One of the aspects that cables are rarely looked at is how they connect the world. In this blog, we wish to honor this magnificent role of cable. Read this blog to learn the role of cables in undersea communication, airplanes, railways, auto transport, and ships.

Undersea Communication Cables: Connecting the World

One of the most fascinating ways in which cables can connect the entire world is through undersea fiber-optic cables that are laid beneath the ocean's surface. These cables are also often referred to as international submarine communication cables. The new projects have been funded by tech giants like Meta, Google, and Amazon in recent years. These cables carry the vast majority of international communication today.

Ever wondered how these ships reach the bottom of the ocean? The cables are laid by special ships at a speed of 100-150 km per day. The routes for the cables are selected based on the naval charts. On the shore, Fiber optic cables require specifically designed tubes and steel to stay efficient at the bottom of the ocean. This protects the cable from the damage caused by sea animals and submarines. On the shore, the cable reaches the landing station that unites it with the internet system of the respective country.

The longest undersea cable is SEA-ME-WE3, which connects South East Asia with the Middle East and Western Europe, spanning 39 thousand kilometers. The cable was first installed in 2000.

Aircraft Cables: What Are The Specifics?

The environment that aircraft cables are exposed to is indeed one of the harshest in all of the transportation, which means that airplanes call for a particular type of cable. 

For this reason, aircraft control systems in airplanes use a flexible steel cable that is also known as a wire rope. Depending on the type of airplane, these cables can be made either of pure galvanized steel or steel alloy. The harsh conditions of aircraft environments call airplane cables to be replaced every so often, but this does not happen all the time when it comes to modern airplane systems. Luckily, control cables in airplanes receive an annual check after every 100 hours spent in service. The cables are subjected for replacement if a single wire in the area defined by FAA is broken. In an ideal scenario, control cables in the aircraft are getting replaced anywhere between 5 and 15 years. The cables that have been in operation for 30 years are a no-go for safety reasons.

How Are The Cables Used in Train and Railway Systems?

In trains and railways, cables are used for power on board or in the base of the trail, control, communication, and signaling purposes. Fiber optic cables are a standard solution for data, whereas power cables are primarily low or medium voltage. Train and railway cables used in the United States are expected to meet the demands of the North America Railway Management System and local regulations. In Europe, the rules regarding the railway systems are to be found in ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) textbook.

Train cables are flexible and halogen-free to prevent the risks associated with fire. They are also flame-retardant and self-extinguishing to protect from the catastrophe that might occur in the event of the fire. Cross-talk protection is another essential characteristic of a good train cable.

One of the industry's most frequently used train cables is DLO, a diesel locomotive cable for trains that run on a diesel engine. It is a classic transportation cable with excellent resistance to abrasion and all types of impact so that its applications go beyond transportation.

Auto and Mass Transit Wire and Cable: Points To Consider

The cables used with different types of transportation are labeled as auto-wire or automotive wire. In the classical meaning of this world, what is labeled as "automotive wire" are the cables used in motors and batteries of the car, such as GPT, TXL, TWP, SXL, GXL, and others. They differ when it comes to weight, insulation, and voltage rating. If you are picking traditional wiring for your car, you might find this blog that highlights the differences between the cables useful.

However, "auto wire" is more than just traditional car wiring. It encompasses all types of cables that help power all kinds of transport, including cables for buses, trailers, motorcycles, and off-road vehicles. Aside from power, auto and mass transit wires are used in lighting, signaling, and installation. Like most transport cables, they are extremely flexible because they should fit into tight spaces in the vehicle. Among other subtypes, autowiring includes battery cables, brake cables, portable power cables, and thermocouple wires. With the arrival of electric cables, EV cables that charge electric cars have joined the family of autowiring.

The Role of Marine Wires In Ship Industry

Marine and shipboard cables are used onboard every type of ships for many purposes. These include power, lighting, control systems, alarm systems, degaussing, communication, critical mission circuits, and many others. These cables are designed to stand in water over the entire course of their work and are resistant to corrosion. For more information on particular subtypes of marine cables, address this blog on the topic.

Are There Cables For Different Means Of Transportation? A Word on Rapid Transit Cables

Aside from the cables specifically meant for the particular types of transportation, there are also universal cables used for many kinds of transport. Rapid transit cables are a group of transportation cables used for several transport applications. These cables are different from other transport cables because they are extremely adamant, strong, and can withstand highly harsh transport conditions. The cables have a premium abrasion-resistant tetrafluoroethylene jacket and cross-linked polyalkene insulation. 

Rapid transit cables' wear and tear tolerance is a miracle second to none; that is why they transcend typical transport applications. The cables are often used in diesel trains, overland adventure vehicles, and train interface equipment. There are specific subtypes of rapid transit cables meant for each application.

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