FQAR, FAQ or just - what do all these letters mean? – A Quick Guide from Nexans

FQAR, FAQ, or just: What do all these letters mean?

Cable names are like the unsung heroes of the alphabet – full of letters that mean more than you might think. Yes, we’re talking about FQAR and its friends. Let us guide you through the cable jungle so you won’t end up buying a pig in a poke next time you choose control and signal cables for your project.

So, what do all the letters actually mean?

Here’s a quick crash course in FQAR’s ABCs (or rather, its Gs and Ps): 

G = Common screen (a classic, right?) 

PG = Pair-twisted with a common screen (a little more order and structure). 

PIG = Pair-twisted, individually shielded pairs with a common screen (when you want that extra something). 

TG = Three-wire with a common screen (because good things come in threes?). 

Not so complicated, right? Nope, but oh-so-important when you want to avoid interference and maximize performance.

So, why twisted and shielded cables?

Because they’re like superheroes in the cable world! Here’s why: 

Twisted cables reduce interference by twisting the conductors in pairs. Less squabbling between pairs = better signal. 

Shielded cables are your best friend in chaotic environments like heavy industry or elevator shafts near motors. They keep interference at bay and add extra durability. 

Combine the two, and you’ve got a cable that can handle both electromagnetic and radiofrequency interference.

But wait, it gets better!

How the conductor pairs are twisted matters. Twists that are too long or too short? Bad idea. Wrong angles in the same phase? Even worse. Cables from Nexans are crafted with precision to deliver maximum performance, no matter what your installation demands.

Want to learn more?

We’ve made it easy for you to become a cable pro! Download our designation guide and master the different letter combinations of power and installation cables. Because nothing beats choosing the right cable from the start!