Cable Types for Fixed Gas Detectors
Choosing the right cable type is a crucial part of installing a reliable fixed gas detection system. Power, signal, and communication lines each have specific requirements to ensure accurate readings, stable outputs, and long-term performance in demanding industrial environments. Factors such as cable shielding, conductor size, insulation rating, and compatibility with analogue or digital outputs can directly impact how effectively a detector communicates with its control panel or safety system.
1.5mm² 4-Core Detector Cable
The 1.5mm² part refers to the thickness of each wire inside the cable. It’s just the right size to safely carry the small amount of power your detector needs while also sending accurate signals to your control panel. The sizing varies depending on the length needed.
The cable has four separate wires (or “cores”) inside. Usually, two carry the power, one sends the detector’s signal, and one is used for grounding. This means you can connect your gas detector using a single cable instead of running multiple wires, which makes installation easier and tidier.
Each wire is protected by insulation, and the whole cable is covered with a tough outer layer to shield it from damage, moisture, or chemicals. There are also armoured versions if the cable will be in an area where it could get knocked or exposed to harsh conditions.
CY – 6 core 1.5mm² AV cable
The CY – 6 core 1.5mm² AV cable is a popular choice when you need to connect multiple devices or systems with just one cable.
The 1.5mm² refers to the thickness of each wire inside the cable, which is ideal for safely carrying power and signals in industrial settings.
This cable has six separate cores, or wires, inside. That means you can use it to carry multiple signals or power lines at the same time, which makes it perfect for more complex setups where you might need extra connections compared to a 4-core cable.
The cable is built with strong insulation around each core, plus an outer protective layer that shields it from moisture, chemicals, and mechanical damage. The “CY” type also includes an aluminium foil shielding layer, which helps prevent interference from nearby electrical equipment, ensuring your signals stay accurate and reliable.
4-Core SWA (Steel Wire Armoured) 1.5mm² cable
The 4-Core SWA (Steel Wire Armoured) 1.5mm² cable is designed for tough industrial environments where cables may be exposed to mechanical damage or harsh conditions. Each of the four cores is individually insulated, usually with PVC or LSZH, and the whole cable is protected by a layer of steel wire armour.
This armouring makes the cable highly resistant to crushing, impact, and other types of damage, allowing it to be safely installed outdoors, underground, or in areas with heavy traffic.
RS485 compliant 0.75mm² twisted pair cable
RS485 compliant 0.75mm² twisted pair cable is a type of communication cable designed specifically for industrial digital communication. The “0.75mm²” refers to the cross-sectional area of each conductor, which is enough to carry low-power signals over medium distances. The cable has two cores twisted together, which helps reduce electrical interference from nearby equipment. Being RS485 compliant means it follows the RS485 standard for differential signalling, which is widely used for reliable, long-distance data transmission in industrial systems.
