China Zhenglan Cable Technology Co., Ltd Company News

A Comprehensive Analysis of Heavy-Duty Rubber-Sheathed Flexible Cables (YCW): Common Misconceptions and Correct Identification and Selection Methods 1. What is a YCW Cable? YCW cable stands for heavy-duty rubber-sheathed flexible cable. It is suitable for various mobile electrical equipment with AC rated voltage of 450/750V and below, and can withstand significant mechanical forces. This cable is frequently used in ports, mines, construction sites, and other similar environments. Different application scenarios require different cable types. 2. What are the common types of YCW cables?(1). Ordinary YCW Cable This is the most common type, suitable for general industrial environments. It has good insulation performance, high flexibility, and can operate normally in environments ranging from -20℃ to 60℃. Many factories use it for mobile equipment. (2). Oil-Resistant YCW Cable Some working environments contain oil, which can easily corrode ordinary cables. Oil-resistant YCW cables are superior; their insulation and sheath are made of special materials that resist oil corrosion, ensuring stable cable performance. They are used in oil-contaminated environments such as oil refineries and ships. (3). Cold-Resistant YCW Cables In cold regions, ordinary cables become hard and brittle, easily breaking. Cold-resistant YCW cables use cold-resistant rubber materials and can operate normally in temperatures as low as -40℃. They are essential for open-pit mines in northern regions and construction projects in cold areas. 3. Misconceptions about YCW Cables  (1). Thinking Thicker is Better Many people believe that thicker cables are better, but this is not the case. Cable thickness is related to current carrying capacity, but different scenarios have different current carrying capacity requirements. If used in low-power equipment, choosing a cable that is too thick is not only a waste of money but also takes up space. This misconception arises because people think thicker cables are safer; in reality, cable selection should be based on the equipment power and the operating environment. (2). Ignoring the Operating Environment Some people buy cables without considering the operating environment. For example, using ordinary cables in places with acid or alkali corrosion will quickly cause the cables to corrode and be damaged. This is because people do not realize the impact of the environment on cables and only focus on price and appearance. (3). Ignoring Quality Some people buy cheaper cables to save money. These cables are of poor quality, potentially with poor insulation and low conductor purity, easily leading to safety accidents. This is because they prioritize price over long-term safety and stability. 4. How to correctly identify and select YCW cables?  (1). Check the model and markings: The cable sheath has the model and markings, including specifications, rated voltage, and applicable range. Be sure to check carefully when buying to confirm it meets your requirements. (2). Observe the appearance: Good cables have a smooth appearance, uniform color, and no defects such as bubbles or cracks. The sheath and insulation layer are tightly bonded and not easily peeled off. (13). Consider the usage environment: Select cables according to the usage environment. For example, choose high-temperature resistant cables for high-temperature environments and moisture-proof cables for humid environments. 5. Summary  Understanding the types of YCW cables is crucial! Don't make those misconceptions; cable selection is not something to be taken lightly. Choose the right model and check the quality based on the actual situation. Only in this way can we avoid unfortunate incidents and ensure that cables protect our work and lives.

3. Performance Characteristics (I) Electrical Conductivity: Oxygen-free copper has the best electrical conductivity, followed by low-oxygen copper, and electrolytic copper is slightly inferior. This is because the presence of oxygen and other impurities increases electron scattering, leading to increased resistance.(II) Mechanical Properties: Oxygen-free copper has good ductility and toughness, and a soft texture. The mechanical properties of low-oxygen copper are similar to those of oxygen-free copper, but slightly inferior. The mechanical properties of electrolytic copper vary depending on the type and content of impurities. Generally speaking, higher impurity content may increase its strength, but reduce its toughness and ductility.(III) Corrosion Resistance: Oxygen-free copper and low-oxygen copper have better corrosion resistance because their low oxygen content makes oxidation less likely. However, the presence of certain impurities in electrolytic copper may affect its corrosion resistance under certain conditions. 4. Application Areas: Oxygen-free copper: Commonly used in applications requiring extremely high conductivity and purity, such as high-end electronics, aerospace, and precision instruments. It is also used in the manufacture of specialized wires and cables, such as audio cables and radio frequency cables.Low-oxygen copper: Widely used in the wire and cable industry, it is a common material for manufacturing conventional power cables and communication cables. It is also used in some electrical equipment with certain requirements for conductivity and mechanical properties. Electrolytic copper: One of the most common copper materials, it is widely used in the construction, power, electronics, and machinery manufacturing industries, such as in the manufacture of wires, cables, busbars, and transformer windings. It can also be used as a raw material for other copper alloys.

The Difference Between Oxygen-Free Copper, Low-Oxygen Copper, and Electrolytic Copper: 1. Purity: Oxygen-free copper: Extremely pure, typically with an oxygen content below 20 ppm, minimal impurities, and a copper content exceeding 99.99%. Low-Oxygen Copper: Oxygen content is generally around 200-400 ppm, slightly lower in purity than oxygen-free copper. Electrolytic Copper: Higher in purity, reaching 99.95%-99.98%, but still contains a certain amount of oxygen and other impurities such as lead, bismuth, and antimony. 2. Production Process: Oxygen-free copper: Typically produced using the top-draw or continuous casting and rolling methods, strictly controlling oxygen content during production and utilizing specialized smelting equipment and processes to ensure copper purity and performance. Low-Oxygen Copper: Typically produced using the continuous casting and rolling process, with relatively loose control over oxygen content during production. Targeted performance requirements are achieved through controlled oxygen content during the smelting process and the use of additives. Electrolytic copper: Produced through electrolytic refining, using crude copper as the anode and pure copper as the cathode, electrolysis occurs in a copper sulfate electrolyte. Impurities in the crude copper are removed during the electrolysis process, resulting in high-purity electrolytic copper.

Dear Customer Thanks for visiting our website. Here comes China's National Day and Mid Autumn Festival holiday. We will be on a 8-day holiday from October 1st(Wednesday) to October 8th(Wednesday). During holiday, we may have limit access to email. Shall any delay to reply your email, kindly ask for your understanding. Zhenglan Cable Technology Co., Ltd 2025. 09.30

We are going to attend the FIEE exhibision (International Trade Show of the Electrical, Electronic, Power, Automation and Connectivity Industry) to be held on September 9th~12th at São Paulo Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, and our booth number is H4. A39.   If you are going there, welcome your coming to our booth. Look forward to meeting you.   Zhenglan Cable Technology Co., Ltd  

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the world's most authoritative electrical standards organization, specifies that safety grounding conductors must use alternating green and yellow conductors. This special color scheme requires alternating stripes of the two colors every 25 mm, creating a unique visual identifier. The choice of the yellow-green combination was based on rigorous human factors research. The two colors provide a sharp contrast in most lighting conditions, making them easily identifiable even for those with color blindness and difficult to confuse with other functional conductors.   In electrical equipment, the grounding conductor fulfills the crucial function of conducting fault current to the earth. When insulation failure causes the equipment casing to become live, a good grounding system can trigger protective devices to disconnect power within milliseconds, preventing electric shock accidents. Standardized colors enable operators to instantly identify grounding conductors, significantly reducing the risk of misoperation during emergency repairs or routine maintenance. Studies have shown that standardized color coding can increase electrical maintenance efficiency by 40% and reduce accident rates by over 60%.   While the IEC standard has been adopted by most countries, the United States maintains its unique grounding conductor specifications. According to the US National Electrical Code (NEC), grounding wires can be either bare copper wire or solid green insulated conductors. This difference stems from the history of electrical engineering. Early US electrical systems used green as a grounding color, a color that remains in place today to maintain system continuity. In contrast, the UK and EU countries strictly enforce the yellow-green stripe standard, with regulations such as BS 7671 clearly stipulating legal liability for non-compliance.   Special circumstances often require workarounds. High-voltage substations may use orange grounding wires, while offshore platforms may use blue. These exceptions require special approval from regulators, prominent warning signs on the equipment, and specialized training for personnel.