Twisted Pair & Multicore Data Cable

Nowadays, data transmission cables are important for many industries, particularly data warehouses. But most people or customers don't know much about these cables. Twisted pair and multicore data cables are copper cables that carry data from one location to another.

The cables are most commonly seen in computer networking and telecommunications systems, along with equipment such as displayport cables and electric cables. That's why you should read this article to gain essential knowledge regarding twisted pair and multicore data cable, enabling you to choose the best twisted pair cable for your needs.

What is a Twisted Pair Cable?

Twisted pair cables are a cable with two conductors twisted together on a single circuit. The cores are then enclosed in an outer sheath, commonly PVC. When a wire conducts electricity, it naturally forms an electromagnetic field surrounding it, interfering with neighbouring wires.

Twisted pairs transport signals in different directions to lessen and eliminate this effect, so the two magnetic fields occur at opposite ends, thus cancelling each other out. This is frequently referred to as cancellation.

Different Types of Twisted Pair Cable

Twisted pair cables are categorised based on their shielding:

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cables

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables are the most common type, offering flexibility and affordability. They are suitable for environments with minimal EMI, such as home networks or offices. However, they may be susceptible to interference in industrial settings.

Shielded Twisted Pair Cables

Shielded twisted pair wires and shielded twisted pair cables offer additional protection against EMI. A metallic foil or braided shield encases the twisted pairs, further reducing interference. This makes them ideal for environments with high levels of electrical noise or where data security is critical. Variations like 2 pair twisted shielded cables and 14 AWG twisted pair shielded cables likewise cater to specific applications.

Benefits of Twisted Pair Cables

Reduced Electromagnetic Interference

Generally, compared to a typical coaxial cable, twisted pair cables tend to be more accommodating in terms of flexibility and being able to bend them without significant loss in signal. The twisting of the wires significantly reduces electromagnetic interference, ensuring clean and reliable data transmission.

Cost-Effective

Twisted pair cables, especially UTP cables, are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of data cables. As they are not as thick as coaxial cables, they offer a cheaper alternative while maintaining high transmission quality.

Ease of Installation

Their flexibility and simple design make twisted pair cables easy to manage across multiple applications. Additional equipment such as crimp tools may be useful, but these cables are generally easy to install.

Applications of Twisted Pair Cables

The twisted pair is the most common type of cable used for telecommunication. It consists of two or more insulated copper wires twisted around each other. The most common applications are telephone and local area networks (LAN).

Telephone cables

These are used in telephone cables to transmit voice signals over long distances. They are also used in telephones, modems, and fax machines. In these applications, pairs of wires are twisted together to reduce interference from external high-frequency sources such as radio waves and static electricity.

LAN cables

LAN cables are used to connect computers together in a network. They can also connect printers and other peripherals to the network. Twisted pair LAN cables consist of four pairs of wires twisted together for each individual channel or connection between two devices (8 wires per cable). Each pair carries data in one direction only, so there are two pairs for each direction of communication - one for transmitting data and another for receiving data.

How to Choose the Right Twisted Pair Cable for Your Needs

Selecting the right twisted pair cable depends on several factors:

Shielding

Choose shielded twisted pair (STP) cables for environments with high EMI, as they can block outside interference to help ensure stable transmission. Otherwise, opt for unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables for less demanding applications.

Number of Pairs

Determine the number of pairs required based on your network's bandwidth needs. 3 pair twisted pair cables and 4 pair twisted pair cables are common options.

Assess Wire Gauge

The wire gauge (AWG) affects the cable's thickness and maximum transmission distance. Thicker cables (lower AWG) can carry signals over longer distances.

Budget

Consider your budget constraints, as shielded cables tend to be more expensive than unshielded ones. RS offers a wide range of twisted pair cables from globally-recognised brands at competitive prices, ensuring you find the perfect solution for your data transmission needs within budget.

How to Order Twisted Pair Cables from RS

Ordering from RS Hong Kong is easy and convenient. Simply browse our extensive online catalogue, select the desired twisted pair cables from trusted brands like Alpha Wire, MICROWIRES, Belden, Siemens, and TE Connectivity, and add them to your cart.

How Delivery Works at RS Hong Kong

RS Hong Kong is committed to providing efficient delivery services for our twisted pair cables and other items. We cater to a wide range of businesses with multiple convenient delivery options. For more details, please visit ourDelivery Information page.