Control Cables

What is a Control Cable?

A control cable is a multicore cable used to transmit control, measuring, and indication signals in electric installations.
Similar cables are the pilot cable, measuring cable, and instrument cable.

Pilot cable

A pilot cable is a control cable laid in parallel with a power cable and intended for transmitting signals related to the operation of that cable.

Measuring cable and  instrument cable

It’s a multicore cable intended for transmitting the output from sensors to their corresponding measuring instruments.

There are really two distinct types of cable, and of far greater importance, they are recognised as cables for transmitting signals and output from sensors, not for transmitting power.

So clearly, none of these cables are intended to be used as power supply cables.

Note: The definitions of Control cable, Pilot cable, Measuring cable, and Instrument cable are taken from The Electropedia (the IEV), The World’s Online Electrotechnical Vocabulary.

How many types of Control cables are there?

Really, the answer to that question depends upon the applicable industry:

Control cables, measuring and instrumentation cables are also used in the Marine, Ship Building industry as well as the Railway and Mass Transit markets, but these are more specialised applications and outside the scope of this web page. For details of these cables please refer to the relevant Tratos web page.

Typical construction of Control/Pilot and Instrumentation Cables:

CY, SY, YY

These cables are also available in improved fire performance LSZH versions

BS PAS 5308-1

Tratos can supply cables with a combined aluminium foil/bonded polyethylene sheath chemical, hydrocarbon and moisture barrier in lieu of the lead sheath, Tratos CB.

These cables are also available in improved fire performance LSZH versions.

BS PAS 5308-2

Tratos also manufacture a wide range of BS EN 50288-7 Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control. Sectional specification for instrumentation and control cables

Utilities/DNO’s

(*) These cables should not be used for direct connection to low impedance sources, e.g. public mains electricity supply.

These cables are also available in improved fire performance LSZH versions.

Intended application/use: (this list is not exhaustive)

CY, SY, YY – indoors use on machine tools and robots. 

Designed for use in the industrial engineering and automotive industries where flexibility is required. All types have excellent oil and moisture resistance, with a degree of mechanical strength that makes them ideal for interconnecting cable for use on assembly and conveyor systems, machine tools automation and robotics found in the modern industrial environment. 

Note: CY and SY cables being metal braided are not as flexible as YY cables and are therefore not the preferred choice for applications where they will be exposed to frequent or repeated flexing

Type SY cables are not intended to replace SWA BS 6346 or BS 5467 cables.

− The use of BASEC SY cables should give due consideration to the guidance given within BS EN 50565-1 and other regional regulatory requirements. 

Attention is drawn to BS EN 50565-1 and EN 50565-2.

BS PAS 5308 Control and instrumentation cables 

Designed for use in data and telecom circuits, for transmitting transducer-generated signals, for interconnection of electrical equipment and instruments, in and around process and petrochemical plants.

Type 1 unarmoured cables are intended for indoor-protected applications.

Type 2 armoured cables are intended for general underground applications or installations where mechanical hazards exist.

Type 3 armoured and lead-sheathed cables are intended for direct burial in the ground with high concentrations of hydrocarbons.

Unarmoured for indoor installations, armoured for outdoor installations generally within the harsh, demanding environment encountered in the petroleum industry and chemical and petrochemical plants. 
PVC-insulated cables are widely used throughout the petroleum industry. 
PE and XLPE insulated cables are widely used throughout the chemical and petrochemical industry.

BS PAS 5308 covers cables for more demanding installations such as industrial and petrochemical plants.

ENA TS 09-06, BS 7870-8.1 (Auxiliary), BS 7870-8.2 (Telephone)

Intended for general use, buried in the ground or within the utilities buildings.

Polyethylene Insulated types are intended for use in low current signalling and control, remote switching and telemetry applications where the operating voltages do not exceed 110V ac (150 V dc). Having a larger conductor than standard BT cables, they can also be used to extend the range of private telephone and intercommunication systems.  

PVC insulated types are intended to be used as pilot cables laid in parallel with a power cable and intended for transmitting signals related to the operation of that cable.

Both types are intended for outdoor use, including burial around Utilities buildings and properties, or indoor use where their use is not prohibited.

Reliability

Tratos designs each of its cable families to suit the specific application and duty, leading to better performance and extended cable life. The latest generation of Tratos products combines the latest manufacturing techniques with state-of-the-art technology to create cables of exceptional reliability and longevity.

Datasheets

Tratos catalogues provide details of its range of control cables, including technical data. More detailed data sheets are available for each type of control cable.

Engineering support

TRATOS has engineers with years of experience who can advise on the selection, installation, and operation of the cables it manufactures. Visits to the site can be arranged, during which Tratos engineers can observe the installation and use of our cables and make recommendations to improve their operation and life.

Innovative manufacturer Tratos continually invests in the latest technology, materials, and human resources needed to meet the highest safety, durability, and performance standards demanded by today’s cable users worldwide.