What are Cables Made of?

In general, an OEM cable are assemblies made of one or more electrical wires, wrapped in an insulating material and used to transmit information or energy.

The cable insulation that surrounds the wires is usually made of plastic. It covers both the individual wires and the cable as a whole. Electrical conductors are generally made of copper, sometimes aluminum or various metal alloys. To obtain electromagnetic shielding or other mechanical protection, cables may also have other layers of different materials.

OEM cable

OEM Cable Materials used in electrical cable manufacturing

Conductive materials: aluminum, copper, and for aerial conductors subjected to high mechanical demands, bronze (Cu + Sn), brass (Cu + Zn) or steel – aluminum are used.

Insulating materials for conductors and cables:

  • plastics (polychlorinil, polyethylene, polystyrene)
  • natural and synthetic rubber
  • natural silk and cotton fibers, cotton fabrics

Materials for the protection of conductors and cables against the action of the environment or other factors:

  • Watertight coats, which may be non-metallic (rubber or plastic) or metallic (lead or aluminum)
  • Extra coats, which protect the watertight coats and can be made of jute, paper or steel strips.