Braided wires and cables are a common element of many electrical systems, featuring a braided wire assembly that sets them apart from other options. This flexible yet robust design makes such assemblies desirable across numerous industries, especially in applications where upholding electrical protection and signal integrity is of the highest concern. To understand more about braided wires and cables, read on as we discuss their importance, design, applications, and more.
The design of a standard braided cable or wire involves weaving multiple fine metallic strands into a mesh or braid pattern, where copper, aluminum, or stainless steel may be used as the material of choice. Copper in particular serves as the most prevalent option for most applications, a result of its excellent conductivity. As wires are joined into a cable, additional protection will be added in the form of a woven exterior that is neat and rugged.
While the design of these wires and cables is surely aesthetically pleasing, it also serves to safeguard internal conductors from various stressors or issues that could detract from performance and signal quality. For example, the assembly of fine metallic strands mitigates the amount of mechanical wear and tear that is faced during typical use, providing ample flexibility for bending while avoiding physical damage. Additionally, the overlapping of metal strands allows braided wiring to block external electromagnetic interference (EMI), as it creates a Faraday cage effect. Last but not least, braided wires are also known to be heat-resistant, with reliable heat dissipation properties.
With the ability to facilitate bending, minimize physical wear, and safeguard signals against undesirable EMI, these wire and cable assemblies are prevalent across many industries and applications. This includes:
Aerospace Industry: Braided wires are often used in flight control systems, avionics, and communication equipment, where their EMI shielding upholds accurate data transmission while preventing signal disruptions in environments prone to continuous movement, vibration, and heat.
Automotive Industry: In automobiles, braided wires regularly connect electrical systems within the engine and transmission assemblies, providing reliable performance in high-temperature and mechanically stressful environments.
Industrial Electrical Systems: Braided wires are commonly employed in high-voltage power distribution and grounding for large-scale equipment such as power generators, switchgear, and transformers, where their capacity to handle high currents without overheating is advantageous.
Telecommunications and Data Centers: Braided cables protect sensitive communication lines from external interference within telecommunications settings and data centers, ensuring uninterrupted and secure data transmission for quality communication and service.
When comparing braided wire shielding to foil shielding, which is a similar safeguarding solution that is often compared, the most significant difference lies in their respective flexibility and performance characteristics. Generally, braided cable shielding is known to be much more flexible than foil shielding, making it more ideal for dynamic applications where the cable needs to be bent or flexed regularly. In contrast, foil shielding is more prone to damage when bent or twisted repeatedly, though it can provide very high levels of coverage against EMI when such issues are more concerning. As a result, braided wires and cables are most often used when a balance of EMI and mechanical protection is desired.
For anyone seeking high-quality electrical components, Broadline Electricals offers a wide selection of braided wires, cables, and other essential parts for the assembly, maintenance, and repair of diverse systems. With competitive pricing, rapid lead times, and quality assurance, as well as industry experts that are readily available to provide consultation, our website is the perfect platform for finding the most optimal fulfillment solution for your project needs. If you would like to learn more about our services, you can always give us a call or email at any time. We also feature online Request for Quote (RFQ) forms for obtaining pricing information on website listings, so never hesitate to begin exploring.
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