INSTRUMENTATION CABLE

Instrumentation Cables are specialized cables built to carry low-energy electrical signals. They're essential for monitoring and controlling systems, particularly in industrial settings. These cables reliably transmit data, signals, and control information from various instruments and devices to control panels and other equipment.

Filters

0 Products

FIlters

INSTRUMENTATION CABLE

Instrumentation Cables are multiple-conductor signaling cables designed to transmit clean, accurate data in industrial process control and automation systems. Operating at 300V or 600V, these cables are engineered to protect sensitive low-voltage signals from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) generated by nearby heavy machinery and power lines. Available in Twisted Pair or Twisted Triad configurations, they utilize specialized shielding—either an overall shield for general protection or individually shielded pairs for maximum isolation between signals. With rugged jackets rated for sunlight resistance and direct burial, these cables ensure the precision of your flow meters, pressure transducers, and PLC inputs in even the harshest environments.

Installation Note: To ensure maximum noise rejection, the shield and drain wire should typically be grounded at one end only (usually the controller or PLC end). Grounding at both ends can create a "ground loop," which may actually introduce the very electrical noise you are trying to eliminate. When stripping the cable, take care not to nick the insulation of the twisted pairs, as this can lead to signal leakage or intermittent faults in sensitive 4-20mA loops.

Key Features
  • Shielding Options: Available in Overall Shield (OS) for basic noise rejection or Individual & Overall Shield (SPOS) to prevent "crosstalk" between adjacent pairs.
  • Twisted Pair/Triad Construction: Conductors are twisted to cancel out electromagnetic noise and improve signal-to-noise ratios.
  • Tinned Copper Drain Wire: Includes a continuous drain wire for easy grounding of the foil shields, ensuring effective EMI/RFI drainage.
  • PLTC & ITC Rated: UL listed as Power Limited Tray Cable (PLTC) and Instrumentation Tray Cable (ITC), allowing for installation in cable trays and raceways.
  • Flame & Chemical Resistance: Encased in a durable PVC or XLPE jacket that is sunlight resistant and designed to withstand industrial oils and chemicals.
  • 600V or 300V Ratings: Available in multiple voltage classes to suit specific control system architectures and safety requirements.
  • High-Purity Stranded Copper: Utilizes soft-annealed stranded copper for flexibility during installation and reliable conductivity.
Common Applications
  • Process Control Systems: Connecting field sensors (temperature, pressure, level) to Distributed Control Systems (DCS) or PLCs.
  • Refineries & Chemical Plants: Providing reliable signaling for hazardous area instrumentation and valve actuators.
  • Water Treatment Facilities: Routing data from remote flow sensors and chemical monitors to central control hubs.
  • Power Generation Plants: Used in turbine control systems and electrical substation monitoring.
  • Mass Transit Signaling: Wiring for trackside sensors and communication systems in rail networks.
  • Automated Assembly Lines: Connecting encoders and proximity sensors to high-speed robotic controllers.
  • Laboratory & Medical Equipment: Ensuring high-fidelity data transmission for sensitive analytical instruments.

Resources & Guides

Foil Shielding in Wire & Cable | 100% EMI Coverage Guide
February 10, 2026
Read More
What is UL 1277? The Standard for Type TC-ER Tray Cable
February 04, 2026
Read More