Cable Terminology

The maximum voltage (DC or AC – according to the specified values) that may be applied between the centre conductor(s) and

• the environment for unshielded cable or
• the shield for shielded or X-Ray cable or
• the inner shield for triaxial cable or
• the chassis part for single pole connectors (only when plug and receptacle are mated).

For X-Ray, triaxial and multiconductor cable additional relations may apply for the additional conductors.

In case of applied AC voltage the term AC refers to sinusoidal RMS voltage at 50/60Hz. AC voltages of higher frequency or pulsed voltages must be examined individually. Cables without AC voltage specification must not be operated with AC voltage applied.

Operation of unshielded cables at AC voltages requires careful tests and long term qualification for the specific application. Suitable means regarding partial discharge have to be considered. All AC ratings for unshielded cables are given for orientation only.

The intended use for almost all cables in this website is short term testing/measurement. The cables are not suitable for medium/high voltage utility power applications, unless otherwise stated.
The following must be taken into account: Insulation wall thickness and test voltages are not in line with common standards requirements. Special care and attention is required when using the cables.

In case of UL recognized AWM please notice the following advice: Normally the cable has been spark tested according to UL758 during production. It is recommended to derate the operating voltage for continuous operation. The user has to ensure by adequate tests that the cable is suitable for his application.

The voltage applied to the cable during production to test the dielectric strength on the insulation. The duration of the test and further information are given as appropriate. The cable must not be operated at test voltage levels.

Identifier for a specific product. May be extended by optional parameters to form a complete part number.

Effective number of individual, insulated conductors in a multiconductor or X-Ray / E-Beam cable. Multiple bare conductors in X-Ray / E-Beam cables are counted as one conductor.

A non-conducting, insulating material with a specific dielectric constant. Used to insulate the high voltage carrying conductor from the environment or the shield.

Specifies the type of compound used for the dielectric. Typical dielectric materials are:

• EPR: Ethylene Propylene Copolymer Rubber
• EPDM: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber
• FEP: Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene
• LDHMW PE: Low Density High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
• PE: Polyethylene
• PEEK: Polyether Ether Ketone
• PFA: Perfluoroalkoxy alkane
• PTFE: Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®)
• SILICONE: Silicone Rubber
• XLPE / PE-X: Cross-Linked Polyethylene

A semi-conducting material that has a specific resistance characteristic. When bonded to the dielectric of a cable, the electrical field will be flattened reducing the field strength and the voltage stress to the dielectric. Furthermore, voids between metallic conductors and the dielectric will be avoided, thus reducing partial discharge or internal corona. Semicon is used for both the inner conductor shielding and between the dielectric insulation and metallic shield.

Electrical capacitance of a shielded cable measured between conductor and shield per given length.

Characteristic impedance of a shielded cable. Not to be confused with conductor resistance.

A conducting layer or sheath of material applied around an insulated conductor or conductors. Typical shields in high voltage cables are constructed of copper braid. The purpose of the shield is:

• Protection in case of breakdown of the high voltage insulation,
• electrostatic shielding of the enclosed conductors,
• return path for the operating current.

An outer sheath or protective covering over a conductor or insulation, mainly used for protection against the environment, but may also be used to provide additional insulation. Typical jacket materials are:

• FEP: Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene
• NEOPRENE: Polychloroprene Rubber
• PFA: Perfluoroalkoxy alkane
• PU / PUR: Polyurethane Rubber
• PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride
• SILICONE: Silicone Rubber
• TPE: Thermoplastic Elastomeres
• TPE-U: Thermoplastic Elastomeres, Urethane Based
• TPR: thermoplastic Rubber

Low Smoke Zero Halogen is a material classification typically used for cable jacketing composed of thermoplastic or thermoset compounds that emit limited smoke and no halogen when exposed to high sources of heat.

Flame Retardant Non-Corrosive is a material classification typically used for cable jacketing.
Flame retardant cables are cables which, although ignitable on exposure to flame source, will greatly reduce flame spread and self extinguish once the flame source is removed.
Non-corrosive cables have a minimal evolution of corrosive combustion gases.

Nominal diameter of the finished cable.

Weight of the finished cable per given length.

Weight of the copper content of the cable per given length.

Color of the finished cable.

Minimum admissible radius when bending the cable. Normally shown for static / fixed bending. Additional information for dynamic / moving bending given for some cables.

If applicable, the finished cable is oil resistant according to the listed standards.

Notice: This color code is not identical to the color code used to identify individual wires in a control cable.