A cable is two or more wires or optical fibers bound together, typically in a common protective jacket or sheath. The individual wires or fibers inside the jacket may be bare, covered or insulated. Combination cables may contain both electrical wires and optical fibers. Electrical wire is usually copper because of its excellent conductivity, but aluminium is sometimes used because it costs less.

Electrical cables may be made more flexible by stranding the wires. In this process, smaller individual wires are twisted or braided together to produce larger wires that are more flexible than solid wires of similar size. Bunching small wires before concentric stranding adds the most flexibility. A thin coat of tin on the individual wires provides lubrication for longest life. Tight lays during stranding makes the cable extensible (CBA - as in telephone handset cords).

Cables can be securely fastened and organized, such as using cable trees with the aid of cable ties. "Octopus cable" is a generic term for a cable that splits into several parts.

More on [ Cable ]

ACS Weekly Newsletter

News at the Philadelphia National Meeting
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:00:00 -0500
With thousands of research presentations this week at the 236th ACS National Meeting, there's always news breaking
"Science Friday" Features Research from Philadelphia National Meeting
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:00:00 -0500
Last Friday, National Public Radio's "Science Friday" show focused on research presented at the 236 th ACS National Meeting in Philadelphia . In the "Chemistry News Roundup," which you can hear online, host Ira Flatow and guests discuss hot topics from the meeting, "from boosting hydrogen production and protecting micro spacecraft to curing a bad hair day."
FBI's Anthrax Analysis
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:00:00 -0500
Experts discuss experimental techniques used to identify suspect Ivins.
ACS Member Network: Are You In?
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0500
Join more than 11,000 ACS members who are already part of the ACS Member Network, the newest benefit from ACS. The ACS Member Network is an online networking tool that facilitates more effective collaboration among ACS members and scientific professionals. Check out the online demonstration of the ACS Member Network to see how you can build your own personal network of ACS members, share research and publications information, and find friends and colleagues faster and easier than ever before. Visit the ACS Member Network to see the demo and sign up today!
Now open: Abstract submittal for Spring 2009 ACS Meeting
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0500
Abstract submittal opens today for next spring's 237th ACS National Meeting & Exposition in Salt Lake City, March 22-26, 2009. Abstracts should be submitted through the Society's online abstract-submittal system, OASys.

Noteworthy Chemistry, a product of the American Chemical Society

A new class of anti-inflammatories is under development.
Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:05:18 -0400
A new class of anti-inflammatories is under development.

Chemical & Engineering News: Latest News

O2 Requirement For Burning Rises
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:45:00 -0400
Experiments suggest Mesozoic oxygen levels were higher than previously expected
Chemists Receive Top Awards
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:45:00 -0400
ACS members are among recipients of national medals of science, technology
CO2 As Feedstock
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:45:00 -0400
Mitsui will make methanol from the greenhouse gas

Subscribe to Chemicals RSS feed