Cables and wires are closely related to the transmission of signals in the video, audio and networking worlds. Do you know the different structures of these cables? While unshielded cables are common in our everyday use, the importance of physical protection cannot be overemphasized, especially in extreme environments where optimal performance is critical.

Braided cables are typically designed in a variety of materials and styles to maximize cable performance. Some braided cables provide physical protection to reduce external damage, and some protect data transmission from interference.

How well do you know the nuances of braided cable? Do you know when to use these cables and what benefits they have? This blog begins a journey into the realm of braided cables and wires, revealing structures, applications, advantages and more.


What is braided cable?

In the 19th century, with the widespread adoption of electricity, interference became a widespread problem. People used to wrap ground wires around conductors to reduce interference, but for better cable performance, a new, more efficient solution was needed. At the end of the 19th century, telephone engineers made the breakthrough discovery that wrapping wire around a conductor could effectively reduce radio interference. This is the beginning of braided cable history.

Braided wire is a mesh shield wrapped around a conductor. These braids come in a variety of materials and styles, providing versatile solutions for different needs. For example, most braided wires are made of metallic materials such as gold and silver plated copper for added interference protection. In addition, substitutes such as sterling silver, pure nickel and bronze are used. The type of braiding material can be influenced by many factors, including cable type, budget, and specific application.


Braided cable is necessary

EMI surrounds people, from microwave ovens to smart devices, and braided cables are necessary to reduce EMI and RFI. Braided shielding can not only reduce cable interference, but also ensure the integrity, strength and stability of the transmitted signal. Braided shielding can effectively prevent cable transmission interference to nearby electrical equipment, which is especially important in an environment filled with different cables and connecting devices.

In addition, braided cables prevent external physical damage. The wire mesh also increases the durability of the cable, making the cable resistant to frequent bending and bending. However, it should be noted that braiding also thickens the cable, which increases the difficulty of cable installation.


Aluminum foil shielding and braided shielding

In addition to braided wire, aluminum foil shielding also helps reduce EMI and RFI. What are the similarities and differences between these two masking methods? We will explore this further in the following sections.

Compared to braided shielding, aluminum foil shielding offers greater protection against interference, but at a lower cost. However, it is not as flexible as copper braided shielding and is easier to tear or fold in some applications. Braided shielding can be more versatile and can protect the cable from external damage and electromagnetic interference.


Spiral shield and braided shield

Spiral shielding is also one of the common cable shielding solutions. The copper wire is wound parallel to the twisted pair. Since copper does not require entanglement, it can be cheaper and has a larger coverage area than braided shielding. Braided shielding can cover 70-90% of the area, while spiral shielding can cover more than 90% of the area. In addition, spiral shielded cables are easier to install and more flexible. However, it is worth noting that this cable shielding solution has a gap in the shielding, which can cause interference to leak into the space. It's more likely to be damaged than a braided shield.


Where can I use braided thread?

In the electrical field, full coverage may not be practical, but braided cables can provide 70-95% coverage and can resist most external noise. So, where can I use braided cables? We have listed the common applications of braided cables:

An environment with frequent temperature changes
Applications with high interference
High vibration application
Environment for connecting devices
Effective masking guidelines

Choose a cable that meets your specific requirements. You should consider factors such as environmental conditions, frequency of movement and potential disturbances. For example, braided cables have superior durability than braided cables in environments that require frequent bending and exposure to mechanical stress, because in such cases the braided parts tear easily.

Make sure the cable has adequate shielding to reduce EMI and RFI. For low or moderate interference environments, aluminum foil is sufficient to provide protection. But for more complex and noisy environments, such as industrial or high-density environments, the combination of aluminum foil and weaving provides enhanced shielding.

Connectors are just as important in installation as cables. Use connectors that not only match the cable shielding performance, but also ensure a safe and reliable connection. Pair braided cables with connectors with metal housings for long-term reliability.

Ensure equipment and cables are properly grounded to reduce unnecessary noise and interference in the signal path.


Final thoughts

Braided cables are reliable against RMI and radio interference and provide additional protection against external damage. These cables are common in the electrical and Ethernet fields. Cat7 and Cat8 Ethernet cables, for example, often feature braided and foil-like shielding for stable data transmission. As technology continues to evolve and the demand for high-performance and reliable connections grows, braided cables remain the best choice for the future.