Shielding on cables is what prevents interaction between systems. In short, the type of shield on a cable is the cable's defense against noise. THHN and most generic control/tray cable are aluminum shielded or unshielded. Belden's VFD cable is offered with two shielding options: a foil + tinned copper braid (100% coverage foil a dual 2mil copper table shield. Belden's shielding system is designed to prevent noise from radiating from the VFD system and interfering with surrounding networking, instrumentation, wireless communication, and industrial devices.

TWO: Withstanding Voltage Spikes/Reflected Wave Voltage

The wall thickness and material of insulation is how a cable combats voltage spikes. Belden's VFD cable has XLP insulation which has much lower capacitance (has higher corona inception voltage) than THHN and generic control/tray cable which use PVC. This is particularly important in wet or damp environments as PVC is more susceptible to absorbing moisture - resulting in less than half the insulation capability of XLP. The wall thickness of VFD cable withstands voltage spikes significantly better.

The type of insulation on your cable determines how it responds to thermal stress. Belden's VFD cable has thermoset insulation which won't melt or drip like THHN and generic control/tray cable's insulation material (thermoplastic) will in higher temperatures. If your insulation is thermoplastic like THHN/ tray, you run the risk that it will melt, drip, or simply deform. This will not only reduce the insulation properties, it can cause damage to critical and expensive equipment/machinery. Belden's thermoset insulation is safer and better tolerant of high temperatures. There are many more differences and reasons why the cable choice is critical in a VFD System. For additional information please reference white papers such as "Choosing the Right Cable for Your VFD System".

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