You can find mainly two types of cables, one is single core cable and the other is multicore cable. As cabling is the most popular and in most cases the only method of electrifying space, the cables can be seen everywhere. You can find them in homes, factories, public spaces, roads, shopping centers, etc. Different applications and cable assemblies require the use of the right wire in order to ensure a better outcome. However, many of us find it difficult to distinguish between single-core and multicore cables. So this blog is here to set things clear.
What do single-core and multicore cables mean?
Single-core cables
As the name suggests, single-core cables come with a single conductor. The conductor can be made of either copper or aluminum and it is jacked in a single sheath made of rubber, PVS, or other materials. This cable comes with a thicker diameter and it is known for its durability, rigidity, and excellent flexibility.
Multicore cables
Also known as double core cables, multicore industrial cables are a bundle of different wires to cater to the needs of different power supplies. They are designed to absorb high temperatures. Their sheath is made of PVC prevents these cables from heating and offers mechanical protection to the wires and cables. Furthermore, these cables are insulated with rubber, PVC, or other materials. They are designed with more than one core in a single cable and these cores are also individually separated within a cable.
Multicore vs single-core cables
There are so many differences between single and multicore cables. The chief difference is the number of conductors put in place during the designing process. A single core cable consists of a single conductor as we have discussed earlier. The conductor can be stranded or solid however the stranded option is the most common one.
The stranded single-core cables have gained a lot of popularity due to the fact that they are pretty simple to handle while installation. The flexibility provided by it makes it easy to package and transport.
The reason why most large project applications gravitate towards stranded wire is solid cable can be difficult to handle. For instance, 10,000 meters of solid 1.5 mm single core wire would be extremely challenging to roll and transport to a site.
The design of both single-core and multicore cables also varies. The design of multicore cables involves several cores of conductors embedded within a single cable and each core is insulated from the other. Just like the single-core cable, this cores of multicore cable can also be manufactured as a solid or stranded.
Sum up
Both single as well as multicore cables have their importance in manufacturing and commercial industries. By now you must have come to know about the difference between these two types of cables. So you can make an informed decision about sourcing your industrial cables. One more thing that you should keep in mind is don’t just look at the price while placing an order. Make sure to learn more about the manufacturer in order to meet the requirements of your project.