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Signal Control Cables
Signal Control Cable Manufacturer for Industrial Signal Transmission
Signal Control Cable provides reliable transmission of low-voltage analogue and digital signals between sensors, actuators, control units, automation equipment and monitoring systems. ETK Kablo manufactures a broad range of flexible signal control cables for industrial automation, machinery, HVAC, building management, process monitoring and infrastructure applications.
The ETK Kablo portfolio includes PVC and LSZH constructions together with unscreened, foil-screened, braid-screened and combined foil + braid designs. Selected families also add steel wire braid or steel wire armor for applications that require increased mechanical protection.
Choosing the correct signal cable requires more than selecting the number of conductors. Signal sensitivity, electromagnetic interference, conductor grouping, screening architecture, sheath material, mechanical protection and installation environment should all form part of the specification.
What Is a Signal Control Cable?
A signal control cable is a flexible low-voltage cable designed primarily to transmit measurement, monitoring, command and control signals between electrical or electronic equipment.
Typical connections include sensors, limit switches, actuators, PLC inputs and outputs, control panels, monitoring devices and other automation equipment.
Signal circuits can operate at relatively low electrical levels and may therefore be sensitive to electromagnetic interference. Depending on the installation, the cable can use no screen, one overall foil, a copper braid, combined foil and braid screening or individually screened conductor groups.
ETK Kablo Signal Control Cable Structure
The ETK Kablo range is organized first by material system and then by electromagnetic and mechanical protection.
| Main Family | Construction Direction | Typical Cable Examples |
|---|---|---|
| PVC Signal Control Cables | PVC insulation and/or outer jacket constructions | LIYY, LIYCY, LIY(St)Y, LIY(St)CY and related families |
| LSZH Signal Control Cables | Halogen-free / low-smoke material systems | LIHH, LIHCH, LIH(St)H, LIH(St)CH and related families |
Both material families include several screening and mechanical-protection options, allowing the cable architecture to follow the real electrical and installation requirements of the project.
PVC Signal Control Cable
PVC signal control cables provide flexible and economical constructions for industrial environments where PVC materials meet the project requirements.
ETK Kablo's PVC portfolio includes unscreened LIYY designs, copper-braid-screened LIYCY cables, foil-screened LIY(St)Y families and combined foil + braid LIY(St)CY constructions.
The PVC branch also includes TP/TT, PiMF/TiMF and mechanically reinforced variants according to the selected product family.
LSZH Signal Control Cable
LSZH signal control cables use halogen-free material systems for projects where smoke density and halogen or corrosive-gas characteristics form part of the specification.
ETK Kablo's LSZH portfolio includes unscreened LIHH, braid-screened LIHCH, foil-screened LIH(St)H and combined-screen LIH(St)CH constructions together with mechanically protected variants.
These cables can be particularly relevant in public buildings, transportation infrastructure, industrial facilities and enclosed technical environments.
LSZH should not be confused with fire resistance. Halogen-free signal cable does not automatically provide FE180 or PH120 circuit integrity.
LIYY Unscreened Signal Control Cable
LIYY is one of the principal PVC signal cable families in the ETK Kablo portfolio.
The construction uses flexible Class 5 copper conductors, PVC insulation, layered stranding and a PVC outer jacket. Because standard LIYY does not include a dedicated metallic screen, it provides a relatively compact solution for signal circuits installed in environments where electromagnetic interference remains controlled.
ETK Kablo also offers LIYY-TP/TT constructions where conductors are arranged as twisted pairs or triads according to the required signal architecture.
LIYCY Braid Screened Signal Control Cable
LIYCY adds a tinned copper braid screen to the flexible PVC signal cable architecture.
The braid provides electromagnetic shielding around the cable core and can reduce the influence of electrical noise from nearby motors, drives, power circuits and industrial equipment.
ETK Kablo also manufactures LIYCY-TP/TT and related constructions for projects requiring both defined conductor grouping and an overall braid screen.
The copper braid should be distinguished from steel wire braid. A tinned copper braid primarily provides electromagnetic screening, while steel wire braiding primarily addresses mechanical protection.
LIY(St)Y Foil Screened Signal Control Cable
LIY(St)Y uses an overall foil screen rather than a copper braid.
A foil screen provides high surface coverage around the cable core while maintaining a relatively compact construction. Depending on the exact product, a drain or earthing conductor provides electrical continuity for screen termination.
ETK Kablo also offers TP/TT and PiMF/TiMF versions within this family, providing additional options for circuit organization and electrical separation.
LIY(St)CY Foil and Braid Screened Signal Cable
LIY(St)CY combines foil and copper braid screening in one signal cable construction.
The foil provides broad electromagnetic coverage, while the braid adds a second conductive screening layer. This combination can suit electrically demanding industrial environments where the project requires more substantial overall shielding.
Combined screening can increase cable diameter, weight and termination work compared with a simpler screen. Therefore, it should follow the actual EMC requirement rather than being specified automatically.
LIHH Halogen-Free Unscreened Signal Cable
LIHH provides an unscreened halogen-free signal cable construction.
Its flexible copper conductors and halogen-free insulation and sheath materials make it suitable for low-voltage signal applications where additional electromagnetic screening is not required but LSZH material characteristics are specified.
ETK Kablo also manufactures LIHH-TP/TT versions for paired or triad signal architectures.
LIHCH Halogen-Free Braid Screened Signal Cable
LIHCH combines halogen-free materials with a tinned copper braid screen.
This architecture addresses two separate project requirements: the copper braid provides electromagnetic shielding, while the halogen-free materials address smoke and halogen characteristics during combustion.
LIHCH and LIHCH-TP/TT can therefore suit sensitive signal circuits in enclosed industrial or infrastructure environments where both EMC and LSZH requirements matter.
Unscreened vs Screened Signal Control Cable
| Construction | Screen | Typical Selection Logic |
|---|---|---|
| LIYY / LIHH | None | Controlled EMI environment and simpler cable construction |
| LIY(St)Y / LIH(St)H | Foil | Compact overall electromagnetic screening |
| LIYCY / LIHCH | Copper braid | Flexible and robust overall electromagnetic screening |
| LIY(St)CY / LIH(St)CH | Foil + copper braid | Combined electromagnetic shielding for more demanding environments |
The installation environment should determine the screening system. Additional screening can improve EMC performance, but it also affects cable diameter, flexibility, termination and cost.
Foil Screen vs Copper Braid Screen
Foil and braid screens both protect sensitive signals, but they use different mechanical structures.
A foil screen provides continuous coverage around the cable core and creates a compact screening layer.
A copper braid uses many fine metallic wires woven around the core. This creates a flexible conductive screen that can provide robust electrical continuity and mechanical stability.
Projects can also combine both technologies when the electromagnetic environment requires it.
TP and TT Signal Cable
TP and TT constructions organize conductors as twisted pairs or twisted triads.
Twisting conductors can improve electrical balance and reduce unwanted coupling from external electromagnetic fields.
Pair and triad organization also helps installers assign conductors to individual signals or circuits in automation and monitoring systems.
ETK Kablo offers TP/TT versions across several PVC and LSZH signal cable families.
PiMF and TiMF Signal Cable
PiMF describes individually screened pairs, while TiMF describes individually screened triads.
Instead of relying only on one overall screen, each signal element receives its own metallic screen. This provides additional electrical separation between circuits sharing the same cable.
PiMF/TiMF can be useful where multiple sensitive analogue or digital signals run together and crosstalk or circuit-to-circuit interference requires tighter control.
Individual screening adds complexity, diameter and termination work, so it should be specified where the signal architecture genuinely benefits from it.
Steel Wire Braided Signal Control Cable
Some installations require greater physical protection than a standard signal cable can provide.
ETK Kablo offers steel wire braided signal control cables within both PVC and LSZH families. These constructions can combine steel-wire mechanical reinforcement with different electrical screening systems.
The steel wire braid should not be confused with a tinned copper braid. Steel primarily provides mechanical protection, while copper braid primarily provides electromagnetic screening.
Steel Wire Armored Signal Control Cable
ETK Kablo also manufactures steel wire armored signal control cables for more mechanically demanding routes.
SWA construction provides increased resistance against external mechanical forces compared with conventional unarmored signal cable.
The electrical screen and mechanical armor should be specified independently. A cable can require foil, copper braid or combined screening in addition to steel wire armor.
Because metallic armor is conductive, bonding and grounding requirements should follow the project electrical design.
Signal Screening vs Mechanical Protection
| Construction Element | Main Purpose |
|---|---|
| Al/PET Foil | Electromagnetic screening |
| Tinned Copper Braid | Electromagnetic screening |
| Foil + Copper Braid | Combined electromagnetic screening |
| Steel Wire Braid | Mechanical protection |
| Steel Wire Armor | Increased mechanical protection |
Confusing these functions can lead to an incorrect cable specification. Screening addresses signal integrity, while steel reinforcement addresses physical installation risks.
PVC vs LSZH Signal Control Cable
| Characteristic | PVC Signal Cable | LSZH Signal Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Families | LIYY, LIYCY, LIY(St)Y, LIY(St)CY | LIHH, LIHCH, LIH(St)H, LIH(St)CH |
| Material Direction | PVC insulation and/or sheath | Halogen-free material system |
| Smoke / Halogen Requirement | Standard PVC behavior according to construction | Used where project-specific low-smoke and halogen characteristics are required |
| Screen Options | Unscreened, foil, braid and combined | Unscreened, foil, braid and combined |
| Mechanical Protection | SWB and SWA options available | SWB and SWA options available |
Neither material system is automatically the correct choice for every project. The building specification, fire requirements, environment and installation route should determine the selection.
Signal Control Cable Voltage and Conductor Size
Voltage rating and conductor cross-section vary across the ETK Kablo signal cable portfolio.
For example, smaller LIYY conductor sizes can carry lower operating-voltage ratings, while larger cross-sections within the same family are available with 300/500 V ratings.
This means one blanket voltage value should not be applied to every product in the complete Signal Control Cable category.
Procurement teams should define the conductor size and required electrical rating at the RFQ stage and confirm the values from the selected product datasheet.
Signal Control Cable for Industrial Automation
Signal cables connect many of the low-level electrical devices that allow an automation system to monitor and respond to operating conditions.
Applications can include:
- PLC input and output circuits
- Sensors and proximity switches
- Actuators and valves
- Machine monitoring systems
- HVAC automation
- Production equipment
- Building management systems
- Industrial alarm and monitoring circuits
- Audio and compatible low-level signal systems
- Infrastructure monitoring networks
The actual signal level, EMC environment and installation conditions should determine the cable architecture.
Signal Control Cable vs Control Cable
ETK Kablo separates Signal Control Cables from its dedicated Control Cable portfolio.
Signal Control Cables primarily include LIYY, LIYCY, LIHH and related low-voltage signal families designed around flexible conductors and multiple screening architectures.
Control Cables primarily include YSLY, YSLCY, YSLYCY, HSLH and related multi-core constructions used for machinery, auxiliary and industrial control circuits.
| Characteristic | Signal Control Cable | Control Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Typical ETK Families | LIYY, LIYCY, LIHH, LIHCH | YSLY, YSLCY, YSLYCY, HSLH |
| Main Selection Focus | Sensitive signal transmission and screening | Multi-core machinery and automation control |
| Screening Options | Extensive foil, braid and individual-screen options | Screened and unscreened options according to construction |
The terms can overlap in commercial language, so the actual circuit requirements and cable construction should determine the correct product family.
Signal Control Cable vs Instrumentation Cable
Instrumentation cable is designed specifically around process-measurement and instrumentation circuits and commonly uses defined pair, triad and individual-screen architectures such as RE-series PiMF/TiMF constructions.
Signal Control Cable provides a broader flexible low-voltage signal solution for automation devices, control panels and electronic equipment.
Where a project specification explicitly calls for an RE-series instrumentation construction, a generic LIYY or LIYCY signal cable should not automatically be considered equivalent.
Flame Retardancy and LSZH Performance
Fire-performance requirements vary according to the exact signal cable construction.
PVC signal cable products can include applicable single-cable flame-retardancy testing, while LSZH products can additionally include smoke-density, halogen and corrosive-gas requirements.
The exact tests and CPR classification should be verified from the individual product datasheet and Declaration of Performance where applicable.
One common category-level fire classification should not be applied automatically to every PVC, LSZH, armored and screened construction.
How to Specify a Signal Control Cable
A complete RFQ should define the signal, material, screening and installation requirements separately.
| Specification Item | Information to Provide |
|---|---|
| Cable Family | LIYY, LIYCY, LIHH, LIHCH or other required construction |
| Conductor Configuration | Multi-core, TP/TT or PiMF/TiMF |
| Conductor Size | Required cross-section in mm² |
| Screen | Unscreened, foil, copper braid, foil + braid or individual screens |
| Material | PVC or LSZH / halogen-free |
| Mechanical Protection | Standard, steel wire braid or steel wire armor |
| Electrical Requirement | Required operating voltage and signal characteristics |
| Installation Environment | Machine, control panel, industrial plant, building or other route |
| Fire Requirement | Required flame, smoke, halogen and CPR characteristics |
| Documentation | Datasheet, DoP where applicable, test documents and project certificates |
Why Choose ETK Kablo as Your Signal Control Cable Manufacturer?
ETK Kablo manufactures signal control cables across a broad range of conductor grouping, screening, material and mechanical-protection architectures.
The portfolio includes PVC and LSZH cable families, LIYY and LIHH unscreened designs, LIYCY and LIHCH copper-braid-screened constructions, foil and combined-screen products, TP/TT and PiMF/TiMF variants and mechanically protected SWB and SWA solutions.
This range allows industrial distributors, automation contractors, OEMs, panel builders and infrastructure projects to select the cable according to the actual signal, EMC and installation requirements rather than adapting the system to one generic cable construction.
ETK Kablo can evaluate conductor configuration, cross-section, screen architecture, material system, mechanical protection and project documentation together during the technical quotation process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Signal Control Cable
What is a signal control cable?
A signal control cable is a flexible low-voltage cable used to transmit analogue or digital signals between sensors, actuators, controllers, panels and other automation or monitoring equipment.
What is LIYY cable?
LIYY is an unscreened flexible PVC signal control cable with Class 5 copper conductors. It is suitable for applications where electromagnetic interference is relatively low and a dedicated metallic screen is not required.
What is LIYCY cable?
LIYCY is a flexible PVC signal control cable with a tinned copper braid screen for electromagnetic protection.
What is the difference between LIYY and LIYCY?
LIYY is unscreened, while LIYCY adds a tinned copper braid around the cable core. LIYCY is therefore more appropriate where the signal circuit requires increased EMI protection.
What is LIHH cable?
LIHH is an unscreened halogen-free signal control cable for projects requiring LSZH material characteristics without a dedicated electromagnetic screen.
What is LIHCH cable?
LIHCH combines halogen-free materials with a tinned copper braid screen, providing both LSZH material characteristics and electromagnetic protection.
What is the difference between foil and braid screened signal cable?
A foil screen uses a thin conductive layer around the cable core and provides high surface coverage. A braid screen uses woven metallic wires and provides a flexible, robust conductive screen. Some constructions combine both.
What do TP and TT mean?
TP and TT refer to twisted pair and twisted triad conductor arrangements. They organize signal conductors into defined groups and can improve electrical balance.
What do PiMF and TiMF mean?
PiMF and TiMF describe individually screened pairs or triads. These constructions provide additional electrical separation between signal circuits within the same cable.
Is steel wire braid the same as copper braid screening?
No. Tinned copper braid primarily provides electromagnetic screening. Steel wire braid primarily provides mechanical protection.
Is LSZH signal cable fire resistant?
No. LSZH describes smoke and halogen characteristics of cable materials. FE180 or PH120 circuit integrity requires a dedicated fire-resistant cable construction.
What information should I provide when requesting a quotation?
Provide the required cable family, conductor count or pair configuration, conductor cross-section, screening type, PVC or LSZH requirement, mechanical protection, operating voltage, quantity, packing length and applicable project documentation.
