Shielded or unshielded cabling? What to choose and when?

Shielded or Unshielded?

It may seem like a small detail, but choosing the right cable makes a big difference in ensuring a stable and interference-free installation. Here, we go through what you need to consider to make the right choice from the start!

Advantages of Shielded Cabling

Shielded cabling is primarily used in environments where cables may be exposed to electromagnetic interference, such as from motors, machines, or other electrical systems. The built-in shield acts as a protection that:

• Reduces interference: The shield blocks external influences and ensures that signals, such as BUS communication, are transmitted without disruptions.
• Improves signal stability: Critical systems, such as alarm systems, fire alarms, cameras, and machine control, rely on flawless data transmission. Shielded cabling ensures reliable communication.
• Provides fire protection: The shield can also act as additional fire protection, increasing safety in case of a fire.

Important! To ensure optimal functionality, the shield must always be properly grounded; otherwise, it may lose its protective effect.

When is Unshielded Cabling Suitable?

Unshielded cabling is a good option in environments where interference from electrical equipment is minimal, such as in residential buildings. The advantages include:

• Easier to install: Unshielded cables are often more flexible and easier to handle and install.
• Good fire protection: Unshielded cabling also meets high fire classification requirements but does not offer the same level of protection as shielded variants.

The Right Cable for the Right Environment

Your choice of cabling depends on your environment and the need for interference protection.

We repeat: Shielded cabling is ideal in technically demanding environments where stability is crucial, while unshielded is better suited for simpler installations where external interference is minimal.

Aron & Elektrikerpodden

Check out Aron, product manager for power cables at Nexans, discussing the advantages of shielded and unshielded cables with Elektrikerpodden.