Shielding Of Cable & Wire
Mercury Wire offers a variety of shielding options using metal, tapes, and fiber shields to accommodate a vast range of application requirements. The process of shielding a cable may involve the application of a series of strands of copper or other metal such as aluminum or steel around one or more insulated conductors.
When metal is used, shielding a cable is typically accomplished by wrapping several strands of metal around conductors in a braid-like pattern. For this reason, braiding is often used synonymously when referring to the shielding process. Shielding may also be accomplished through a non-braided spiral winding of copper tape or another layer of conducting polymer. In most cases, a final jacket is applied to a shielded cable to protect all inner components from environmental factors.
In practice, a shield may be applied to a cable for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to the following:
• Reduce electrical noise that may affect signals traveling through the cable
• Minimize electromagnetic radiation that may interfere with adjacent devices and equipment
• Protect cable insulation, people and equipment from exposure to high-voltage power
• Minimize electromagnetic interference from other electrical sources
