Types of cables: All you need to know

A cable is a grouping of multiple wires protected by a single sheath.

Electric wires and cables are critical in the electric sector for carrying and distributing power to companies, houses, and workplaces, among other places. The majority of fields rely on multiple electric wires to provide a steady power supply.

A cable is a grouping of multiple wires protected by a single sheath, whereas a wire is a single electrical conductor. As different types of cables, such as electrical, computer, and power cables, serve distinct purposes, not all cables accomplish the same duty.

See also: Electrical cabling: Types and applications

The different types of cables available

Coaxial

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This is a copper cable that has a built in metal shield and other parts that block interference of signal.

Ethernet

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Wired computer networking technologies that is used local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN) and wide area network (WAN).

USB

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Universal Serial Bus (USB) allows the exchange of data and delivery of power between different types of electronics.

HDMI

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High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) helps transmit video and audio from a source to a monitor.

Power

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This is used for transmission of electricity.

Fiber optic

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Fiber optics is used by internet services to transmit information as light pulses through strands of fiber that are made of glass, plastic over long distances.

VGA

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Source: Pinterest/Lowes

This is a standard connector used for computer video output.

DVI

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Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a video display interface that is by the DDWG.

DisplayPort

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Source: Pinterest/Aliexpress

This connects video source to the display device.

Thunderbolt

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Source: Pinterest/Dhgate

Thunderbolt helps in high-speed data transfer, power and outputs  video signal to devices to compatible devices at the same time.

Electrical cord

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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An electrical cable is a type of cable that is used to transfer and distribute electrical energy. These cables are utilised in situations where high-voltage transmission is required, but overhead power lines are unsuitable. There are many different types of electrical cables in the market, but the following are the most prevalent.

Know about: electrical cabling

Non-metallic sheath cable

Non-metallic sheath cables are often referred to as non-metallic building wires or NM cables. These electrical lines may be found beneath or outside applications.

 

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Underground feeder cable

In many respects, underground feeder cables are similar to NM cables. These cables’ high water resistance makes them ideal for use in wet environments such as pumps, gardens, and air lighting.

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Metallic sheathed cable

BX, which stands for armoured cables, is another term for metallic encased cables. These cables are often used to supply power to large machinery. These cables have three copper wires, one of which is used for current, one as a grounding wire, and one as a neutral wire.

 

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Multi-conductor cable

Cables with more than one conductor are known as multi-conductor cables. These cables feature at least two twisted pairs of conductors and a maximum of 100 or more.

 

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Coaxial cable

A helix is a term used to describe a coaxial wire with an insulating covering. The term “coaxial” refers to a cable with two shields that split a shared geometric axis. These cables link video equipment and carry television signals.

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Unshielded twisted pair cable

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables are made up of two wires. These cables aid in the transmission of signal and video applications, as well as data networks, telephones, and security cameras.

 

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Direct-buried cable

DBCs, or direct-buried cables, are specifically designed bundles of coaxial or fibre-optic wires. These cables do not require any further plumbing, insulation, or sheathing before being buried. These cables are widely used due to their resistance to moisture; temperature changes from high to low tolerance, and other environmental factors for communication or transmission requirements.

 

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Twin-lead cable

These are two-wire flexible cables used to transport data between an antenna and a receiver (such as a TV or radio).

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Twinaxial cable

A twinaxial cable is a coaxial cable that has two conductors instead of one. These cables are commonly used in short-distance applications that need a high-speed signal transmission.

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Paired cable

The paired cable is made up of two conductors that are insulated separately. These cables are used in low-frequency alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) appliances.

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Power cables

Power cables are commonly utilised in electric power distribution from substations to appropriate locations. These wires might be subterranean or overhead, depending on the scenario.

Many conductors in these cables are insulated by an outer layer known as insulation.

Belted cable

Belted cables are composed of three conductors that are bundled together and coated with an insulating paper “belt.”

 

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Screened cable

Power cables, such as screened cables, can withstand voltages of up to 33KV. In extreme cases, these cables may increase the voltage range to 66KV.

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Pressurised type cable

To keep the cable’s pressure above atmospheric levels, these cables employ gas or oil. These cables come in two varieties, oil-filled cables and gas-pressurised cables.

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Monitor or computer cables

A computer cable is a cord that transmits power or data from one device to another. These cables, which also have a plastic covering, contain one or more wires. There are several types of monitor cables on the market, which are explained further below.

HDMI cable

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. A specialised computer wire transmits audio and video messages via pictures. HDMI cables are available in a range of forms.

 

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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DVI cable

To connect an LCD monitor to a video card, a video display interface known as a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) cable is utilised. This cable allows you to watch high-quality movies without any issues.

 

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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VGA cable

VGA (Visual Graphics Adapter) cables are one form of display cable that is used to carry video signals between the CPU and monitor of a computer. These cables can now be found in televisions and projectors.

 

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Ethernet cable

Ethernet cables are commonly used in a wired network to link various electrical devices in a LAN, such as PCs, routers, and switches. Although these cables have more wires than telephone cables, they are pretty equivalent.

 

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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PS/2 cable

The PS/2 (Personal System/2) cable has a six-pin circular connection. These cables are often used to connect a computer’s keyboard and mouse.

 

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Audio cable

Audio cables link headphones and earphones to the system. These are often used to connect any speaker to a PC sound card, a tiny CD player, or a compact stereo audio device.

 

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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USB cable

The USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable is a popular and generally recognised method of connecting numerous peripherals to a computer system. There are several sorts of USB cables. These are the following:

Type A USB

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Type B USB

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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Type C USB

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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MIDI

The MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) cable handles panning, music data, vibrato, event messages, and so on. These cables can be used to connect a MIDI keyboard or synthesiser to a computer.

Types of cables: Know different types of cable for different purposes

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FAQs

What are the many types of cable connectors?

The three types of cable connections are twisted-pair, fibre-optic, and coaxial cable connectors with twisted pairs.

What are the most prevalent charging cable types?

The most common charging cords that people use on a regular basis are USB-A, USB-B, Mini-USB, and Micro-USB.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you.

Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com

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