What Is Multicore Cable Used For?

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Some projects are uniquely designed for multicore cable application. For instance, because of higher power demands, greater installation and operational stress, and harsher working conditions, industrial sector projects often use various multicore cable types.

Additionally, while the use of the single core automotive cable is a popular choice, for various interior electrical components, auto parts manufacturers often use thin wall multiple core cable.

There is one unique aspect of multicore cable sizes that often confuses even professionals who are experienced in electrical cabling applications. It’s true that multicore cable suppliers manufacture these cables with multiple cores sheathed inside a jacket. However, not every cable that has multiple cores inside its jacket is a multicore cable. That’s where things get confusing!

A cable may have multiple cores, but that does not necessarily mean the term “multicore” is appropriate to describe it. It depends on the “typical” multicore cable application one expects to encounter. For example, if multicore cable suppliers typically offer cables with 4-cores, it would not be designated as “multicore”. However, multicore cable sizes that “typically” consist of 2-cores, are also available in 4-core variants, then that cable is validly called a multicore cable.

Two very common reasons why engineers and electricians prefer multicore over single core cable, are functionality and space. Firstly, because cables with multiple cores can deliver multiple functions, like earthing/grounding, neutral, live, engineers and electricians can install just a single multicore cable and complete the project. On the other hand, if that application required the use of an 11kv single core cable, for example, the installation would require several the use a separate single core cable for each of those functions.

The second use case, where a multiple core cable is better than a single core cable, is when space is the constraining factor for the application. If you had to install a 1mm single core cable for each function – earthing, neutral, live – you would require 3 separate cables. In a tightly constrained environment, like an attic or behind a hard-to-reach crawlspace, that would be extremely difficult.

This use case is ideal for a multicore cable application. A more practical solution might be to use a single 1mm cable with multiple cores so that the tight space usage is optimized. Just one installation process will be easier and require less space than multiple installs of single core cable.

Sincestranded wireis more flexible thansolidcorewireof equal size, it can be used when thewireneeds to move around frequently, in a robot arm for example. Conversely,solid wireis used when little or no movement is needed, such as prototyping circuits on a breadboard or protoboard.

There are also variations in use considerations when deciding to use either solid or stranded multicore cable types. Because stranded cable offers greater flexibility by design, compared to its solid core counterpart of equivalent gauge, it performs better in a multicore cable application that requires frequent movement – for instance supplying power to a moving crane arm or an overhead pully system. On the other hand, most other applications, where frequent movement isn't a priority, like power to a motherboard, on a circuit board, or inside static equipment such as washing machines or microwave ovens, using multicore cable sizes of any denomination might be an overkill.

 

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