What are water-resistant cables?
Water-resistant cables are electrical wires that can perform in environments that are in contact with water. These are also known as waterproof or submersible wires. So what are the potential applications and types of water-resistant cables? Let’s discuss.
The definition of water-resistant cables
Water-resistant or waterproof cables are multi-conductor cables that are designed to operate in wet environments. Obviously, applications that require wiring to contact with water are quite demanding and may affect the performance of the cable. That’s why special cables like the water-resistant ones are designed to withstand all the obstacles and perform well at different levels of depth.
Applications
Water-resistant cables are suitable for any environment that is open to the water. These include a range of applications across diverse industries. Some applications of waterproof cables are military, fire alarm systems, outdoor television, marine communications, oil and gas and pressure equipment, among others.
Types of water-resistant cables
There is a wide variety of water-resistant cables. The type of waterproof wiring you need depends on the extent of water the wires will have to be exposed to in your target application. The UNE 20460–3:1996 standard defines the extent of water protection (AD protection).
- AD1 protection: suitable for environments with good ventilation like in the walls where minor moisture can occur, such as from steam
- AD2 protection: suitable for environments where drops of water may fall on the wiring, such as because of occasional vapor
- AD3 protection: suitable for environments where vertical water vapor is continuous
- AD4 protection: suitable for environments where water may fall in all directions, such as in some outside applications
- AD5 protection: suitable for environments where water regularly falls in all directions, like at a car wash
- AD6 protection: suitable for environments where water waves occur, such as at docks or beaches
- AD7 protection: suitable for environments where water completely covers the connected equipment
- AD8 protection: suitable for environments where the equipment and the connected wiring flood in the water completely and permanently; capable of withstanding pressure more than 1 bar
Where to buy water-resistant wiring?
Cables that are resistant to water and moisture are designed for specific applications. Hence, they can be found in stores that sell electrical wiring professionally. So if you’re looking for a waterproof cable at any AD protection level, check out stores like Nassau National Cable to find your desired wiring. Make sure to clarify the specifications of the wire you choose to select the right one for your target application.
