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Control cables are specialised industrial cables designed for automation and control applications. They play a crucial role in the infrastructure of automated systems and instrumentation applications, providing the means for power and signal transmission between devices such as sensors, actuaries, and controllers. 

Control cables function by transmitting electrical signals and power between various components of an automated system. The core operating principle is based on the electrical conduction through copper or aluminium conductors within the cable, which carry the signal from the source (like a control panel) to the destination (such as a machine or sensor). 

Beyond being essential for the operation of automated systems, control cables find versatile applications across various sectors. With technically superior specifications, they excel in power distribution, multi-functional electrical systems, monitoring and regulation of technical devices, and setups with multiple inputs and outputs. These cables are ideal for use in production centres, assembly lines, robotic technology, and the power distribution sphere, offering flexibility and reliable performance throughout.

Given these capabilities, control cables are important for:

- **Reliability and Safety:** Properly specified control cables ensure reliable operation of machinery and safety for the personnel operating it. The use of specific cables like CY, SY, and shielded variants also helps in reducing electromagnetic interference, which is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the signals being transmitted.
- **Efficiency:** By facilitating the precise control of machines and processes, control cables help in enhancing the overall efficiency of industrial operations. They allow for the quick transmission of commands and responses between different parts of a system, minimising delays and maximising output.
- **Durability:** Designed to withstand harsh industrial environments, control cables can resist extreme temperatures, mechanical wear, and exposure to oils, chemicals, and other corrosive substances. This durability ensures long-term performance without the need for frequent replacements, which is cost-effective and minimises maintenance downtime.
- **Versatility:** Control cables come in various types and configurations, making them suitable for a wide range of applications from light commercial to heavy industrial. This versatility allows engineers to tailor the cabling system to the specific needs of each application, whether it requires flexibility, extra protection, or resistance to environmental challenges.

## **Types of Control Cables**

### **Multi-core Cable**

Multi-core industrial cables have varying degrees of flexibility and their robust design makes them ideal for harsh industrial environments. These cables are essential in settings where high-volume cabling is required, and they efficiently combine the functions of transmitting data, signals, and power within a single cable system. This integration is crucial for simplifying installation and improving the reliability of electrical systems in equipment and machinery.

The term "multi-core" refers to the cable having multiple conductive elements or cores within a single sheath. This means that multi-core cables, such as 6-core, 5-core, and 4-core variants, feature multiple insulated conductors within a single cable assembly. The number of cores determines the cable's capability to handle multiple functions simultaneously. For example, in a manufacturing plant, a single multi-core cable can power machinery while also transmitting operational data to control systems. This flexibility in the number of cores allows for significant customisation according to specific project requirements. 

In addition, each core is typically made of copper or aluminium and is insulated from others. Properly configured multi-core cables can enhance safety by ensuring that power and data signals are cleanly separated within the cable, reducing the risk of electrical interference and improving overall system reliability.

### **CY Cable**

[CY cables](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/cables-wires/electrical-power-industrial-cables/control-cable/?applied-dimensions=4291049467) are screened flexible control cables typically used in applications reliant on interference-free transmission. In industries where interference can impact signalling transmission. A reliable cable is needed for accurate transmission even in areas where electromagnetic fields are generated. CY cable features a multicore flex, tinned copper wire braid and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) separator which protects it from external electromagnetic influences.

### **SY Cable**

SY Cable is an armoured flexible control cable designed for measuring control or regulation under tough mechanical stresses. SY cable uses a galvanised steel braided multicore cable protected by a transparent sheath. Stronger than CY and YY cables, this [SY cable](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/cables-wires/electrical-power-industrial-cables/control-cable/?applied-dimensions=4291049468) is widely used in installations where free movement is required without tensile stresses.

### **YY Cable**

[YY control cable](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/cables-wires/electrical-power-industrial-cables/control-cable/?applied-dimensions=4291049469) is a highly flexible unshielded multicore power and signal control cable able to support a range of applications including engineering, plant installations, car production, bottling plants and many more. It is made up of plain electrolytic fine copper wire strands with PVC-based insulation. Suitable for outdoor use when protected from direct sunlight and indoors in dry or moist conditions.

### **Security & Alarm Cable**

Security alarm cable is a type of shielded cable used to connect security systems. The sheath provides protection against frequency interference, which could otherwise cause false alarms to occur. Security alarm cables consist of several strands of wire, all contained within a protective sheath.

### **Armoured vs Unarmoured Cables**

Armoured cables offer higher mechanical protection, which is essential in exposed and high-risk environments. On the other hand, unarmoured cables are better for applications requiring cable routing around tight spaces.

Choose armoured cables for environments where cables might be exposed to physical threats. Opt for unarmoured cables in controlled environments where such risks are minimal. Your choice should align with the specific requirements and constraints of your project to ensure both effectiveness and cost-efficiency.

## **Industrial Applications of Control Cables**

Control cables are essential in numerous industrial applications due to their durability and versatility. These cables facilitate the operation, control, and monitoring of machinery and equipment across various sectors. Here are some common examples of industrial applications for control cables:

- **Manufacturing Plants:** In manufacturing environments, control cables are used extensively to connect and operate machinery that requires precise command inputs and data exchange. For example, assembly line robots, CNC machines, and packaging equipment all utilise control cables to ensure accurate and efficient operation.
- **Oil and Gas Industry:** Control cables play a crucial role in the oil and gas sector, particularly in areas such as drilling rigs and refineries. They are used to control valves and machinery that must operate under harsh conditions, including exposure to extreme temperatures and corrosive substances.
- **Building Automation Systems:** In the construction and real estate sectors, control cables are used in building automation systems to manage HVAC systems, lighting, and security systems. They enable centralised control that helps in maintaining building efficiency and comfort.
- **Power Generation and Distribution:** Within power plants and substations, control cables are used to monitor and control generators, turbines, and other critical equipment. They ensure that these facilities can safely and efficiently manage the flow and distribution of electricity.

## **How to Order Control Cables from RS?**

[RS](https://au.rs-online.com/web/) is a trusted supplier and distributor, featuring a wide selection of high-quality control cables, such as 4 core shielded cables, 6 core security cables, and more, from leading brands such as Lapp, Alpha Wire, Belden, CAE Groupe, and RS PRO. Customers can easily order the control cables and other cable types like [ethernet cables](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/cables-wires/networking-coaxial-cables/ethernet-cable/) and [coaxial cables](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/cables-wires/networking-coaxial-cables/coaxial-cable/) they may need through RS’s online platform, which allows for detailed searches based on CSA sizes, sheath materials, lengths, colours, and screening options.

## **Delivery Information for Australia**

RS provides dependable delivery services across Australia. 

Options include next working day delivery for orders placed before 5 pm AEST for items stocked locally, and same-day delivery within the Sydney Metro area for orders placed before 11:45 am AEST. 

For an exhaustive insight into our delivery alternatives, encompassing exclusions and specialised services like expedited shipping and bundled deliveries, we encourage you to peruse our [delivery information](https://au.rs-online.com/web/content/support/all-articles/delivery) page.



Browse a range of control cables tailored to your requirements—choose from various types like CY, SY, and YY cables, with next-day delivery options.

Multicore Control Cables | YY Cable, CY Cable, SY Cable

Control Cable

Shop our range of 2 Core Cables. Free Delivery Available.

2 Core Cables | RS

Buy from our selection of Control Cable from Belden. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Belden Control Cable | RS

Buy from our selection of Control Cable from Igus. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Igus Control Cable | RS

Buy from our selection of Control Cable from Lapp. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Lapp Control Cable | RS

Do you want to buy SY cable but don’t know the right place? We have the best SY control cable that can meet your needs. Contact us for your preferred sizes now.

SY Cable, SY Flex Control Cable | RS

A SY cable is notably flexible and can used in various electrical projects. Few years ago, many people assumed that these cables can only be used in industrial surroundings. However, they are currently being used during domestic installations more than ever before. The "S" stands for steel wire brand. "Y" simply means PVC. In most cases, most people generally refer to a SY flex cable as "instrumentation cable" or even "braid control cable".The best part is that with a SY control cable, there is no interference of signals as a result of their galvanized steel braiding. With such, the inner cores are well-protected.<h2>Uses of An SY Cable</h2>There is no doubting the fact that an SY cable is very popular as compared to past years. Such is due to how it can be used for various projects. This cable is usually useful in aspects such as regulating as well as controlling of production lines, assembly lines, instrumentation, and conveyors.Apart from the above, an SY flex cable can help in regulation of air conditioning systems. For indoors whereby mechanical protection is required, it can prove to be the ideal option. Please note that its usage is majorly for domestic installations. You need to ask the right questions before deciding to use it outdoors.Types of SY CableSy cables are of different types. Your choice will be greatly dependent on the project you are handling. For instance, we have 2.5 mm SY cable, 4mm 5 core SY cable, 2.5 mm 3 core SY cable and 5 core SY cable. It should be noted that each of these SY cable vary in terms of capacity.For instance, a 2.5 mm SY cable can be used in environments that are dry, damp, or wet. However, a 1.5mm SY cable may not be suitable for such surrounding.

RS cable is the home of screened cable, shielded cable, and all parent variants. You will find other products and solutions to the cable management problems.

Screened Cables, Multicore Shielded Cable | RS

The popularity of shielded cable, screened cable, and unscreened video cables have grown. This results from reduced cord clutter by shielding, more convenient identification labels, and less noise and interference per wavelength.Screened cable is a component of almost every data center that is used for the uninterrupted transmission of signals to and from the equipment. The cable is shielded to create a barrier between different signals or components of the same signal.<h2>Screened Cable</h2>Screened cable is an electrical cable with a screen or mesh grid in its insulation. The screen protects against short circuits, open circuits, and ground faults. Screened cable is used in the power industry to carry power through underground, underwater, and aerial applications.The screens of screened cables have many openings, called "pores", designed to allow electricity passage but not anything else. When you touch a screened cable with your bare hands, you're likely to feel the smooth surface of the screen.However, these screens can become electrically charged when touched with a conductive object like metal rods. Screened cables are available in three basic types: stranded-screened (SS), multi-strand (MS), and solid-screened (SSS).<h2>Multicore Screened Cable</h2>Multicore Screened Cable is a kind of cable that has a large number of cores. The core comprises many strands, each being connected to the other strands.The Multicore Screened Cable has many advantages. It can be used in high frequency and low frequency and has good mechanical properties, electrical properties, chemical properties, etc.Multicore-screened cable is a kind of fiber optic cable that can handle multiple data transmissions in one fiber. This kind of cable has been used for long-distance transmission for many years, especially for large transmission cables. The multicore screened cable consists of several cores of different sizes, which are connected by a special connector.<h2>Features and Benefits</h2>The screened cable is the most widely used cable type because it has a higher voltage rating. A screened cable is typically rated at 5 VDC, although some versions may be rated as high as 100 VDC. The screened cable is also known as multicore or multi-core screened cable.The major advantage of this type of cable is that it can handle a larger current than standard twisted-pair or coaxial cables. This allows you to use it when the other types would not work, such as when you need to run a high-power device such as an electric guitar amplifier or an electric piano.Another advantage to using this type of cable is that it can handle more data than standard twisted-pair and coaxial cables. This means that you can use a greater frequency range for your data line than what you could get with standard cabling, which will allow for more channels (or signals) on your networked computer system or networked home entertainment system.

YY Cables are widely used for interconnecting cables that measure, control, or regulate equipment during assembly or production. Buy YY control cable from RS.

YY Cable, YY Control Cable, 12 Core YY Cable | RS

The flexible and adaptable nature of YY cable makes it suitable for many industries globally. Let's see what makes people choose YY cables.The cables are commonly used for connecting cables to measure, control, or regulate equipment found in assembly, production, lifting, and handling applications.Meanwhile, technological advancements in smart homes and automated housing have made control cables such as YY more common in domestic settings. In addition, YY cables are no longer restricted to industries like construction and transportation, which may soon explain how everyday household tasks become as easy as pressing a button.YY control cables are highly flexible, unshielded multicore cables used for a wide range of applications, such as in engineering, plant installations, car production, and bottling. The cable is constructed from electrolytic fine copper wire strands insulated with PVC.If you plan to purchase YY or any other type of control cable, it is important to take care to avoid electrical hazards. "YY" simply means PVC is used as insulation and sheathing. On its own, it does not imply any particular standard adherence.Due to its outer sheath, YY cables are exceptionally strong, allowing them for use in harsh environments.There are LSZH varieties of YY cable available to reduce the chances of toxic materials being released during a fire. Cables such as these are not intended to be used for power circuits. Their purpose is to serve as control cables.<h2>Features of YY control cables</h2><ul><li>Grey outer sheath</li><li>The core colours are number-coded, with black outer sheaths and white number markings.</li><li>Earth cores are included as standard in YY cables with 3 cores or 4 core yy cable or 5 core yy cable or more.</li><li>Voltage rating: 300/500V</li><li>Temperature rating: -5 to + 70 degrees C.</li><li>Minimum bend radius: 10x overall diameter</li></ul><h2>Types of YY Cable</h2>Available in a wide range of core configurations and cross-sectional area (CSA) sizes, with individual cores of green/yellow and varying numbered black cores. YY control cables are not suitable for fixed wiring applications requiring compliance with the requirements set out in BS7671.<h3>100 YY Cable</h3>With Classic 100 colour-coded YY cables, you can use them for signal and power transmission, as well as control. High flexibility enables quick and simple installation, with tough exterior sheathing that resists acids, salts, and oils.SpecificationsCores are of plain electrolytic fine copper wire strands with PVC-based insulation. Cores are laid up in various colours to the colour code. Outer sheath of a special PVC-based compound in silver-grey.Benefits<ul><li>Small cable diameters allow for space-saving installation</li><li>Due to the high test voltage of 4kV, electrical performance is high</li><li>Flexible conductor layers with short twists</li></ul><h3>110 YY cable</h3>YY cables with 110 number-coding are similar to colour-coding cables, so they can be used for power, signal, and control purposes. Due to its high flexibility, installation is simple, and its tough exterior sheathing will withstand acids, corrosive liquids, and lubricants.SpecificationsWire strands are electrolytically fine copper wires insulated with PVC. Each core is numbered consecutively in white on a black background. The outer sheath is made of a silver-grey PVC-based compound.BenefitsSmall cable diameters result in space-saving installationsHigh electrical performance due to a test voltage of 4kV

Shop online at RS for a comprehensive collection of 4 Core Cables and 4 Core Electrical Cables, available in various sizes, lengths and insulations.

4 Core Cables, Four Core Screened Electrical Cables | RS

The term "cable" refers to the number of conductors or bundled wires inside a cable sheath. There are different classifications of electrical cables. 4 core electrical cables, also known as quad-cables, are constructed with four individual insulated wires, each being twisted around another, such as a pair of cables.<h2>What Is A 4 Core Cable?</h2>A 4 core cable, also known as a 4-wire cable, has a single conductor that runs through the centre of four insulated wires. An insulating material surrounds the four insulated wires to prevent short circuits.The 4 core electrical cable's outer covering is often one colour, but the inner wires can be any number of colours. The colours of the wires inside determine how much current each wire can carry and which circuits they are used for.The following are the parameters for a 4 core electrical cable:<ul><li>Copper conductor with XLPE insulation</li><li>PVC serves as the sheath.</li></ul><h2>What Is 4 Core Cable Used For?</h2>Four core cable is used for electrical applications. It's a cable type with four strands of wires inside it. The strands are made of copper or aluminium. Copper is the most common option, and it's also the most cost-effective.The main benefit of a 4 core cable is that it can carry more current than other types of cables. Because 4 core control cable can handle more power, it's often used to connect high-power appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators to your home's electrical grid.A 4 core cable is also ideal for projects such as installing a new circuit breaker panel or wiring up a whole house surge protector.<h2>Advantages Of Four-Core Screened Electrical Cables</h2><ul><li>The cable is made from copper or aluminium, which are solid and durable materials. The cable will not easily be damaged by regular use or weather conditions.</li><li>4 core screened cables have multiple layers of insulation between the inner wires and outer shielding, which makes them resistant to moisture, sunlight and other environmental factors. This also makes them highly reliable in any situation where a lot of moisture is present.</li><li>These cables can transmit electricity over long distances without losing much energy due to resistance in the line. This means they are commonly used for long-distance or high-voltage distribution lines where many consumers need power.</li><li>Four-core screened electrical cables have less resistance than other types of electrical cables, which makes them ideal for transmitting large amounts of electrical currents across long distances with little loss of energy along the way.</li></ul>

We have the best 5 core cables available for your electrical installations. Our 5 Core Control Electrical Cables have been designed to meet your expectations.

5 Core Cables, 5 Core Control Electrical Cables | RS

A 5 core cable has become very popular in the electrical world. This is due to the roles that it has been designed to perform once used in electrical projects. Before going any further, it is crucial to understand what core means in cables. Such knowledge can help you to properly identify a 5 core cable that is about to be used in your project.Core simply represents the conductors in a cable. Simply put, any 5 core cable will have 5 conductors. Also, 4 core cables come with 4 conductors. Looking at 5-core cables, there is always something similar with them. This is the fact that they contain different cores. A sheath is used to hold such cores together. The core is usually the wire which will get connected to a connector.Various colors are used in differentiating the cables/wires. It is crucial to note that depending on the supplier you are patronizing, such colors will always vary.<h2>What is 5 Core Cable Used For?</h2>Having known what 5 core cables are all about, it is high time we talked about their uses and importance. These are explained below.Underground InstallationsThis is one of the most common uses of 5 core electrical cable. Such is due to how it is characterized by high conductivity. As a result, 5 core cables are able to withstand very high voltage. It is true that you can also use a 4 core or 3 core cable for this purpose. However, 5 core control cable is the best since it ensures ultimate protection.External InstallationsApart from underground installations explained above, 5 core cables have also been designed to be used during external installations. Are you trying to do any installation outside your home or office? It could be installation of electric gates, security lighting, factory lighting, or garden lighting. A 5 core electrical cable can prove to be the best option.In most cases, these cables are produced using PVC outer sheath. With such material, they are protected in unfavorable weather conditions.They Are Temperature-ResistantThis is another reason why 5 core electrical cable is important for installations. Under normal circumstances, conductivity can be affected by temperature. This is experienced even in 5-core cables. A rise in temperature can lead to expansion of the conductive material. 5 core cables tend to have much better conductors to handle situations like these.When electrons are flowing through the conductors, atoms will not be affected. If you want a cable that can stand the test of time, using a, 5 core control cable for your project won't be a bad idea. Feel free to contact us today for high-quality core cables.

Shop our range of CY Cable. Browse our latest CY Cable offers. Find out more today at RS

CY Cable | RS

CY cables are screened flexible control cables typically used in applications reliant on interference free transmission. In industries where interference can impact signalling transmission, a reliable cable is needed for accurate transmission even in areas that where electromagnetic fields are generated. CY cable features a multicore flex, tinned copper wire braid and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) separator which protects it from external electromagnetic influences.CY cable is suitable for flexible use when moved temporarily without tensile stress. It can be used outdoors when protected from UV rays and in dry or moist conditions indoors, including oil-water mixtures.Available in a wide range of core configurations and cross-sectional area (CSA) sizes, with colour-coded individual cores in accordance with the European Harmonised designation.

SY Cable

Uses of An SY Cable

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