Single Core Cable or Multicore: What makes better sense?

1. What is single core cable?

The answer to that question lies in the question itself. The term “single core” is used to describe cables with a single conductor. These are distinct from other types of cables, which are constructed as multicore cable types. The conductors in a single core cable may be manufactured with either copper or aluminum insulation.

Contrary to what some might think, a single core cable isn’t necessarily more or less flexible, or thicker or thinner than a multiple core cable. Those characteristics (thickness, thinness, flexibility or rigidity) typically depend on the single core cable size used for a particular application. The gauge and thickness depend on the gage of the cable. Large diameter cables are less flexible than smaller diameter ones.

2.What is single core cable used for?

The single core cable is probably one of the most widely-used wires in our homes, shops, businesses and commercial installations. The most common use of single core strand cable is for transferring electrical power from one location to another. However, depending on the single core cable size required, it’s application may also span into other areas, such as for wiring in electrical appliances and equipment.

You may also see single core unsheathed cable used for electrical applications involving computers, power control panels and in powering of electrical gadgets.

For applications, where there is a risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI), you can also get single core wire with specially manufactured shielding that’s manufactured into the cable. Similar configuration shielding may also be available for flexible multicore cables. This type of shielded cable is also known as braided cable.

Shielded or braided cables are extremely adept at preventing external forces, such as signals from communication equipment or electromagnetic pulses from high-powered electrical or electronic devices, from compromising their functionality.

For example, electricians might use a single core braided cable to protect the cable if it passes near a microwave oven or a household cooking appliance. Similarly, if a cabling application passes near an electrical generator, there’s always the risk that EMI from the generator might impact the integrity of the cable. In such cases, either multicore or single core braided cable might be used.

There is also another use of braiding or shielding. Sometimes, engineers might use braided or shielded single core flexible cable in applications where there is need to use slightly stronger cabling. The interwoven metallic braiding serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it helps t deflect EMI, which could potentially compromise the cabling application. However, the use of single core braided cable, compared to the unshielded type, strengthens the overall cable. It protects the cable from mechanical stress and prolongs its life.

Finally, single core wire, with braiding, is also used in applications where engineers require the cable to display additional amounts of flexibility. Because the braiding is manufactured as an interwoven, lattice tubing, a single core braided cable or a similar multicore cable, reinforces the underlying insulated conductors and adds flex and versatility to the entire cable. This approach is used for cabling applications where a single wire cable might encounter tension and twists during installation, for example. The same concept works when there’s a need to use flexible multicore cable.

3. Single core cable advantages and disadvantages?

Typically, the nature and type of application determine the type of cabling choice. For instance, depending on what your project’s objectives are, you might decide to choose whether you should use a 6mm single core cable; but for another application, that might not be the most appropriate cable to use.

Each type of cabling has its strong points, that make engineers and electricians choose that particular cable for their project. If a 0.75mm single core cable is a good choice for an indoor application, it might not be the best choice for an outdoor application. However, there are also pros and disadvantages in using one type of cable over another.

Advantages of single core cable:

• Ease of installation between phases
• Less chance of short-circuiting in-between multiple phases
• Ease of transportation over longer distances. For example, a spool of 10mm single core cable is much easier (and smaller in terms of footprint) than equivalent multicore cable types
• Easy to lay out and install
• Longer cables can be used with an equivalent cross-sectional carrying capacity as compared to multi-core cables

Disadvantages of single core cable:

• These cables cannot be armor protected, so are unsuitable for applications where there is risk of mechanical stress
• Because of lack of armour, single core cable is more exposed to damage from external forces
• For applications needing cables to be installed in harsh conditions, armoured cables are preferred. For example, because a 2.5mm single core cable can’t be armoured with magnetic steel tape or strips, installation is more challenging in rugged, stress-prone environments than an equivalent size multicore cable
• Single core cables are only protected by a single outer sheathing, which makes them more susceptible to damage. A slight damage to the outer cover could cause a short circuit
• In high-usage applications, where the requirement is to ground a single core cable at multiple points, this may cause circulation risk. As a result, there is greater probability that the cable will overheat and finally burn out

4. What is single core cable armour earthing?

Armoured cabling is typically cable that’s reinforced with non magnetic steel tape. Most industry professionals may refer to it as a Non-Magnetic Steel Tape Armoured Cable. Typically, a single core underground cable is often armored, because of the excessive stress and environmental pressure the cable must contend with. Often, when using cables like an 11kv single core cable in outdoor applications, electricians prefer to use single core cable armour earthing.

Armour in cables not only act as Earth Continuity Conductors (ECC), but they also protect the single core strand cable or solid cable from externally induced forces of nature or mechanical stress from other installation processes – like heavy equipment installed above the cabling. Because it is a more sturdy and robust cable, you’ll typically see Non-Magnetic Steel Tape Armoured Cable, such as 11kv single core cable or 35kv cable, used outdoors.

Non Magnetic Steel Tape Armoured Cable is extremely heavy to transport, handle and install, especially if they are very long-length. That’s why applications, calling for single core underground cable, typically use armoured cabling buried in underground conduits and ditches. Trucks with armored 11kv single core cable unroll them at the worksite, and crews bury them in the trench dug specifically for that purpose.

5. What is multicore cable used for?

Some projects are uniquely designed for multicore cable application. For instance, because of higher power demands, greater installation and operational stress, and harsher working conditions, industrial sector projects often use various multicore cable types.

Additionally, while the use of the single core automotive cable is a popular choice, for various interior electrical components, auto parts manufacturers often use thin wall multiple core cable.

There is one unique aspect of multicore cable sizes that often confuses even professionals who are experienced in electrical cabling applications. It’s true that multicore cable suppliers manufacture these cables with multiple cores sheathed inside a jacket. However, not every cable that has multiple cores inside its jacket is a multicore cable. That’s where things get confusing!

A cable may have multiple cores, but that does not necessarily mean the term “multicore” is appropriate to describe it. It depends on the “typical” multicore cable application one expects to encounter. For example, if multicore cable suppliers typically offer cables with 4-cores, it would not be designated as “multicore”. However, multicore cable sizes that “typically” consist of 2-cores, are also available in 4-core variants, then that cable is validly called a multicore cable.

Two very common reasons why engineers and electricians prefer multicore over single core cable are functionality and space. Firstly, because cables with multiple cores can deliver multiple functions, like earthing/grounding, neutral, live, engineers and electricians can install just a single multicore cable and complete the project. On the other hand, if that application required the use of an 11kv single core cable, for example, the installation would require several the use a separate single core cable for each of those functions.

The second use case, where a multiple core cable is better than a single core cable, is when space is the constraining factor for the application. If you had to install a 1mm single core cable for each function – earthing, neutral, live – you would require 3 separate cables. In a tightly constrained environment, like an attic or behind a hard-to-reach crawlspace, that would be extremely difficult.

This use case is ideal for a multicore cable application. A more practical solution might be to use a single 1mm cable with multiple cores so that the tight space usage is optimized. Just one installation process will be easier and require less space than multiple installs of single core cable.

Since stranded wire is more flexible than solid core wire of equal size, it can be used when the wire needs to move around frequently, in a robot arm for example. Conversely, solid wire is used when little or no movement is needed, such as prototyping circuits on a breadboard or protoboard.

There are also variations in use considerations when deciding to use either solid or stranded multicore cable types. Because stranded cable offers greater flexibility by design, compared to its solid core counterpart of equivalent gauge, it performs better in a multicore cable application that requires frequent movement – for instance supplying power to a moving crane arm or an overhead pully system. On the other hand, most other applications, where frequent movement isn’t a priority, like power to a motherboard, on a circuit board, or inside static equipment such as washing machines or microwave ovens, using multicore cable sizes of any denomination might be an overkill.

6.Single core vs multicore cable

The difference between single core and multicore cable lies in the number of core conductors used by cable manufacturers. A single core cable is manufactured with a single electrical conductor. That conductor is typically either solid or stranded. The most common variety of single wire cable is the stranded version.

The reason that most large single core project applications gravitate towards stranded wire is that longer solid cable is difficult to handle in the field. For example, a 10,000-meter length of solid 1.5mm single core cable would be very challenging to roll into a drum and transport to a job site. However, because of the flexibility built into it, a similar length of stranded single core cable would be much easier to package and transport.

Another significant difference between single core and multicore cable is that in multicore cable types, there are multiple cores of electrical conductors embedded in a single cable; with each of the cores insulated from one another. Like their single core counterparts, the individual cores may either be stranded or solid core.

Again, to truly understand the difference between single core and multicore cable, one must also look at some of the similarities between the two products. As an example, when using a 4mm single cable in a high-stress environment, engineers are mindful about how the product might perform, especially if it is of solid type, and the installation and use requires pulling, twisting and bending. In this situation, compared to a single core cable, a flexible multicore cable provides an enhanced ability to withstand vibration during service and has a better ability to bear stress due to flexing during installation.

7. Where to buy high-quality single core cable?

Now that you are familiar with the difference between single core and multicore cable, and know the advantages and disadvantages of choosing one over the other, you’re in a better position to make an informed decision about sourcing your cables. One final parting thought, though: Don’t just look at a single core cable price list and decide to place the order. Dig deeper into who the manufacturer is.

At ZW Cable, we offer a wide array of single core cable for every application. We are also premier manufacturers and multicore cable suppliers. Our products go through an exhaustive process of quality control and are tested to the highest of international standards.