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A cable conductor is the primary component of electrical cables. It refers to the metallic wire or wires that carry the electrical signal through the cable. Here, we examine the four different Copper (Cu) conductor categories: Class 1, Class 2, Class 5, and Class 6. Why are there different categories? The Cu conductors are grouped according to their flexibility; the higher the class, the more flexible it is. The flexibility of the Cu conductor of a cable will differ based on its unique purpose of use. The simplest conductor is a single, solid wire (Class 1). Although it offers a smaller cable in terms of diameter, the largest Cross-Sectional Area (CSA), and the purest signal, it is mechanically weak and is prone to breakage after a few cycles of bending. To improve flexibility, wires are stranded together. The more wires that are stranded together to make a given size, the more flexible the conductor will be. This implies that the higher the class, the more strands in the conductor. Furthermore, when wires are stranded together, they are much easier to bend and move during installation than a single wire with the same cross-section. Those in classes 1 and 2 are intended for use in cables for fixed installations. On the other hand, those in classes 5 and 6 are designed for use in flexible cables and cords but may also be used for fixed installations. The table below compares the different Cu conductors’ different categories. Contact us if you would like to find out more about the cable types to choose for your cabling requirement.

In a nutshell, if you purchased a cable manufactured to international standards and wired indoors according to proper guidelines, your cables are generally expected to last based on a design life of at least 20-30 years. What could affect the actual cable’s lifespan? There are, however, many operational and environmental factors that would affect the actual lifespan of a cable. These include: Overload or short circuit events would cause a shortening of cable life. Whether the cable is near high heat sources (e.g. installed at a high ambient temperature that was not factored in prior or is placed next to other circuits that were not accounted for during cable sizing). Whether the cable is exposed to outdoor elements such as UV radiation or weather conditions was not a part of the original design. Or if water has reached the cable core. Or if there is an unforeseen pest attack. Presence of contaminants, oil, or acids that could degrade the sheath or insulation. If the cables are subjected to mechanical stress, such as tensile, vibration, or bending, that could occur during or post-installation. Thanks to international bodies such as IEC, BS EN, or national standards like SS (Singapore Standards), cable standards have been developed to test for performance in various cable applications. While standards do not specify the life expectancy of a manufactured cable, these standards include electrical and non-electrical tests that would allow a cable lifespan of at least 20-30 years under typical indoor use. So end users can have peace of mind about the cable’s service life when purchasing cables that come with a Certificate of Compliance to the appropriate national or international standards. To ensure optimal electrical cable lifespan, it is also important to minimize the influence of the operational and environmental factors stated above. Choosing the most suitable insulation and sheath material according to the cable application and sizing the cable correctly would be key. For more information, please reach out to our sales team.

A structured cabling system (SCS) is a set of cabling and connectivity products that integrate voice, data, and other ELV systems on the premise (e.g. safety alarms, security access, and energy systems). It is a web that connects all the devices through more minor standardized elements – providing a reliable and future-proof solution to a wide range of communication requirements. Benefits of Structured Cabling Systems One of the most significant benefits of structured cabling is that it is a future-proof, scalable system; even if the company undergoes a sudden surge of growth, a structured system can keep pace with the growing needs. Another key benefit is the high level of straightforwardness in managing the system – after the initial planning and setup – as it eliminates the complexity of having multiple wiring infrastructures. In the past, point-to-point cabling was used, which meant every piece of hardware used its cable with long runs from point to point. This often led to a mess of wiring, posing a safety hazard and a high risk of human error with multiple unorganized cabling structures. When an issue arises, the time taken to identify the root cause could be significant and cause workflow disruptions and network downtime. A structured cabling system makes the diagnosis of issues easier and simplifies the replacement of faulty components. While a structured system is a greater upfront investment than a point-to-point one, it pays for itself over time through lowered IT costs and increased employee productivity. What Is KEYLAN™ and What Are the Components? Applying the highest manufacturing standards, Keystone Cable KEYLAN™’s suite of innovative products solutions offers both copper-based cabling systems and optical fibre cabling systems. KEYLAN™ offers a range of physical infrastructure solutions and accessories, from patch cords and wall outlets to horizontal cabling and connectivity panels that interface with equipment and data centres. Our solutions are designed to withstand high-speed data traffic and ensure that even the most complex network can be connected robustly and securely. KEYLAN™ Certifications and Guarantee KEYLAN™ takes pride in ensuring our cables are tested, certified, and meet the required specifications to provide the highest quality cables that operates safely and at the peak performance. KEYLAN™’s quality consistently meets or exceeds the standards set forth by international standards, including Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and Intertek (ETL). To ensure system integrity, all KEYLAN™ solutions components are verified by ETL:ETL Verified 2-Connector Permanent Link to ISO/IEC 11801 Class EA, permanent link illustration, and part numbers. With our established project references in our LAN cables and KEYLAN™ systems since 2010 and 2014 respectively, we provide end users a peace of mind regarding the quality of the products, guaranteeing their performance, reliability, safety, and information traceability. In addition, if the entire system, including installation, is certified under KEYLAN™. the system will come with a 25-year warranty. Contact Sales

The electrical wiring colour code is an important safety feature to allow a common language among electricians to understand what each wire is used for. If you have come across cable upgrading projects in Singapore and find a discrepancy in colours between what has been installed vs what is available in the market, this quick article is for you. Singapore’s cable colour codes for the live phase are brown, black and grey. This change took effect on 1 March 2009 when Singapore adopted the code to align with the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), the standards organization that harmonises electrical standards in European countries. Cable Colour Code in Singapore (from 2009 onwards) Previous Cable Colour Code in Singapore (before 2009) For more information, please reach out to our sales team. Contact Sales