Shielded cables are commonly used in industrial facilities and environments with high noise and sensitivity. Their main purpose is to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ensure stable data transmission. To work effectively, shielded cables must undergo termination. While cable termination can be tricky, it doesn’t have to be with the right equipment.
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What Is a Control Cabinet?
A control cabinet is a vertical enclosure responsible for controlling, monitoring and operating machinery and its systems. It contains electrical, electronic and electromechanical components that serve different functions. Typically made of metal, a control cabinet functions like an operating panel for various industrial processes in manufacturing, energy, transportation, and automation.
Why You Should Terminate a Shield Within a Control Cabinet
Like shielded cables, control cabinets or electric enclosures offer EMI protection. Terminating a shield within a control cabinet provides additional security and enhanced safety.
Cable termination refers to the process of connecting a cable or wire to another grounding point. It involves stripping the cable of all the layers, including the jacket, shielding and insulation. The primary goal of cable termination is to prevent the effects of EMI, which can be detrimental to workplace functions.
Where to Terminate a Shield in a Control Cabinet
The location of the cable jacket is the ideal place to terminate a shielded cable. Since a control cabinet is a shielded enclosure, it’s also important that the entire circumference of the cable remains connected to the enclosure. Terminating the shield too far from the enclosure could affect its efficiency in keeping EMI at bay.
Cable Management Solutions for Shield Termination
The right tools are essential to shield termination. It’s equally important to have a set of reliable cable management solutions to make the process more efficient. Some cable management solutions that can aid in a successful shield termination process include:
- Ground straps: Grounding is a critical step in the shield termination process, allowing the shield to drain the energy it absorbs. High-quality ground straps help during installation and prevent the shield from radiating noise.
- Cable entry systems: High-performance cable entry systems facilitate the easier termination of cables onto other network devices. They’re especially helpful for routing cables in control cabinets and reducing cable strain.
- Cable glands: Specialty cable glands function as a sealing solution to protect cables and systems from contaminants. They can sometimes work as a termination device to maintain connectivity.
Become an Expert in Cable Shield Termination With AerosUSA
AerosUSA carries a wide selection of cable management and protection solutions from leading manufacturers. Whether you’re looking to conduct cable shield termination or improve your operational efficiency, we have the solutions you need. Browse our online catalog for high-quality cable management products or contact us for more information.
