Cable assemblies are an indispensible product in a wide range of industries and applications. In order to select the right ones for your purpose, it’s important to understand the basics and get to know the benefits of their utilization. Here are some need-to-know facts about these multi-purpose powerhouses and how they might help your construction project or technology system become better and more efficient.
What Are They?
Cable assemblies are groups of wires or cables that are bound together in order to enable signal transmission or electrical power transport. They are extremely powerful, as they bring together the strength of a number of individual cables that would be weak on their own. Assemblies are often sleeved by a casing made of electrical tape, cable ties, and the like, and this lessens the space they require and provides protection from outside forces (such as signal disruption) that can interfere with their job. These factors include abrasion, moisture, electrical issues, vibration, etc. Installation time is also reduced, as one plug versus a group of loose wires is needed.
What Are They Used For?
This method of grouping cables is useful in a variety of industries including high speed internet, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, cable television and radio frequency (RF) applications, among others. You will find them in the mechanics of cars, building development, airplane construction, and many other feats of engineering.
How Do You Choose the Right One for Your Purpose?
Consider what type of cable you need to bind: video, audio, computer and data, fiber optic and/or control. Different applications require different materials, and each facet of your project will be important to identify in order to figure out the best type of assembly for the job. If you are selecting a coaxial cable, one of the most common types used for telephone, digital, or television signals, you will want to control each part in order to ensure constant conductor spacing and to optimize performance. Figuring out your connectors may be a good place to start. Knowing this will nail down performance limits, such as power-handling competence and frequency range, as well as narrow down the field of applicable coaxial cable diameters. You’ll want to think about whether your end use is outdoors or indoors, airborne, meant for space or a test laboratory, etc. A cable assembly designed for outdoor use may call for a sleeve composed of a type of plastic or thermoplastic for protection from the elements.
Determine factors such as your frequency range, power-handling needs, and operating temperature spectrum. Military and deep space applications will call for differing coaxial cable assemblies. All features of the assembly, including cable count, sleeve compound, conductor material, etc., will play key roles in how the overall assembly functions. Therefore careful thought is necessary in order to maximize efficiency and minimize potential issues. In addition to coaxial cable assemblies, you’ll also find RF, molded, ribbon, USB, and more. A reputable retailer such as Markertek can help you figure out what type of product can best suit your specific purpose.
The right cable assembly can prove to be a vital tool in your construction and cabling toolkit. Selecting the proper one for your application takes some thought and research, but provides serious payback for your efforts. Do some research, contact some suppliers, and get started on the process today.
