káble

In Czech and Slovak, káble is the plural of kábel and refers to assemblies of insulated conductors used to transmit electrical power or signals. They vary by purpose, construction, and rating, and are deployed in residential, commercial, industrial and communications applications.

Káble typically have a core of copper or aluminum conductors, insulated with materials such as PVC or XLPE, grouped in multicore configurations or as single-core runs. The insulation is often surrounded by shielding (foil or braided metal) when needed, and an outer jacket of PVC, rubber, or metal armor provides mechanical and environmental protection. Fiber-optic cables consist of glass or plastic cores that transmit light, with cladding, buffers, and protective jackets.

Electrical power káble deliver mains voltage for buildings and machinery; control and instrumentation káble carry signals and control information in machines; data and communication káble include twisted pair (UTP/STP), coaxial, and fiber-optic variants, each chosen for bandwidth, interference resistance, and installation constraints.

Standards set voltage ratings, temperature limits, fire resistance, and environmental performance. International and national bodies such as IEC, NEC, and ISO publish specifications and test methods. Proper sizing, shielding, grounding, and adherence to bend radii and installation practices are essential for safety and reliability.

Historically, cables evolved from simple telegraph lines to complex power and data networks. Advances in insulation, shielding, and materials have enabled higher voltages, greater data rates, and more flexible installation in varied environments.