multiconductor

A multiconductor refers to a cable or wire assembly that contains two or more insulated conductors within a common outer jacket or sheath. The conductors can be solid or stranded and are used to carry electrical power, signals, or data in a compact, organized form.

Construction features often include multiple insulated conductors, a binder or filler, and an outer jacket. Conductors may be insulated with materials such as PVC, XLPE, or PTFE. Some cables incorporate shielding layers, such as foil or braided metal, to reduce electromagnetic interference, and may have armor or rugged jackets for environmental resistance. The arrangement of the conductors can be parallel in a flat ribbon format or organized as round, bundled groups, and some designs employ twisted pairs for improved signal integrity.

Variants of multiconductors include flat ribbon cables, which use a uniform spacing of conductors, and round multi-conductor cables used for power, control, and instrumentation. In automotive and aerospace applications, multiconductor cables often feature rugged housings, temperature-resistant insulation, and EMI shielding to withstand challenging environments.

Applications and standards: Multiconductor cables are widely used for electrical power distribution inside equipment, control and instrumentation networks, data and telecommunication systems, audio and video installations, and vehicle harnesses. Specifications typically specify the number of conductors, conductor gauge, insulation material and voltage rating, shielding where present, impedance for high-frequency signals, and operating temperature range. Standards and compliance are provided by organizations such as IEC, UL, and NEC, with specific requirements varying by region and application.