Cable selection must be based on actual circumstances, taking into account factors such as the installation environment, performance requirements, and cost. When shielded cables are needed, the choice between a copper wire shield and a copper tape shield can be a dilemma. Today, let's explore this topic together.
During cable operation, the current passing through is relatively large, generating a significant magnetic field around it, which can easily affect nearby components. The cable shield contains this electromagnetic field within the cable, protecting surrounding components. It also provides grounding protection: if the cable is damaged, any leakage current will flow along the shield to the grounding grid, ensuring safety and preventing hazards. For example, the signal cables commonly used in our homes are also shielded, effectively preventing interference from external electromagnetic waves and ensuring proper circuit operation.
Depending on shielding performance requirements, different materials are chosen for cables, such as copper wire braided shields, copper tape wrapped shields, loosely wound copper wire shields, aluminum alloy wire braided shields, copper-clad aluminum wire braided shields, and aluminum-plastic composite tape wrapped shields. However, to ensure the continuity of the shield and reduce its transmission impedance, one or more annealed copper wires are typically placed longitudinally within the shield layer as a drainage wire, particularly for copper tape wraps.
The current flow in a copper wire shield is spiral, similar to that in a copper tape shield. However, the current path in a copper wire shield is shorter, generating less heat. A double-layer copper tape shield, with its larger cross-sectional area, reduces current flow and thus heat generation. While both can serve the purpose of shielding, for large-capacity cables (e.g., 500mm²) with high magnetic fields due to high ampacity, if the short-circuit current exceeds a certain value, the effective cross-section of two layers of 0.12mm copper tape may not achieve the larger effective cross-section provided by an open spiral copper wire shield. From this perspective, copper wire shielding offers superior performance, with continuous and reliable effectiveness.
Depending on specific construction plans and installation environments, you can select the most suitable type. Whether it's copper wire shield or copper tape shield, Henan Shenghua Cable Group manufactures both. Feel free to consult with us for recommendations.
