10 Differences Between Screened And Unscreened Cables

Are you confused about the difference between screened and unscreened cables? Look no further than screened and unscreened cable! Screened cable offers superior protection against electromagnetic interference, while unscreened cable offers superior flexibility for installations in tight spaces. Learn more about the differences between these two types of cable and how to choose the right one for your project by reading this article!

Differences Between Screened And Unscreened Cables

Here are ten differences between screened and unscreened cables:

Feature	Screened Cable	Unscreened Cable
Definition	A cable that has a layer of conductor or insulating material around it to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI)	A cable that does not have a layer of conductor or insulating material around it to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Shielding	Has a shielding layer to protect against EMI	Does not have a shielding layer
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)	Provides protection against EMI	Is susceptible to EMI
Signal Quality	Generally has better signal quality due to EMI protection	May have poorer signal quality due to susceptibility to EMI
Durability	Generally more durable due to shielding layer	May be less durable due to lack of shielding
Cost	Typically more expensive due to the added shielding layer	Typically less expensive due to the lack of a shielding layer
Applications	Used in environments with high levels of EMI, such as industrial or military settings	May be used in environments with lower levels of EMI, such as residential or office settings
Flexibility	May be less flexible due to the added shielding layer	Generally more flexible due to the lack of a shielding layer
Size	May be larger due to the added shielding layer	Generally smaller due to the lack of a shielding layer
Weight	May be heavier due to the added shielding layer	Generally lighter due to the lack of a shielding layer

Note that the specific characteristics of a screened or unscreened cable may vary depending on the specific design and materials used.

What Is Screened Cable?

Screened cable is a type of electrical cable that consists of single or multiple insulated conductors enclosed in an overall braided or foil shield. The purpose of the shield is to protect the cables from electrical interference, or noise, that can be caused by external sources such as motors, power lines, and other electrical equipment.

The shield also helps to prevent crosstalk between adjacent cables. The shielding material is usually either a copper braid or a foil wrap. The braid is usually made from copper or aluminum, while the foil wrap is usually made from aluminum.

Screened cable is often used in industrial and commercial applications, where electrical interference can be a problem. It is also used in consumer applications such as wiring for audio and video systems. The shielding material helps to reduce the amount of interference that can be picked up by other cables or equipment in the vicinity.

In addition, the shield helps to protect the cables from physical damage. Screened cable is typically more expensive than unshielded cable, but it is worth the extra cost in situations where electrical interference is an issue.

What Is Unscreened Cable?

Unscreened cable, also known as unshielded cable or UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cable, is a type of wiring used for communications and data transmission. It consists of a bundle of four or more unshielded twisted pairs of copper wires.

UTP cable is a lower–cost alternative to screened cable and is commonly used in residential and commercial applications. It is also the most commonly used type of cable for telephone and computer networks.

Unscreened cable provides a cost–effective solution for data and communications needs, as it is less expensive than screened cable and is easier to install, requiring no special tools or techniques.

The unshielded design of the cable also reduces interference from radio frequency signals, creating a more reliable connection. It is also more flexible than screened cable, allowing for easier installation around corners and into tight spaces.

The Features of Screened Cable

Shielding

Screened cables are designed with a shielding layer, usually made of an aluminum or copper braid or foil, which acts as a barrier to protect the signal from outside interference.

Durability

The shielding layer also helps to protect the cable from physical damage and wear, making it more durable and reliable than unshielded cables.

Performance

The shielding layer helps to reduce noise, crosstalk, and other types of interference, improving the performance and reliability of the cable.

Flexibility

Screened cables are more flexible than unshielded cables, making them easier to install and manage.

Cost

Screened cables tend to be more expensive than unshielded cables, due to the additional cost of the shielding layer.

Features of Unscreened Cable

Flexibility

Unscreened cable is highly flexible and can be bent and shaped to fit in a variety of spaces and applications.

Durability

Unscreened cable is strong and can withstand wear and tear, making it suitable for long-term use.

Versatility

The unscreened cable can be used for a variety of electrical wiring applications, including low-voltage, high-voltage, and signal transmission.

Cost-Effective

Unscreened cable is an economical solution for wiring applications, as it is less expensive than screened cable.

Easy to Work With

Unscreened cable is easy to work with, as the individual wires can be separated, spliced, and soldered.

30-Seconds Summary: Screened vs Unscreened Cable

• Screened cables have a conductive outer layer that shields the inner conductors from outside interference, while unscreened cables do not.
•  Screened cables are thicker and heavier than unscreened cables.
• Screened cables are more expensive than unscreened cables.
• Screened cables can be used in environments with high levels of electrical noise, while unscreened cables are not suitable for such environments.
• Screened cables are more reliable than unscreened cables in terms of signal transmission.
• Screened cables have a better performance in terms of signal integrity, while unscreened cables may suffer from signal loss.
• Screened cables require more installation time than unscreened cables.

Screened vs Unscreened Cable Cost Difference

The cost difference between screened and unscreened cable depends on the type of cable and the length of the cable run. Generally, the screened cable is more expensive than the unscreened cable because it provides additional protection from interference. The cost difference can range from a few cents per foot to several dollars per foot depending on the type of cable and length of cable run required.

Screened vs Unscreened Cable: Which Is Best?

In my opinion, the screened cable is the best option. It provides better protection from interference and is more durable than unscreened cable. The screened cable also has a better signal quality, making it ideal for use in high–performance audio, video, and data transmission applications. It is also more expensive than unscreened cable, so it may not be the best choice for all applications, but if you need a reliable and high–performance transmission, the screened cable is the best option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the differences between RFOU and BFOU cables are significant, as the screened cable offers superior protection against electromagnetic interference, better signal quality, and increased durability, while the unscreened cable offers increased flexibility and a lower cost. Depending on the needs and budget of your project, you can choose the right type of cable for your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the shielding in screened cable work?

The shielding in screened cable typically consists of a layer of conductive material, such as copper wire or foil, that surrounds the wire pairs or individual wires within the cable. This layer is electrically connected to a ground point and serves as a shield to reduce the impact of external electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the signals transmitted through the cable.

Can screened cable be used for outdoor applications?

Yes, the screened cable can be used for outdoor applications. In fact, it is often preferred for outdoor use due to the added protection against EMI provided by the shielding. However, it is important to choose a cable that is rated for outdoor use and that is protected against environmental factors such as moisture, UV radiation, and temperature extremes.

Is screened cable more durable than unscreened cable?

In general, the screened cable may be more durable than the unscreened cable due to the added protection provided by the shielding. The shielding can help to reduce the risk of damage to the wire pairs or individual wires within the cable, which can be caused by external factors such as mechanical stress or EMI.

However, the durability of a cable also depends on other factors such as the quality of the materials used and the overall design of the cable.

Can screened cable be used for power transmission?

Yes, the screened cable can be used for power transmission in certain applications. However, it is important to choose a cable that is rated for the appropriate voltage and current levels and that is designed for power transmission.

In general, the screened cable may be more suitable for power transmission in environments where there is a high level of EMI, as the shielding can help to reduce the risk of interference.

Can screened and unscreened cables be used together in the same system?

Yes, it is possible to use screened and unscreened cables together in the same system. However, it is important to consider the potential impact on signal quality and integrity when mixing different types of cable.

In general, it may be best to use screened cable for critical signals or in environments where there is a high level of EMI and unscreened cable for less critical signals or in environments where the level of EMI is low.

Can screened cable be used for data transmission?

Yes, the screened cable can be used for data transmission in certain applications. In fact, it is often preferred for data transmission due to the added protection against EMI provided by the shielding. However, it is important to choose a cable that is rated for the appropriate data transmission speeds and that is designed for the specific data transmission standard being used (e.g. Ethernet, USB, HDMI, etc.).