Control Cable

Control cables industrial cords used in automation and control applications. There are five main types of control cable which are standard multicore industrial cable, CY cable, SY cable, YY cable and security and alarm cable.

RS offers an extensive selection of high-quality cables from leading brands, including Lapp, Alpha Wire, Belden, CAE Groupe, and of course, RS PRO. Our cables are available in a range of CSA sizes, sheath/jacket materials, lengths and colours. We also have cables with or without screening.

Types of Control Cables

Control cables enable efficient signal and power transmission for reliable communication in diverse applications. Choose from multicore, CY, SY, YY, and security & alarm cables to meet specific industry needs.

Multi-core Cable

Multicore industrial cables have varying degrees of flexibility, and their robust design makes them ideal for harsh industrial environments where high volume cabling is required. Multicore industrial cables are used to transmit data, signal and power in the same control cable to equipment and machinery.

CY Cable

CY cables are screened flexible control cables typically used in applications reliant on interference-free transmission. In industries where interference can impact signalling transmission. A reliable cable is needed for accurate transmission even in areas where electromagnetic fields are generated. CY cable features a multicore flex, tinned copper wire braid and polyethene terephthalate (PET) separator, which protects it from external electromagnetic influences.

SY Cable

SY Cable is an armoured flexible control cable designed for measuring control or regulation under tough mechanical stresses. SY cable uses a galvanised steel braided multicore cable protected by a transparent sheath. Stronger than CY and YY cables, this SY cable is widely used in installations where free movement is required without tensile stresses.

YY Cable

YY control cable is a highly flexible unshielded multicore power and signal control cable able to support a range of applications, including engineering, plant installations, car production, bottling plants, and many more. It is made up of plain electrolytic fine copper wire strands with PVC-based insulation. Suitable for outdoor use when protected from direct sunlight and indoors in dry or moist conditions.

Security and Alarm Cable

Security alarm cable is a type of shielded cable used to connect security systems. The sheath provides protection against frequency interference, which could otherwise cause false alarms to occur. Security alarm cables consist of several strands of wire, all contained within a protective sheath.

Industrial Application of Control Cable

Control cables are indispensable in various industrial sectors, facilitating seamless communication and control. Their ability to transmit power and signals reliably makes them crucial for efficient operations. Here are some key industrial applications:

• Production Centers: Control cables, especially multicore and shielded varieties, are essential for connecting machinery, sensors, and control panels in production centres. They facilitate real-time data exchange, ensuring smooth operations and high productivity.
• Automation Industry: The automation industry heavily relies on control cables for accurate signal transmission and control of complex systems. CY cables, with their excellent shielding, are particularly useful in environments with high electromagnetic interference.
• Robotics: Robots require precise and reliable communication between their control systems and various components. Shielded control cables and multicore control cables ensure uninterrupted signal transmission, enabling precise movements and operations.
• Power Distribution: Control cables are crucial for managing power distribution in industrial settings. They connect switchgear, transformers, and other electrical equipment, ensuring safe and efficient power transmission.
• Assembly Lines: Efficient assembly lines depend on precise control and coordination. Control cables connect various machines and components, facilitating seamless communication and synchronization throughout the production process.

These are just a few examples of how control cables are integral to various industrial sectors. They ensure reliable operation, enhance safety, and contribute to improved productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Control Cables

What is the difference between a control cable and a power cable?

While both control cables and power cables transmit electrical signals, their core functions differ. Control cables are primarily designed for carrying low-voltage signals for control and communication purposes within industrial automation systems. Power cables, on the other hand, are built to carry higher voltages and currents for supplying power to electrical equipment and machinery.

What is the difference between a data cable and a control cable?

Data cables are specifically designed for transmitting digital information or data between devices. These cords are optimised for high-speed data transfer and are often shielded to protect against electromagnetic interference. Control cables, while sometimes carrying digital signals, primarily focus on transmitting analog or low-frequency signals for control and monitoring purposes within industrial systems.

What are the typical characteristics of a control cable?

Control cables come in various types with distinct characteristics:

• Multicore Control Cables: These consist of multiple insulated conductors within a single sheath, allowing for the transmission of multiple signals or power circuits.
• Shielded Control Cables (CY cables): These cables have a metallic shield that protects the internal conductors from electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliable signal transmission in noisy environments.
• Armoured Control Cables (SY cables): These cables feature additional mechanical protection, such as a galvanised steel braid, making them suitable for harsh industrial environments where physical damage is a concern.
• Flexible Control Cables (YY cables): These cables offer high flexibility, making them ideal for applications requiring frequent movement or bending.

How do I select the right control cable for my application?

Choosing the right control cable depends on several factors. Consider the voltage and current requirements of your application, the level of flexibility needed, and the environmental conditions the cable will be exposed to. Additionally, consider whether you need shielding for protection against electromagnetic interference.

What is actually meant by a control cable, and where are they used?

A control cable is an electrical control cable or mechanical control cable designed for transmitting low-voltage signals to control and monitor industrial processes and machinery. These cables are commonly used in diverse sectors such as manufacturing, power generation, transportation, and building automation. They enable reliable communication between various components of a system, ensuring precise control and safe operation.

Delivery Information

RS offers fast delivery of control cables, including multicore, CY, SY, and YY types, along with essential accessories like cable glands and cable ties. For more details on delivery services and fees, please refer to our Delivery page.