What are multiconductor cables?

Just as its name indicates, this type of cable consists of more than one copper wire. These electrical wires are bunched together with a rubber or plastic insulation wrapped around the outer jacket. The benefit of using multiple conductors is flexibility, and typically these cables experience less wear-and-tear than single-strand conductors.

Uses: Use this type of cable for applications such as security, communications, access control and home theater audio and video.

What is a coaxial cable?

Coax cable, short for coaxial, consists of four layers with an additional layer that is protected by a metallic shield. The insulation around the cable helps keeps out outside electromagnetic interference. Coax cable is known to be highly resistant to heat, easy to install and can carry high-speed data over long distances.

Uses: A coax cable is great for transmitting data for older analog CCTV cameras, radio frequency, TV, internet and other audio/visual devices.

What are multipair cables?

A multipair cable is made up of at least two or more twisted pair cables. A twisted pair cable is typically category-rated and used for ethernet transmission. The most common types of category cables are Category 5e, Category 6 and Category 6A. The twisted pair is made up of two separate insulated copper wires that are entangled with one another, forming a twisting pattern running alongside each other. This helps eliminate any outside interference or crosstalk that takes place during data transmission. Twisted pairs fall into one of three groups:

• Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cables
• Foiled with Unshielded Twisted Pairs (F/UTP)
• Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cables

Uses: An STP or F/UTP cable is a good fit for noisier environments, such as fire alarm systems, access control, security, intercom systems and outdoor applications. Use UTP for applications including telephones, ethernet networks and other communication systems such as local area network (LAN) installations.

What are composite cables?

Designed to combine multiple cables into a single cable, this type of cable can contain two types of jackets — either a zipcord or tubed jacket. These can be called Zipcord cables or Siamese cables that contain a split characteristic that separates the cables into two different cables. These cables can include pairs such as coax and category or coax and a power cable.e. A tubed jacket includes four different cables such as two coax and two category cables into one single cable.

Uses: A composite cable that uses zipcord jackets is used for entertainment systems, landscape lighting and analog video surveillance systems. A composite cable that uses a tubed jacket is used for access control and security applications such as lock power, door contact, request-to-exit and card reader devices.

Cat6 vs. Cat6a

Cat6 and Cat6a cables are the latest versions and most improved types from Cat5 and Cat5e. Cat6 and Cat6a have many similarities such as they can both support up to 10 Gbps, but there are some features that make both categories stand out. Cat6a can reach a speed of up to 500 MHz with up to 328 feet (100 meters), whereas Cat6 can only transmit data up to 165 feet (37 meters) with a speed limit up to 250 MHz. Cat6 is cheaper to install than Cat6a due to Cat6a requiring thicker copper conductors and jackets.

Cat5 vs. Cat5e

Cat5e is the enhanced version of Cat5 and transmits voice and video data. Cat5e can support a greater bandwidth up to 100 Mbs at 350 MHz. Cat5 can carry speeds up to 10 Mbs at 100 MHz. You can find both Cat5 and Cat5e available in up to 25 pairs. Cat5 is less expensive than Cat5e, but it is also slower.

Installing speakers for the ultimate entertainment experience requires a solid wiring system. Choosing the right gauge size and type of wire will give your customers the high-quality sound they need. For indoor installations, you will need to choose UL-rated speaker wire labeled CL2 or CL3. This rating is used to install speaker wire inside the walls or ceilings. In-wall speaker wire is available in two conductors or four:

For outdoor installation, choose a direct burial rated cable. This rating means cable can be buried underground in outdoor environments. Typically, these cables can withstand long-term exposure to moisture and are resistant to sunlight. It is recommended to choose a gauge size of 16 for wire runs less than 50 ft. and choose a 14-gauge size for thicker, longer runs for outdoor installations.