The difference between explosion-proof network cable and ordinary network cable

　　Explosion-proof network cables and ordinary network cables have significant differences in structure, materials, certification, and application scenarios. The main differences are as follows:

　　1. Structure and design

　　Explosion-proof network cable:

　　Outer sheath: use metal braid (such as tinned copper wire) or high-strength flame retardant material to prevent external sparks or high-temperature ignition of internal flammable gases.

　　Shielding layer: Multi-layer shielding design (e.g. aluminum foil + metal mesh) to enhance anti-interference ability and reduce the risk of electromagnetic sparks.

　　Core: Corrosion-resistant materials (e.g. silver-plated copper wires) may be used to adapt to harsh environments.

　　Ordinary network cable:

　　Outer sheath: usually made of PVC, LSZH (low-SMoke halogen-free) or PE, with no explosion-proof function.

　　Shielding layer: Unshielded (UTP) or single-layer shielding (e.g. aluminum foil), with weak anti-interference ability.

　　Core: Standard copper conductor, suitable for general environments.

　　2. Material properties

　　Explosion-proof network cable:

　　Flame retardancy: Meets UL 94 V-0 or higher flame retardant rating, does not burn or self-extinguish in case of fire.

　　Explosion-proof certification: requires ATEX, IECEx, GB 3836 and other explosion-proof standard certification.

　　Ordinary network cable:

　　Flame retardancy: usually CM/CMR grade (general flame retardant), without explosion-proof certification.

　　Material: May release toxic gases (e.g. when burning PVC).

　　3. Electrical performance

　　Explosion-proof network cable:

　　Anti-interference: Strong shielding design to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), to avoid electrical sparks.

　　Grounding requirements: It needs to be grounded through a special explosion-proof connector to prevent static electricity from accumulating.

　　Ordinary network cable:

　　Anti-interference: Depends on shielding layer design (e.g. Cat6A shielded cable), but without explosion protection optimization.

　　Grounding: Usually no special grounding is required.

　　4. Installation and application scenarios

　　Explosion-proof network cable:

　　Environment: Flammable and explosive gases, dust or fibrous environments (e.g. oil platforms, coal mines, chemical plants).

　　Installation: Use explosion-proof connectors to avoid mechanical sparks; strictly follow the wiring specifications for explosion-proof areas.

　　Ordinary network cable:

　　Environment: Offices, homes, commercial buildings, and other non-explosive areas.

　　Installation: Support quick plug-in (e.g. RJ45 connector), no special explosion-proof measures are required.

　　5. Certification and standards

　　Explosion-proof network cable:

　　International standards: ATEX (European Union), IECEx (International), NEC (USA), GB 3836 (China).

　　Network standards: Both TIA/EIA 568 (e.g. Cat5e/Cat6) and explosion protection specifications are required.

　　Ordinary network cable:

　　网络标准：TIA/EIA 568、ISO/IEC 11801(如Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6A)。

　　Fire rating: CM, CMR, CMP (according to UL standards).

　　6. Cost

　　Explosion-proof network cable:

　　The price is higher, due to the increase in material, process and certification costs, usually 2-5 times that of ordinary network cables.

　　Ordinary network cable:

　　Low cost, suitable for large-scale deployment.

　　Summarize the basis for selection

　　Priority explosion-proof network cable: the presence of explosive gas, dust or high temperature environment (such as Zone 1/2 hazardous areas).

　　Priority ordinary network cable: conventional network cabling (e.g. office, data center non-explosion-proof area).

　　Mixed scenarios: Explosion-proof network cables are used in some areas, and ordinary network cables are used in non-hazardous areas, which are connected through explosion-proof isolation equipment.

　　The core goal of explosion-proof network cables is to ensure the safe transmission of data in hazardous environments, while ordinary network cables focus on efficient and cost-effective network connectivity.