A Guide to Types of Speaker Cable

The age old argument of speaker cable quality has raged between audiophiles since the dawn of time (well not really, but certainly for quite a while). Some argue the quality of speaker cables is just as important as the quality of the Hi-fi components they’re connecting. Other enthusiasts save their cash buying budget cables and claim that they make no difference to the sound quality whatsoever.

So rather than poking our nose between these two opposing camps and risk getting dragged into the ongoing battle, lets elude the heated quarrel and instead offer up an overview of speaker cable jargon and give you some useful tips on how to buy your own.

How does resistance affect performance?

Generally speaking, resistance starts to have an effect on the performance of a speaker when resistance is greater than 5% of the speaker’s impedance. Resistance is affected by two key aspects: wire length and the cross sectional area of the wire. The shorter the wire is, the less resistance it will have. The trick here is to minimise wire lengths where possible but still ensure your speakers are positioned apart. It’s also important that the wire lengths to both speakers are the same to ensure they both have equal impedance values.

The cross sectional area of the wire is referring to the thickness, or gauge, of the wire. The thicker a wire or the lower the gauge, the less resistance. It is therefore a combination between speaker impedance, length and gauge that affects the resistance. The below table illustrates suggested speaker cable lengths that will ensure your speaker cable has a resistance less than 5% of your speaker’s nominal impedance given differing gauge measurements.

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How is Coaxial Cable Constructed?

Patented in 1880, coaxial cable has been a standard means of delivering high frequency electrical signals over distances with low signal loss. It has many applications, including telephone trunk lines, cable television signals, and cell phone boosters. Cables come in many sizes and lengths, each designed for a specific application.

Coaxial cable has an inner and outer core that share a geometric axis. This prevents electromagnetic interference and enables more reliable data transmission over longer distances.

Coaxial cable is constructed from a single copper or copper-coated steel wire as the center core which carries the high frequency signal. This wire is surrounded by a dielectric insulator, often made of plastic, which keeps a constant distance between the center conductor and the next layer. This insulator is wrapped with a metal shield made of woven copper, aluminum or other metal. This cancels outside electromagnetic interference. The final layer is a rubber wrapper that insulates the whole configuration.

Coaxial cable can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications with a few differences. Coax used outdoors requires additional insulation to protect the wires from sun and moisture. Cables rated for outdoor use may run along the outside of your home to a satellite dish or to the cable box on the corner. Whether out in the sun or buried in the earth, the cable needs to be protected enough to provide seamless transmissions.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Cable and Fire Alarm Cable

What’s the difference between power limited cables and non-power limited cables?

The difference between power limited cables and non-power limited cables comes down to which sections of NEC they comply with. Non-power limited cables is a fire alarm circuit powered by a source that complies with NEC sections 760-21 and 760-23. Power limited cables is a fire alarm circuit powered by a source that complies with section 760-41.

Generally, how do I know what kind of fire alarm cable I need?

Fire alarm cables are placed into three broad categories: plenum, non-plenum, and riser. Each of these corresponds to another standardized category. Plenum cable, to be used in ducts or other enclosed air spaces, is called FPLP; non-plenum cable, to be used in applications such as surface wiring, is FPL; and riser cable, which can be used in applications that go vertically from floor to floor, is FPLR. All of these names reflect where the fire alarm cable can be installed safely. Once you know where you will install the cable, you know in which category to start looking.

What are some important safety precautions to consider when choosing fire alarm cable?

There are many safety precautions such as voltage, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, etc., that should be considered in choosing any kind of electrical cable, including that for fire alarms. However, there are some notable fire-related safety precautions to consider as well. First is the fire resistance of the cable – will it burn and/or how long will it burn? Another is smoke propagation — how much will it give off if it comes in contact with fire? These considerations should be made when choosing any type of electrical cable, but they are especially important in the case of fire alarm cable which must function in emergency situations and under extreme conditions.

Most safety concerns (including these fire-related ones) are regulated by the UL, NEC, and other standards organizations and guidelines. The NEC outlines acceptable limits for burning and smoke emissions while the UL and other organizations are responsible for the development of various flame tests cables must pass in order to be considered safe for use.

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Flexible coaxial cable

As the name implies, flexible coaxial cable can move and flex as needed to suit the configuration and geometry of the application. A typical design for flexible coaxial cable utilizes a metal inner conductor surrounded by a flexible polymer that functions as the dielectric, with an outer jacket for protection from the environment.

When there is a need to increase flexibility, the metal core conductor may be switched to a stranded design from a solid wire, and a polyethylene (PE) dielectric foam may be substituted for the more rigid dielectric material.

Flexible coaxial cable is the most common type of coaxial cable, familiar to anyone who has seen it in use for the connection of home video equipment and televisions.

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Types of Data Cable

Data cables are everywhere. If you’ve ever needed to charge anything, from smartphones to tablets, to cameras and even new laptops, you’ve likely needed to use one. However, data cables come in different shapes and sizes despite the fact a lot of them do the same things. In this short and handy guide, we’ll take a look at all the different types of data cables available on the market and give you some examples where you might find them in use.

Data Type-A

Data Type-A connectors are extremely common and will likely be at one end of a lot of data cables nowadays. You can connect various devices such as smartphones, cameras, keyboards, and more to computers to transfer data, or plug into wall chargers to charge these gadgets with a Type-A port.

Data Type-B

This was the standard for various devices a while back but was quickly replaced by the micro-data connector mentioned below. You’ll find it on older models of various gadgets especially cameras, MP3 players, and game controllers, among others. As its name suggests, it’s smaller than a regular data, but larger when compared to its successor.

Micro-Data

The micro-data connector is very small and it let manufacturers produce slimmer devices. Micro-data was widely adopted but is quickly being left behind. That said, some ultra-affordable smartphones even now come with micro-data ports. You might find micro-data ports on certain accessories like Bluetooth speakers, wireless earphones, smartwatch charging stands, and more as well.

Data-C

Data-C, previously known as data Type-C, is the latest king of the hill. You will find it on most new devices, and it offers faster data transfer rates than previous data versions. The biggest advantage of data-C is that it’s reversible and can be plugged in either up or down. It has become the new standard for mobile devices. Universal adoption is still a little ways away, but it’s never been closer than with data-C.

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Travel Lock Combo Cable

With airport security becoming an ever more serious issue, we want you to arrive at your destination with your luggage still locked and secure, without having your padlocks cut off or worse, your zip sliders cut off.

Features:

– Three-dial combination lock – Perfect for lockable zip sliders and joining most double-pull zips
– Combo Cable – Adds versatility for oversize zips or unusual closures and keeping several bags together.
– Cardkey – A very lightweight lock with cable which uses a credit card and key-ring sized key-cards you keep in – your wallet or travel documents.

If you are looking for Sea to summit TSA Travel Lock Combo Cable, you are lucky. In our outdoor store, you have the best price available and with the confidence that the store gives you. Do not wait any longer and place the order of your Backpacks and suitcases products. We offer an exclusive range of Accessories for different kind of activities. Our Accessories are designed to suit your needs and give you complete control, no matter of weather.

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The CATV Cable Data Network Explained

CATV cable is a shorthand term for cable television service. The cabling infrastructure that supports cable TV also supports cable internet. Many internet service providers (ISPs) offer customers cable internet service together with television and phone service over the same CATV cable lines.

CATV Cable Infrastructure
Cable providers operate directly or lease network capacity to support customers. CATV cable traffic typically runs over fiber optic cables on the provider’s end and over coaxial cables on the customer’s end.

DOCSIS

Most cable networks support the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS). DOCSIS defines how digital signaling over CATV cable lines works.

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Power limited fire alarm cable

Power limited fire alarm cable is mechanically protected for ease of installation in commercial applications, reducing call backs and labor time. Power limited fire alarm cable has a steel armor, is color-coded RED for quick identification. The cable is fully plenum rated for all installations up through 300 volts.

This fire alarm cable is ideal for fire alarms and emergency lighting in low risk applications.

Applications range from CCTV and radio communications to alarm and emergency evacuation circuits.

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Power limited fire alarm cable

What is a Cable Modem Router Combo?

In today’s world of fast-paced internet connectivity, chances are you have already heard about combo cable modems and ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Lines). The combo cable modem is a common feature with most combo cable TV provider nowadays and can provide a high-speed internet connection to their clients.

If you are planning on getting an ISP to set up your home’s internet network, you will most likely encounter two choices: combo cable modems and DSL. In this article, we will solely focus on the combo cable modem router. We will be taking a close inspection as to how a simple coaxial combo cable can deliver not only hundreds of channels to your television but also allow users to gain access to the infinite treasure trove that is the world wide web.

What is Inside the Combo Cable Modem Router?

First off, know that there are two variations of the combo cable modem: the external and internal combo cable modem. In cases that relate to combo cable TV services, chances are they will incorporate a device called a set-top combo cable box. This type of combo cable modem device only requires your standard keyboard and mouse to gain internet access.

Upgraded versions of these devices (from standard combo cable system to digital combo cable) will be able to connect to the internet by default without needing to connect to the CATV. While best combo cable modem routers combos typically come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the ISP, all combo cable modems have the same set of essential components.

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Four Advantages of Fiber Optical Cable Communication

Fiber optical cable communications have transformed the telecommunication industry. Over many years of consistent reliability, fiber optics have become the predominant choice for Ethernet backbone infrastructure, high-speed internet services, and general data networking.

Today, fiber optical cable have become increasingly common in small to midsize business networks. The demand for IP-based devices, such as VoIP phones, IP cameras, and video conferencing units, requires an increase in bandwidth to support IP communications. Due to its massive throughput capabilities, fiber optical cable can support bandwidth-intensive devices with no issue.

However, fiber optical cable does come with a cost. Installation is still more expensive than installing traditional copper cabling and many businesses still don’t see a need for fiber in their networks. The following four benefits, however, surely outweigh the costs of installation.

1. Secure Communication:

Fiber optical cable is considered one of the most secure means of communication. The construction of the cabling makes interception of the transmission signaling extremely difficult. Any attempts to penetrate the glass cable will cause “light leakage” which in turn will cause noticeable degradation in communications.

2. Electromagnetic Compatibility:

Fiber optical cable is resistant to many of the outside forces that degrade copper cabling. In areas such as industrial facilities where large motors, controllers, and air conditioners are constantly starting and stopping, fiber optical cable is highly recommended. Electrometric interference and radio-frequency interference (EM/RFI) from the equipment can cause data loss increasing latency on packet streams as they traverse the network.

3. Speed:

Fiber optical cable is many times faster than traditional copper cabling. The small diameter glass fibers can support bandwidth speeds in-excess of 10-gigabit speeds per strand. While copper cabling can support these speeds, it would take multitudes of large diameter category 6 cables aggregated together to reach the speeds of one fiber strand.

4. Distance:

Fiber optical cable is the ideal means for long-distance, point-to-point hardline communications. The 328ft limit on traditional copper cabling restricts long-distance communication requiring the need of additional equipment to extend the signal. Towards the maximum reach of copper cables, attenuation will start to set in causing a slight reduction of speeds on gigabit transmissions. Fiber optical cable are far superior and less expensive for long-distance connectivity with the ability to achieve over 10 gigabytes of speed at over 40 km in length.

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