--- title: "Unshielded vs Shielded Power Cables: Which Do You Need?" description: Are you working on a custom project but you're not sure if it requires unshielded or shielded power cables? Learn the difference between the 2 types of cables. image: https://www.almorpowercables.com/hubfs/Blog_Feature_Images/Unshielded-vs-shielded-power-cables.jpg --- [![Almor Power Cables](https://www.almorpowercables.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Almor_Power_Cables_March_2017/Images/almor.jpg?width=197&height=75&name=almor.jpg "Almor Power Cables")](https://www.almorpowercables.com/) Call to REQUEST A QUOTE **413-283-2515** ![Almor Power Cables](https://www.almorpowercables.com/hubfs/Almor_Power_Cables_March_2017/Images/banner-bg2.jpg) # Blog # Blog ![Blog](https://www.almorpowercables.com/hubfs/Almor_Power_Cables_March_2017/Images/tested.png) ## **Every Almor Cord is 100% tested** for continuity, polarity, dielectric withstanding voltage & insulation resistance! ![Almor Power Cables](https://www.almorpowercables.com/hubfs/Almor_Power_Cables_March_2017/Images/banner-bg2.jpg) # Unshielded vs Shielded Power Cables: Which Do You Need? # Unshielded vs Shielded Power Cables: Which Do You Need? ![Blog](https://www.almorpowercables.com/hubfs/Almor_Power_Cables_March_2017/Images/tested.png) ## **Every Almor Cord is 100% tested** for continuity, polarity, dielectric withstanding voltage & insulation resistance! - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.almorpowercables.com/hubfs/Blog_Feature_Images/Unshielded-vs-shielded-power-cables.jpg) ](https://www.almorpowercables.com/blog/unshielded-vs-shielded-power-cables-which-do-you-need) May 17, 2017 Electromagnetic interference is one of the biggest problems that electrical cables have to deal with. Therefore, it's important to have a clear understanding of your options among different cable types for reducing the effects of the interference. There are two major players in this game: unshielded and shielded power cables. Learn who will win the unshielded vs shielded power cable debate. ## Shielded Cable This type of cable contains one or more insulated conductors which have been enclosed by a common conductive layer. The shield itself is often composed of braided copper strands or a layer of conducting polymer. A jacket covers the shield, which can act as a return path for the signal, or a screening device.  ### Pros 1. It **reduces electrical noise** created by electromagnetic signals without affecting the signal strength. 2. It helps **reduce the level of electromagnetic radiation** that might occur. This radiation, if allowed to affect nearby machines for extended periods of time, can cause the system to break down. 3. It also **minimizes the capacitively coupled noises** emanating from other sources of electricity. This noise can be a constant source of annoyance for nearby workers, and may even decrease productivity. 4. Most importantly, the cable **helps protect high voltage cables** which carry solid insulation. The cables themselves can suffer from the ill-effects of constant high voltage surges if the shield within the cable is not present to protect them. 5. Shielded cables, in general, are **built to last longer** and take more punishment than unshielded cables. That is why they are the preferred choice for industrial and factory use.  ### Cons 1. They are **heavier, stiffer and more prone to breakage** than unsheilded cables. Why? Because it takes a lot more effort to carry them around and set them up. This is why shielded cables are usually installed by trained professionals who know how to handle them. ## Unshielded Cables As the name suggests, these type of cables do not carry shielding. They're frequently used for office LANS and other types of network cabling systems.  ### Pros 1. More **lightweight, thin and flexible** than their shielded counterparts. This means unshielded cables can be used more easily in non-industrial settings. 2. They are **cheaper to manufacture**, and as a result also cheaper to buy. Of course, a lot depends on the quality as well. A high-quality unshielded cable can last you for many years while a similar cable of poor quality can break within months. 3. They are **easier to install and maintain** than shielded cables. If you compare the ease of installation, even untrained professionals find it easy to set up unshielded cables. ### Cons 1. They** provide less protection against electromagnetic interference**. This means they're less helpful in a factory setting with heavy use of electricity. 2. Unshielded cables **cannot handle as much voltage strength** as shielded cables. If you're trying to decide between unshielded and shielded power cables, Almor Power Cables can help you make the right choice! [Send us the drawings for your system](https://www.almorpowercables.com/custom-assemblies), and we'll send you custom samples to test within a few business days. ### Categories - [Shielded Cables (5)](https://www.almorpowercables.com/blog/topic/shielded-cables) - [Drain Wire (1)](https://www.almorpowercables.com/blog/topic/drain-wire) - [Ferrite Beads (1)](https://www.almorpowercables.com/blog/topic/ferrite-beads) - [Insider (1)](https://www.almorpowercables.com/blog/topic/insider) ##### Featured Posts ![Understanding the Purpose of Drain Wire in Shielded Cables](https://www.almorpowercables.com/hubfs/Blog_Feature_Images/purpose-of-drain-wire-in-shielded-cables-rev1.jpg) #### [Understanding the Purpose of Drain Wire in Shielded Cables](https://www.almorpowercables.com/blog/purpose-of-drain-wire-in-shielded-cables) [read More](https://www.almorpowercables.com/blog/purpose-of-drain-wire-in-shielded-cables) ![Military Grade AC Power Cord Manufacturer​ | Almor Blog](https://www.almorpowercables.com/hubfs/Blog_Feature_Images/captor-corp.jpg) #### [Military Grade AC Power Cord Manufacturer​ | Almor Blog](https://www.almorpowercables.com/blog/military-grade-ac-power-cord-manufacturer) [read More](https://www.almorpowercables.com/blog/military-grade-ac-power-cord-manufacturer) ### Sign Up for E-mail Offers #### Follow Us Online - [![google](https://www.almorpowercables.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Almor_Power_Cables_March_2017/Images/g-plus.png?width=32&height=32&name=g-plus.png) ](https://plus.google.com/+Almorpowercables) - [![linked in](https://www.almorpowercables.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Almor_Power_Cables_March_2017/Images/linked.png?width=32&height=32&name=linked.png) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/almor-power-cables-llc) ### Contact Us ### Download Product Catalog [![Almor Product Catalog](https://www.almorpowercables.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Almor_Power_Cables_March_2017/Images/catalog.png?width=222&height=255&name=catalog.png) ](https://www.almorpowercables.com/hubfs/Almor_Power_Cables_March_2017/PDF/Product_Catalog.pdf) [Download Catalog](https://www.almorpowercables.com/hubfs/Almor_Power_Cables_March_2017/PDF/Product_Catalog.pdf) © 2017 Almor Power Cables, LLC [Website Design by New Perspective](https://npws.net)