Contents
Is the drain wire necessary?
The drain wire is an important part of completing this circuit, which ultimately allows for unwanted electrical noise to be redirected towards the ground. For all these reasons, it is essential to eliminate electrical noise as completely as possible, and this is achieved in shielded cables with the help of drain wires.
What is the drain wire used for?
Drain wires are used in cables in conjunction with a metallic shield to ensure effective grounding. The drain wire serves to complete an electrical circuit from the shield and carry unwanted electrical noise to ground away from the circuit.
What is a shield drain?
The drain wire is a part of a shield within a cable that reduces the resistance from any point on the shield to ground. A drain wire carries extraneous electrical noise to ground and away from the circuit or system.
Where does drain wire go in a shielded cable?
The wire remains in contact with the metallic side of the shielding tape all through the body of the cable. That places the drain wire in an ideal position to connect a shielded cable to its ground terminal.
What is the function of a drain wire?
The drain wire is a bare, stranded wire that is interleaved with the shield foil to provide a continuous, low-resistance, groundable (or other connection) to the shield when the cable and its internal wires are terminated. In the image below of a four conductor, shielded cable, the red circled wire is the drain. Fast. Simple. Free.
What’s the difference between drain wire and Almor cord?
Every Almor Cord is 100% tested for continuity, polarity, dielectric withstanding voltage & insulation resistance! A drain wire is the bare, stranded wire you find interleaved with the wrapping foil inside shielded cables. This wire plays an important part in facilitating the cable’s operation.
Why are tin wires used in shielded cables?
Tinned copper conductors are usually used to make drain wires. This type of tin coating prevents reactions from occurring between the copper conductor of the wire and the aluminum screen next to it. The absence of such a reaction means that shielded cables can be used for a much longer time.