Concentricity is a term used in relation to cable design that measures how well-centered the core is within the cladding. The core is the wire or wires that are responsible for the transmission of the electrical signals, while the cladding is the insulation that protects the core from external sources of interference. The concentricity of a cable is a measure of how well the core is centered within the cladding.
The concentricity of a cable is important for several reasons. When the core is not well-centered within the cladding, it can cause a decrease in signal strength and a decrease in the overall performance of the cable. This can lead to signal interference, signal degradation, and even complete failure of the cable. Poorly centered cores can also lead to increased stress on the cable and can cause the core to break or crack.
It is important to measure the concentricity of a cable before and after installation to ensure that the core is correctly positioned within the cladding. This is typically done with a specialized tool that measures the distance between the core and the outside of the cladding. If the distance is not equal, then the core is not properly centered.
The concentricity of a cable is also important for safety reasons. Poorly centered cores can cause electrical shorts or arcs, which can present a fire hazard. Additionally, if the core is not well-centered, it can cause the cable to become overheated. This can lead to a decrease in the lifespan of the cable, or even complete failure of the cable.
For these reasons, it is important to ensure that the core is properly centered within the cladding of a cable. Properly measuring the concentricity of a cable is the only way to ensure that the core is correctly centered and that the cable will perform as intended.
