câbles

Câbles are assemblies consisting of one or more conductive cores encased in insulating material and protected by an outer sheath. They are designed to convey electrical power or information signals and form the backbone of electrical grids, buildings, telecommunications networks, and consumer electronics. Cables can be broadly categorized into electrical power cables, which carry mains electricity, and communication cables, which transmit data and voice. Power cables range from small domestic appliance cords to high-voltage installations for industrial and transmission use. Communication cables include coaxial, twisted pair, and fiber-optic cables; fiber optics provide high bandwidth over long distances with low signal loss.

Constituent elements typically include a conductor material such as copper or aluminum; insulation to prevent short circuits and control impedance; shielding to reduce interference; and an outer jacket or armor for protection against mechanical, chemical, and environmental hazards. Some cables may be armored for underground or subsea use, and some are round or flat, single-core or multi-core, depending on application and installation constraints. Materials and constructions are selected for voltage rating, temperature range, flexibility, flame retardance, and durability.

Standards bodies such as IEC or UL publish specifications for performance, testing, labeling, and safety. Cables undergo tests for continuity, insulation resistance, voltage withstand, and flame retardance, and must be installed according to local electrical codes. Maintenance focuses on physical damage, insulation integrity, and environmental exposure.

Historically, cables evolved from telegraph and telephone lines to modern high-capacity electrical power cables and digital fiber-optic networks, enabling contemporary energy distribution and high-speed communications.