Single Core Cable Advantages And Disadvantages?

Each type of cabling has its strong points, that make engineers and electricians choose that particular cable for their project. If a 0.75mm single core cable is a good choice for an indoor application, it might not be the best choice for an outdoor application. However, there are also pros and disadvantages in using one type of cable over another.

Advantages of single core cable:

• Ease of installation between phases
• Less chance of short-circuiting in-between multiple phases
• Ease of transportation over longer distances. For example, a spool of 10mm single core cable is much easier (and smaller in terms of footprint) than equivalent multicore cable types
• Easy to lay out and install
• Longer cables can be used with an equivalent cross-sectional carrying capacity as compared to multi-core cables

Disadvantages of single core cable:

• These cables cannot be armour protected, so are unsuitable for applications where there is risk of mechanical stress
• Because of lack of armour, single core cable is more exposed to damage from external forces
• For applications needing cables to be installed in harsh conditions, armoured cables are preferred. For example, because a 2.5mm single core cable can’t be armoured with magnetic steel tape or strips, installation is more challenging in rugged, stress-prone environments than an equivalent size multicore cable
• Single core cables are only protected by a single outer sheathing, which makes them more susceptible to damage. A slight damage to the outer cover could cause a short circuit
• In high-usage applications, where the requirement is to ground a single core cable at multiple points, this may cause circulation risk. As a result, there is greater probability that the cable will overheat and finally burn out