What Is LiYCY Cable? Structure, Applications, and Selection Guide

LiYCY cable is often mentioned in industrial equipment and control systems, but many people only know it as a signal cable, and are not clear about what it can do and why it is used. This article will make the naming meaning, structural characteristics, and use of LiYCY clear, to help you reduce errors in selection and purchase, so that the cable is really used in the right place.

What Is LiYCY Cable

LiYCY is a multi-conductor data and signal cable with integral shielding. It is used for the transmission of low-voltage signals and control signals. This type of cable is commonly found inside devices and control cabinets in industrial automation systems, used to connect control units, sensors, or actuators.

In contrast to power cables, the focus of LiYCY is not on how much power is carried, but on whether the signal is stable. If areas around this wire contain sources of interference, such as motors, inverters, or any form of electrical device, LiYCY’s shielded construction ensures a stable signal without malfunctions.

Meaning of LiYCY Cable Designation

The model number LiYCY is not a random combination of letters, each letter is describing the construction and purpose of the cable. Understanding what these mean will help you quickly determine if it is right for your project.

The “Li” designation originates from the German cable naming system and denotes lightweight control or data signal cables. The lowercase “i” is not a spelling convention, but part of the naming convention. It means that the interior of the cable consists of multiple, independently insulated conductors, often referred to as multi-core construction.

The “YCY” describes the material and shielding:

• The first Y means that the conductors are insulated with PVC
• C means that the cable has a copper braid shielding to minimise external interference
• The second Y means that the outer sheath is also made of PVC

LiYCY Cable Construction

Conductor

LiYCY is normally made with a fine-stranded copper conductor, which is typically bare or tinned copper. Such a conductor is soft and not readily damaged when it is bent. Therefore, the cable is preferred for wiring inside equipment or in locations where space is limited.

Insulation

Each of the conductors has PVC on the outside and is color-coded. This ensures that the right circuit is easily identified in cases where wiring or repairs are undertaken. This, in turn, helps avoid swapping the wrong wires.

Separator

Between the conductor and the shield, plastic foil tape is normally interposed. This helps to stabilize the internal structure to ensure that there is no friction between the conductor and the shield.

Shielding

Shielding in LiYCY is usually made of aluminum foil and tinned copper braid. This counteracts electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, also helping signals in a complicated electrical environment to remain stable.

Outer Sheath

The outermost layer is a PVC jacket, commonly colored gray or black. It can withstand normal industrial conditions, exhibit basic corrosion resistance and flame resistance, and can be easily fixed and wired.

Features and Performance of LiYCY Cable

The advantage of LiYCY is basically centered on the stability and usability of its signal.

It has an overall shielding structure. Through the combination of braided shielding and aluminum foil, the LiYCY eliminates the effects that external devices may have on the signal line, thus eliminating signal jitter, false alarms, or irregularities in the data, which would be caused by external devices in the environment surrounding the LiYCY.

The LiYCY type cables are also very convenient to work with. The thin-stranded conductor makes the cable easier to bend, resistant to kick-back while wiring inside control cabinets and equipment, and less likely to be damaged due to constant adjustments.

On the safety aspect, LiYCY possesses basic flame retardancy to satisfy the general conditions related to wiring safety in industrial environments.

LiYCY Cable Specifications

Voltage Rating

In common sizes, small cross sections of LiYCY cable (e.g., 0.14 mm²) usually correspond to a voltage rating of 350V; larger cross sections are available up to 500V.

Temperature Range

When operating in fixed installation conditions, LiYCY can be used over a broad range of temperatures from -40°C to +80°C.

In the flexible installations, the cable has to bend or move, the temperature range will be smaller, but it still covers most indoor industrial environments.

Other Technical Parameters

• Insulation resistance: The insulation resistance of LiYCY cable is not less than 20 MΩ-km at 20°C. In a normal environment, there is no easy leakage or signal crosstalk between conductors, which helps to keep the signal clear.
• Minimum bending radius: The minimum bending radius of LiYCY cable is 5 times the outer diameter of the cable. In actual wiring, you do not need to reserve a large turning space. This cable is very convenient and can be applied in control cabinets and other equipment in scenes where space constraints are tight.
• Tensile strength: The LiYCY cable has a tensile strength of not less than 10 N/mm². During the installation and organization of the line, normal tensile forces can be resisted without being easily damaged by internal structures due to slight tugging.

Applications of LiYCY Cable

Industrial Automation and Control Systems

In automation systems, LiYCY is often used for the connection of control signals, such as the wiring between a PLC and an actuating component.

When the control cabinet is densely wired with many sources of interference, a shielded structure can reduce unwanted signaling problems.

Machinery and Machine Tool Equipment

In machine tools and industrial equipment, LiYCY is used in the internal control circuits of the equipment.

It has a flexible and multi-core design that helps in routing in tight spaces, along with ensuring signal integrity.

Measurement, Instrumentation, and Monitoring Devices

For measuring and testing equipment, the quality of data can be directly affected by whether or not the signal is experiencing interference. Consequently, the most important service provided by LiYCY cables intended for such equipment is to ensure a stable transmission of the signal.

Robotics and Motion Control Systems

LiYCY is usually used in control and feedback signals in robotics and motion control systems. For most applications, unless the data is high-speed high-frequency, standard LiYCY cable can handle the requirement.

Stage Lighting and Audio-Visual Control

In stage lighting and control systems, the wiring is usually large and laid in parallel with the power lines. The use of LiYCY with shielding reduces interference with control signals.

Medical and Laboratory Equipment

In medical and laboratory equipment where system requirements for signaling are high, the use of LiYCY cables for signaling connections within or between equipment is common due to the consistent signaling properties they provide.

Railway Signaling and Transportation Systems

LiYCY cables are primarily applied in transportation and related railway applications as auxiliary signals and in control loops. In cases where LiYCY cables are employed in an environment, under conditions with their structure and performance specifications, they are not appropriate for long-term use.

How to Choose the Right LiYCY Cable

While selecting LiYCY cables, the following are some questions that will aid in making this determination.

• Are the cables near motors, power lines, or frequency converters?

→ Risk of interference, shielded construction makes sense

• Does the cable handle control or signaling, but not power supply?

→ Usage match, LiYCY to be of value

• Is the signal weak or prone to problems?

→ LiYCY can be used, TP construction if necessary.

• Is the cable fixed and not moving back and forth for a long time?

→ LiYCY’s conditions of use satisfied

• Does the project have German or VDE requirements?

→ LiYCY is easier to technically validate.

If the answer to most of those questions is “yes”, then LiYCY would generally be your safe option.

FAQ

What Is the Difference Between LiYCY and LiYY Cable?

The difference between LiYCY and LiYY is the shielding.

LiYCY has an overall shield, which reduces electromagnetic interference and makes the signal more stable.

LiYY has no shielding and is a useful cable for environments with less interference. In short, LiYCY is more secure if there are motors or high-power devices near the line.

Is LiYCY Cable Suitable for Outdoor or Underground Installation?

The standard LiYCY is mostly used indoors or in protected environments. Its PVC jacket cannot be exposed to sunlight, rain or soil for long periods of time. For outdoor or underground use, additional protection or a special cable is required.

Can LiYCY Cable Be Used in Drag Chains or Continuous Movement?

Standard LiYCY is not designed for continuous movement. The wire can wear out or get damaged if a line needs to be bent repeatedly or used in drag chains. In cases where a drag chain or high frequency of movement is required, special flexible wires have to be used.

Does the Shield of LiYCY Cable Need to Be Grounded?

The shield needs to be properly grounded to be effective. Grounding protects the signal by directing interference to ground. Without grounding, the shielding is much less effective, and signal anomalies may occur.

How Do Li2YCY And LiYCY Differ?

Li2YCY is a double-shielded cable. This means that in addition to standard shielding, there are individual shields on each pair of conductors to more finely control signal interference. This cable is appropriate for noise-sensitive circuits. LiYCY has only integral shielding and is intended for general signaling and control circuits.

Final Thought

LiYCY is a shielded signal cable with a simple design, but it can enhance the stability of the system in the correct usage context. As long as you can verify the usage environment, you can verify whether the cable suits your project. Honest Cable supplies LiYCY cables with approval in the VDE standard, and supports type confirmation and technical data verification to help you reach a fast verdict. If you need further confirmation for your project, get in touch with us now.