What are the various parts of the cable called?

1, Conductor: Carrier of Current and Signal
Name: Conductor, also known as core wire or wire core.
Function: As the core part of the cable, the conductor is the direct channel for current or signal transmission. It is usually made of highly conductive metal materials such as copper, aluminum, or their alloys. The design of conductors needs to consider various factors such as resistivity, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness to ensure efficient and stable transmission of current or signals.
2, Insulation layer: a barrier for safety and stability
Name: Insulation layer, sometimes also known as inner protective layer or dielectric layer.
Function: The insulation layer tightly wraps around the outside of the conductor, and its main function is to prevent current leakage to the external environment, ensuring electrical safety. At the same time, it can also protect the conductor from mechanical damage and chemical corrosion. The material selection, thickness design, and manufacturing process of the insulation layer have a significant impact on the insulation performance and service life of the cable. Common insulation materials include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), etc.
3, Shielding layer (optional): reduces electromagnetic interference
Name: Shielding layer, also known as electromagnetic shielding layer or anti-interference layer.
Function: Not all cables include shielding layers, but shielding layers are particularly important in situations where electromagnetic interference reduction or signal integrity protection is required. It is usually made of conductive materials such as copper tape, copper wire mesh, or aluminum foil, which can effectively shield the interference of external electromagnetic fields on the internal signals of the cable, while preventing the electromagnetic radiation inside the cable from affecting the outside world.
4, Filler: Maintain structural stability
Name: Filler, also known as filling material or filling core.
Function: In multi-core cables, in order to maintain the roundness and structural stability of the cable, non-conductive materials, namely fillers, are usually filled between the insulation layers. These materials can be fibers, ropes, plastic strips, etc. Their main function is to support and fix various components inside the cable, preventing deformation or displacement when the cable bends or is subjected to external forces.
5, Armor layer (optional): enhances mechanical protection
Name: Armor layer, also known as metal protective layer or reinforcement layer.
Function: Armor layer is one or more layers of metal structure located outside the cable, usually made of materials such as steel wire, steel strip, or aluminum strip. Its main function is to enhance the mechanical strength of the cable and prevent external mechanical damage such as compression, impact, etc. At the same time, the armor layer can also provide certain protection against rodent bites, corrosion, and other factors. In some cables that require significant external force or are buried underground, armor layer is an essential component.
6, Outer sheath: resistant to external environmental erosion
Name: Outer sheath, also known as outer skin layer or outer insulation layer.
Function: As the outermost layer of the cable, the main function of the outer sheath is to protect the internal conductors, insulation layer, shielding layer (if any), and armor layer (if any) from external environmental erosion. It needs to have good weather resistance, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and waterproofing to ensure that the cable can maintain stable performance during long-term use. Common outer sheath materials include polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber, etc.