with this 4 Core CY variant resolves erratic pressure transducer readings caused by pump VSD harmonics. Retrofits require no pathway changes.
- Test and measurement setups. When technicians route signals between DUTs and DAQ systems, a shielded, numbered 4-core cable standardises connections and rejects lab noise. Repeatable data quality improves immediately.
International Compliance & QA Standards
- ✅ CE marking under the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
- ✅ RoHS compliant (2011/65/EU and amendments)
- ✅ Flame propagation test per IEC 60332-1-2
- ✅ Conductor construction according to IEC 60228 Class 5
- ✅ Manufactured in an ISO 9001-certified facility
- ✅ Routine factory spark and voltage testing on every production lot
FAQ
Can this cable be used for outdoor installation without conduit?
It can serve covered outdoor routes. The grey PVC jacket includes UV stabilisers that slow sunlight ageing, but the cable is not designed for direct burial or permanent water immersion. For exposed outdoor runs, we recommend adding a suitable cable tray or conduit to maximise service life.
Does the shield require earthing at both ends?
Single-end earthing is standard for low-frequency analog and digital control signals to avoid ground loop currents. For high-frequency noise environments, double-end bonding through capacitors or hybrid grounding schemes can be applied. Always follow your system integrator’s EMC earthing concept.
What if my project needs a non-standard core count or colour code?
Custom configurations are available. We regularly supply variants with numbered cores from 2 to 24, alternative colour codes (white/yellow/blue, etc.), and different jacket materials. Provide your bill of materials or wiring schedule, and we will match production within standard lead times.
Ready to specify the 4 Core CY Shielded Control Cable for your next automation build or site retrofit? Send your core size, length, and quantity requirements to our engineering desk. We return a firm quotation with compliance datasheets and a realistic delivery timeline.