Control cables are essential components in industrial, commercial, and residential electrical systems. They are used to transmit signals and control commands between equipment, ensuring proper operation and coordination of machinery and automation systems.

Control Cable Basics: Types, Size and Color Code

May 27, 2025

Share:

Control cables are essential components in industrial, commercial, and residential electrical systems. They are used to transmit signals and control commands between equipment, ensuring proper operation and coordination of machinery and automation systems. These cables are commonly found in manufacturing plants, power stations, transportation systems, and building management systems.


Designed for flexibility, durability, and precision, control cables are typically shielded to reduce electromagnetic interference and can handle low-voltage signals. Their insulation and sheathing materials are chosen based on the application environment, such as resistance to heat, oil, moisture, or chemicals.


Types of Control Cables


There are several types of control cables, each suited for specific applications. The most common include:


  • Unshielded Control Cables: These cables are suitable for general-purpose applications where electromagnetic interference (EMI) is not a concern.

  • Shielded Control Cables: These include a layer of shielding (such as braided copper or aluminum foil) to protect against EMI. They are used in environments with high electrical noise.

  • Multicore Control Cables: These cables have multiple conductors under one jacket, often used for complex systems where multiple signals must be transmitted.

  • Armored Control Cables: Designed with additional protection for use in environments prone to mechanical damage or where additional strength is needed.

Multi-core Armored Control Flexible Cable

Multi-core Armored Control Flexible Cable

Control Cable Size


The size of a control cable refers to the cross-sectional area of its conductors, typically measured in square millimeters (mm²) or American Wire Gauge (AWG). The correct cable size ensures safe and efficient signal transmission without excessive voltage drop or overheating.


Common control cable sizes include:

  • 0.5 mm² to 1.5 mm² – Used for low-power signal transmission and simple control functions.

  • 2.5 mm² to 4 mm² – Suitable for higher current applications or longer distance signal transmission.

  • 6 mm² and above – Applied in heavy-duty control systems with significant power requirements.

Choosing the right cable size depends on factors such as current load, installation length, ambient temperature, and voltage requirements.


Control Cable Color Code


Color coding is used to identify individual conductors in a multi-core control cable, aiding in proper installation and maintenance. Color codes vary depending on regional standards (such as IEC, NEC, or local codes), but the following is a general guide:


  • Black: Commonly used for standard conductors or live wires in control systems.

  • Red: Often indicates a second live wire or an interconnecting wire.

  • Blue: Frequently used for neutral wires or signaling.

  • Green/Yellow: Reserved for grounding/earth conductors (protective earth).

  • White/Grey: May represent auxiliary or control circuit wiring.


It's essential to follow local wiring regulations and standards to ensure safe and accurate cable identification during installation and troubleshooting.


Conclusion


Control cables are vital for transmitting signals and controlling automated systems across various industries. Understanding the types, sizes, and color codes of control cables helps ensure the right cable is selected for each application. Proper specification, installation, and maintenance of control cables contribute to system reliability, operational safety, and long-term performance.


When it comes to choosing control cables that deliver durability, safety, and performance, trust a proven industry leader. Shenxing Cable, with over 60 years of manufacturing experience, offers certified, high-quality control cables tailored to meet international standards and demanding applications. Shenxing is the partner you can rely on. Contact us today to get a quote.


Whatsapp: +86-151-2718-0862

Email: sales@sxcables.com

Official Website: www.sxcables.com


Hot Products

Copper Cores, XLPE Insulated, PVC Sheathed, Control Cable

Shenxing KYJV cross-linked power control cable is an advanced integrated intelligent high-voltage cable designed for real-time monitoring of cable operating parameters.

Read More
Copper Cores, XLPE Insulated, PVC Sheathed, Control Cable

Copper Core PVC Insulated Wire

A global BV cable supplier offers a full variety of building cable from our stock and tailored XLPE cables as well.

Read More
Copper Core PVC Insulated Wire

Copper Core PVC Insulated PVC Sheathed Power Cable

BVV/BVVB cable is a high-quality power transmission cable widely used in residential, commercial and industrial environments.

Read More
Copper Core PVC Insulated PVC Sheathed Power Cable

RVB-Copper Core Flat Sheathless Flexible Cable

Welcome to learn about Shenxing Cable Group's RVV/RVB cable (also known as flexible cable), which is a high-performance cable designed for a variety of low-voltage electrical applications. The cable consists of multiple copper conductors and a PVC outer sheath and is widely used in low-voltage electrical systems.

Read More
RVB-Copper Core Flat Sheathless Flexible Cable

Copper Core PVC Insulated Connecting Soft Wire and Cable

Welcome to learn about RV cables from Shenxing Cable Group. This high-quality cable is designed for low-voltage electrical applications. By using high-quality materials and exquisite manufacturing technology, RV cables ensure that you enjoy reliable power supply and efficient power transmission in multiple fields, providing you with ideal solutions.

Read More
Copper Core PVC Insulated Connecting Soft Wire and Cable

RVV Cable

RVV cable is suitable for a variety of application scenarios, including home power wiring, industrial equipment connections, office electrical systems, etc. Whether it is used for power transmission, electrical equipment connection, or use in harsh environments, RVV cables can provide stable, efficient, and safe power support.

Read More
RVV Cable | Shenxing Cable

Copper Conductor, PVC Insulated and Sheathed, Steel-tape Armoured Control Cable

RVS twisted pair flexible cable provided by Shenxing Cable Group is a 300/500V voltage level cable consisting of two insulated conductors twisted around each other. We produce many types of twisted pair cables in strict accordance with the Chinese national standard GB/T 8734.3. RVS twisted pair shielded cable consists of two independent insulated copper conductors that are twisted around each other and arranged in parallel.

Read More
Copper Conductor, PVC Insulated and Sheathed, Steel-tape Armoured Control Cable

TÜV Solar PV Cable TÜV-H1Z2Z2-K

The SHENXING solar PV H1Z2Z2-K cable, which is TÜV certified according to EN 50618 and AENOR, is suitable for both fixed and mobile solar installations (solar farms, rooftop solar installations and floating plants). It is a highly flexible cable compatible with all major connectors and specially designed for the connection of photovoltaic panels. This versatile single-conductor cable is designed to meet the varying needs of the solar industry. Suitable for wet, damp and humid locations.

Read More
TÜV Solar PV Cable TÜV-H1Z2Z2-K

PV1-F Solar Cable

Shenxing Photovoltaic Cable PV1-F is a high-performance cable designed for solar photovoltaic systems. It has excellent high temperature resistance, extrusion resistance, environmental cracking resistance and other characteristics, ensuring the long-term stable operation of photovoltaic power generation systems. As a leading global photovoltaic cable manufacturer and supplier, Shenxing Cable is committed to providing high-quality cable solutions to meet the needs of various photovoltaic installa

Read More
PV1-F Solar Cable - Shengxing

110kv Copper Core XLPE Insulated Corrugated Aluminum Sheathed Power Cable

YJLW high voltage cross-linked polyethylene cable is a high-quality cable product for high voltage power transmission. It adopts high-quality copper core, aluminum core and cross-linked polyethylene insulation materials to ensure the high efficiency and reliability of power transmission.

Read More
110kv Copper Core XLPE Insulated Corrugated Aluminum Sheathed Power Cable