1.Structure of MC cable
The core structure of MC cable usually includes the following parts:
Firstly, there is the conductor part, which is usually made of copper or aluminum and plays the main role in transmitting electricity or signals. The conductor is wrapped around an insulation layer to prevent short circuits and improve the safety of the cable. In some types of MC cables, fillers and inner sheaths may also be included, which can effectively maintain the integrity of the internal structure of the cable and improve its overall durability.
In addition, one of the most representative features of MC cables is their armor layer. The armor layer is usually made of metal materials such as aluminum or steel, used to provide additional mechanical protection to enable it to operate in harsh environments. The presence of armor layer makes MC cables highly durable, capable of withstanding external pressure, physical damage, and rodent damage.
In some MC cable designs, shielding layers may also be added. The main function of the shielding layer is to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and protect the signal transmission quality inside the cable, especially in the industrial and communication fields that require high electromagnetic environment.
2.The role and characteristics of the armor layer
The armor layer of MC cable mainly serves the physical protection function. The design of the armor layer enables cables to operate normally in various harsh environments, such as underground wiring, industrial plants, or high mechanical stress areas. Its main features include:
Firstly, the armor layer is usually made of metal materials such as aluminum or galvanized steel. These materials not only provide strong impact resistance, but also effectively prevent cables from being mechanically damaged. The armor layer enables MC cables to withstand significant external pressure, such as heavy object crushing at construction sites or physical compression at construction sites.
Secondly, the armor layer can enhance the durability of the cable, enabling it to maintain stable performance in harsh environments. For example, in humid, corrosive or high-temperature environments, the armor layer can provide additional protection to prevent cable damage due to environmental factors. In addition, the armor layer can also provide electrical shielding to a certain extent, but this effect is usually weak and should not be confused with specialized shielding layers.
3.Function and characteristics of shielding layer
The main function of the shielding layer is to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensure that the signal transmission inside the cable is not affected by external interference, and prevent its own electromagnetic radiation from affecting other devices. In modern electronic and communication systems, electromagnetic interference is an important factor affecting signal quality, so shielding layers are crucial for high-precision data transmission.
The shielding layer is usually made of copper woven mesh, aluminum foil, or copper foil, which can effectively absorb and reflect external electromagnetic waves, thereby reducing interference and improving signal stability. Especially in the process of high-frequency signal transmission, the shielding layer can greatly reduce signal attenuation and ensure data integrity.
It is worth noting that the effectiveness of the shielding layer depends on proper grounding. If the shielding layer is not properly grounded, it not only fails to provide effective shielding, but may also become a new source of electromagnetic interference. Therefore, when installing shielded MC cables, it is necessary to ensure that the grounding design of the shielding layer complies with industry standards to maximize its effectiveness.
4.Does the MC cable include a shielding layer?
Not all MC cables have a shielding layer. Standard MC cables mainly rely on armor layers to provide physical protection, and in cases where EMI suppression is required, additional shielding layers may be included. For example, some ordinary MC cables are not equipped with specialized shielding layers, but rely solely on armor layers to provide basic anti-interference capabilities. However, in scenarios that require high electromagnetic environment, such as data centers, automation control systems, audio and video signal transmission, it is usually necessary to use MC cables with shielding layers to reduce the impact of external electromagnetic interference on the system.
5.Key differences between shielding layer and armor layer
Although both armor and shielding layers are involved in the protection function of cables, their roles and characteristics are completely different. The main function of the armor layer is to provide mechanical protection, keeping the cable stable in various harsh environments, while the main task of the shielding layer is to reduce electromagnetic interference and ensure signal stability.
The armor layer is usually made of metal material, and its main purpose is to prevent physical damage such as external pressure, compression, cuts, or animal bites. The material of the shielding layer is generally copper woven mesh or aluminum foil, mainly used to reduce electromagnetic wave interference and ensure the stability and integrity of signal transmission.
In addition, the armor layer may act as a grounding path in some cases, but its main function is still mechanical protection. The shielding layer must be properly grounded in order to fully utilize its anti-interference ability. If the shielding layer is not properly grounded, it not only cannot shield interference, but may even become a potential source of interference.
6.When to choose shielded MC cable?
In some special cases, it is necessary to choose MC cables with shielding layers. For example, in environments with strong electromagnetic interference, such as industrial automation equipment, variable frequency drive systems, communication equipment, medical instruments, etc., shielding layers can effectively reduce interference and improve the stability of equipment operation.
If MC cables need to be installed in areas close to high-power equipment or high-voltage cables, using MC cables with shielding layers can effectively reduce the impact of external electromagnetic fields on the internal signals of the cables and avoid interference in signal transmission.
