Kaapelit

Kaapelit is the Finnish term for cables. In general English usage, a cable is a flexible assembly of one or more electrical conductors enclosed by insulation and a protective outer jacket, designed to carry electrical power or signals. Cables typically consist of conductors (commonly copper or aluminum), insulation, shielding, and a protective sheath. They are engineered for specific voltage levels, environmental conditions, and applications.

Types of cables include electrical power cables and communication cables. Electrical power cables transport power and are categorized by voltage levels such as low, medium, and high voltage. Communication and data cables include coaxial, twisted pair, and fiber optic cables, which are used for signal transmission and data networks. Submarine and underground cables are designed for long-distance transmission and resilience in challenging environments.

Construction features common to many cables include conductors, insulation materials (for example PVC, XLPE, or polyethylene), shielding (metallic foil or braided shields), armor for mechanical protection, and an outer jacket for environmental protection. Some cables are designed with flame retardant properties, weather resistance, or high-temperature tolerance to meet safety standards and installation conditions.

Standards and safety are central to cable design and use. Cables are rated by voltage, temperature, fire performance, and flexibility. International and regional standards organizations (such as IEC and EN) publish requirements for performance, testing, and installation. Typical tests include insulation resistance, conductor continuity, and high-potential or dielectric withstand tests.

Applications and maintenance: Cables are ubiquitous in buildings for power distribution and wiring, in industrial facilities, data centers, telecom networks, and infrastructure such as ships and aircraft. Proper selection, installation, and inspection are essential for safety and reliability, and end-of-life recycling of materials like copper is common practice.