An electrical cable is a type of electrical wire that contains a number of conductors which are clasped together by an outer sheath. They are used for the transmission of electric energy and also for data transfer.

There are many types of cables. These include power cables, fire resistant cables, control cables, and telecommunications cables.

Power Cables: These are mainly used for transmitting electrical power. They are flexible and can be installed overhead or buried underground.

These can be made from copper, aluminum or other materials depending on the application. They are typically stranded or braided for flexibility and are commonly plated with copper, tin or gold to prolong their lifespan.

They are generally insulated to prevent any unwanted chemical reactions that can occur due to the presence of external agents such as dirt, oil, chemicals or moisture.

Fire Resistant Cables: These are designed for use in a fire to guarantee the transmission of electrical energy, and they can be found in emergency circuits in places where public approval is required. They are mostly used for supplying emergency equipment such as smoke extractors, alarms and water pumps.

Control Cables: These are mainly used for the interconnection of small household appliances and machine parts, and they are usually extremely flexible. They are typically insulated to protect them from the influence of electromagnetic radiation and to avoid unwanted electrical interferences.

They are primarily used in the connection of motors, frequency converters and signalling systems. They are mainly designed to avoid the generation of electromagnetic fields that may interfere with the transmission of signals or cause power loss.

The insulating material that surrounds the wires and is a component of the sheath of an electrical cable. It is a thin layer of polymer that has the properties of insulating and absorbing moisture, smoke, fumes and other elements.

Sheaths are molded or shaped to fit the specific applications and are often made of plastics, metals or other materials. They are generally flame retardant and provide protection against dust, rust and corrosion.

These are usually made of rubber and containing quartz with PTFE coverings. They are highly resistant to smoke, oil and grease, and are particularly suitable for a wide range of industrial environments.

They are normally bonded or braided to form a multi-conductor cable. The assembly is then encased in a sheath to prevent accidental injury and damage by animals, blows, etc.

Shielded Cables: These are mainly used to establish networks and are predominantly made of coaxial, fiber optics and twisted-pair cables. They are used in communications networks, video and sound broadcasting, radio and television reception.

A shield is a metal layer that is placed around the interior of a cable to prevent electrical electromagnetic fields from penetrating it. It can be made of aluminum, copper or other metals that are conductive in the low-frequency band and are not prone to pick up electromagnetic interference.

In addition, it can be made of non-conductive material that is insulating and able to absorb moisture. It is also abrasion-resistant and has a high degree of mechanical protection.