Comparing Cables to Cables: Unshielded Tray Cable VS Shielded Tray Cable

by | Feb 4, 2022

Comparing Cables to Cables

Unshielded Tray Cable VS Shielded Tray Cable

Today’s comparing segment will be shedding the light on a type of cable that is categorized under tray cable but is divided immediately into different categories within due to the shielded/unshielded factor. Today’s analysis will help us reach the objective of knowing when and how to use such cables and what their strengths and weaknesses are.  

As many might already know, this type of cable has a wide range of uses in a variety of sectors. Potential buyers of tray cable might fall into the impression that their applications might require this cable, but to be sure of that, a bit research is required to identify which tray cable is the ideal option for your application. A variety of projects need distinct sorts of tray cable due to their specs, which in the long run influences how long your cables can last. 

Tray Cable Fundamentals 

Tray cable is designed to withstand severe circumstances such as high temperatures, weather wear and tear, moist settings and direct sun rays due to the fact that the sectors that utilize tray cable frequently in harsh settings. In a world where tray cable is most commonly utilized for power, energy & telecommunication applications; copper is the preferred, robust alternative due to its many benefits which include great protection of signal disturbance/noise in subterranean applications, for example. The settings where tray cable is most commonly utilized in, as hinted previously is: paths, conduits, furrows, gutters, channels, racks and trays. 

Image to display Tray Cable
Image to display Unshielded Tray Cable

Fortunately, tray cables are available in a wide variety of configurations. Tray cables are typically manufactured with two, three four and sometimes five wire conductors inside of a cable. Similarly, color coding is implemented in the two, three and four conducting cables. Just like all certified wire and cable, tray cable undergoes testing to prove it can withstand not only malleability, fire and impact but also is deemed safe for toxic settings and UV resistant. For this reason, it is no secret why tray cable is one of the preferred cables for the industrial sector. 

Presented below are the types of tray cables frequently preferred:  

  • Power and Control Tray Cables (Type TC) 
  • Power Limited Tray Cables (PLTC) 
  • Fire Alarm Cables  
  • Communication Cable  
  • Optical Fiber Cable 
  • Wind Turbine Tray Cables (WTTC) 

Every kind of wire has its own range of characteristics that can be useful for specific projects. 

Unshielded Tray Cable versus Shielded Tray Cable 

Existing distinctions regarding price and efficacy among unshielded and shielded tray cable can confuse potential buyers, leading them to purchase for shielded cables when unnecessary and vice versa, causing all sorts of problems when required but not applied. Consider a circle of resonance or area of energy that exists near a wire/cable as a result of currents flowing by it. This is known as electromagnetic interference, which can affect other wires or cables. 

Image to display Shielded and Unshielded Cable

Tray cable shielding is often made out of horizontally or spiral rolled polyester tapes with copper or aluminum backing. Shielding assists with the reduction or avoidance of the influence of electromagnetic interference near drives, engines and telecommunication instruments. Though it is important to mention that in industrial and utility applications, 0.005 in solid copper tape is utilized in a horizontal or spiral orientation. 

In many projects regarding the power and energy industries, cables may be unshielded due to the fact that unshielded tray cables are commonly utilized when there is no risk of interference. Because tray cables are utilized in facilities where chemicals are utilized, power plants, commercial buildings, cables are manufactured and designed to be resistant to fire, be free from lead and maintain its integrity in any critical environment. 

Z-Tronix Inc.’s Electromechanical Solutions

Call 562-808-0800 or message us at info@z-tronix.com to learn more about the shielded and unshielded tray cables’ types, benefits insulations/jackets, ratings and classifications we can assist you with.