ABSTRACT
There are several different types of copper cable constructions. As with most choices in life there are pros and cons for each type. Modern structured cabling for voice and LANs is based on twisted pair cables whereas most video signals still travel on coaxial cable, or coax as it is usually abbreviated. All the common types of copper communications cable will be described here. Other conductor ma terials are sometimes used in the cable industry, such as copper clad steel, aluminium and high strength alloys, but these are usually for specialist applications such as military or aerospace installations. This book deals only with cables made from annealed copper, sometimes referred to as PACW (plain annealed copper wire) or TACW (tinned annealed copper wire). The four major groups of copper cables are: • Multicore. • Twisted pairs. • Quads. • Coax.
