Power and control cables come in many forms that are designed for use in specific circumstances. Using the wrong cable in an installation can cause the installation to fail inspection or worse, it could be in breach of legal standards

So how do you know what cable to use and where?

This is where Scattergood & Johnson’s specialist cable team come in. We can guide you through the jargon and standards to work with you and ensure you select the correct cable to meet your needs or specification.

A standard cable misconception occurs when selecting which power control cable to use in a cabinet installation. The options standard cable options (YY, SY and CY) all have use cases

A highly flexible cable for use in a wide range of applications including those requiring a high degree of flexibility and torsion such as robots or power chains.

A go-to cable for multiple installations that have no other constraints. Not suitable for use in EMC environments, UV environments or any publically accessible building.

• PVC sheathed VDE 0295 power control cable
• Numbered cores
• Unshielded and unscreened
• Grey RAL7001 insulation colour
• ECOLAB approved
• Suitable for oily environments
• Suitable for power chain and robot applications

A copper wire braided cable that is suitable for multiple applications in any EMC environment.

The copper wire braid prevents currents being induced in the conductors due to the EMC environment preventing electrical noise and false signals being generated.

• PVC sheathed VDE 0295 power control cable
• Numbered cores
• EMC Shielded (tinned copper braid) and plastic foil screened
• Grey RAL7001 insulation colour
• ECOLAB approved
• Suitable for oily environments
• Suitable for robot applications

SY is also not a standard recognised on the continent, so if you are shipping your machine abroad, SY should not be used.

Please note that none of the above cables are approved for use in public environments (hospitals, shopping centres, airports, theatres etc) as they all have PVC sheaths that emit chlorine during a fire. For any public environment, halogen free cables must be used such as 130H or 135CH.

For any public environment, halogen free cables must be used such as 130H or 135CH.

As with everything, the devil is always in the detail. If you want to know more about using the correct cable for your application, do not hesitate to get in touch and we will happily provide expert advice and guidance. Call your local branch for more information or drop us an email via [email protected]