CONTROL & SCREENED CABLES

User requirements:

Euroclass compliance with national regulations

CE marking with certification info

Supplier’s Declaration of Performance

Control cables are specialized, multi-core electrical cables designed to transmit low-voltage signals that operate, monitor, and control industrial machinery, automation systems, and robotic technology. They facilitate communication between, for example, a control room and field devices, ensuring precise, reliable, and secure operation.

Key types include YY (unscreened), CY (screened for electromagnetic interference), and SY (armoured for mechanical protection) cables, alongside flexible PUR, robotic, and data cables for automated machinery.

YY Cables (Unscreened): Flexible cables used for general signal transmission in control circuits, instrumentation, and computer systems where electromagnetic interference (EMI) is not a concern.
CY Cables (Screened): Screened with a tinned copper wire braid to protect signals from external electromagnetic influences, making them essential in environments with high-frequency interference.
SY Cables (Armoured): Features a galvanized steel wire braid for high mechanical strength, ideal for applications requiring protection against physical stress, abrasion, and damage.
Continuous Flex/Robotic Cables: Specifically designed for, robotics, cable tracks, and moving machinery, offering high durability against bending and twisting.
Instrumentation Cables: Designed for low-level signals in process control, often featuring twisted pairs to minimize interference.
Halogen-Free (LSZH) Cables: Used in confined spaces to ensure safety, as they produce low smoke and no toxic gases during fire.

Control cables are essential for transmitting signals, data, and low-voltage power in automated systems, industrial machinery, and instrumentation. Designed for flexibility and durability, they are often shielded to resist electromagnetic interference (EMI) in demanding environments. Key applications span:

Industrial Automation: Production lines, robotic arms, conveyors

Machinery & Equipment: Machine tools, sensors, actuators

Power & Infrastructure: Monitoring in plants, substations, energy distribution

Transport & Logistics: Signaling in railways, subways, traffic systems

Building Management: HVAC, smart technologies, security cameras

Process Control: Measurement devices in chemical or mining plants

Flexible, shielded/unshielded cables for low-voltage industrial automation (300V–1100V), featuring Class 5 copper conductors and oil/moisture-resistant insulation.

Parameter&Specification
Voltage Rating:300/500V, 450/750V, up to 1.1kV
Conductor:Class 5 annealed copper, 0.5–4.0 mm²
Insulation/Sheath:PVC or LSZH/LSHF
Shielding:Copper braid or aluminum foil
Temperature Max:70°C continuous
Cores:2–61+, color/number coded
Environment:Oil, chemical, UV, moisture resistant

Common Types:
YY: Unshielded, general purpose
CY: Shielded for signal protection
SY: Shielded + steel wire armour
LiYCY/LiYY: Instrumentation applications

Control cables offer superior flexibility for tight, complex routing and high durability against harsh environmental conditions, enhancing industrial automation safety and efficiency. They feature robust shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) for reliable signal transmission, with customizable, lightweight designs that reduce installation and maintenance costs.

Key advantages include:
High Flexibility & Durability: Engineered to withstand constant bending, movement, and harsh industrial environments, offering long service lives.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Protection: Often shielded with foil or braid to ensure clear, uninterrupted signal transmission for sensitive equipment.
Space Optimization: Their compact, lightweight design allows for easier routing in crowded, tight spaces.
Enhanced System Reliability: They improve operational efficiency and safety by reducing the risk of electrical failures.
Versatility & Customization: Available in various configurations, including color/number-coded cores, and can be customized to specific voltage or environmental requirements.
Safety Features: Many types are designed to be flame-retardant and halogen-free, enhancing safety in crowded areas or critical infrastructure.

These cables are essential in automation, robotics, and industrial machinery where precise, secure, and reliable communication is required.

LiYCY Control Cable: CPR Fire Performance

LiYCY control cables typically achieve Eca or Cca CPR classifications depending on construction, sheath material, and manufacturer.

Class Eca: Standard PVC-sheathed versions, suitable for basic residential and commercial installations.

Class Cca: High-performance variants (often grey PVC) rated Cca-s2, d1, a3—offering improved fire propagation resistance, lower smoke emission, and reduced acidity compared to Eca.

Key Fire Performance Characteristics:

Flame Propagation: Non-propagating per IEC 60332-1-2 or IEC 60332-3

Halogen Content: Not halogen-free; reduced halogen emission (e.g., Chlorine < 15%)

XLPE vs. PVC for VFD Motors: Key Advantages

XLPE minimizes reflected waves, EMI, and insulation failure—ensuring reliable VFD operation and extended motor life.

While technically possible, using unshielded cable to power VFD motors is strongly discouraged due to significant risks:

EMI Radiation: Unshielded cables radiate noise, interfering with nearby sensors, communication lines, and sensitive equipment.
Bearing Damage: High-frequency common-mode currents can cause motor bearing fluting, leading to premature failure.

Drive Trips: Improper grounding may trigger overcurrent or ground fault trips.

When Unshielded Might Be Considered (with caution):

Very short cable runs
No sensitive electronics nearby
Must be installed in metal conduit to contain radiation

Best Practices:

Use shielded VFD-rated cable with symmetrical grounds
Terminate shield 360° using EMC glands at both ends
Separate VFD cables from signal cables by 1–3 feet

ROZ1-K Cable: Fire Safety Specifications

XLPE minimizes reflected waves, EMI, and insulation failure—ensuring reliable VFD operation and extended motor life.

Screened vs. Non-Screened Cables: Comparison

Screening Types:

• Overall Screen: Protects all cable pairs

• Pair Screen: Individual protection for each pair (eliminates crosstalk)

EMI Management in Electric Cables

Control & Screened Cable Standards