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A cable shield helps reduce electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic interference, but it only works as intended when the shield is continuous and has a suitable low-impedance connection. There is no universal rule to ground every cable shield at one end or both: the signal, installation, and equipment instructions determine the method.
What does a cable shield do?
A shield is a conductive layer around a cable’s conductors that attenuates coupled interference. As Siemens puts it in its SIMATIC ET 200eco PN Manual Collection V20, published in November 2024, “Shielding is a measure to attenuate (dampen) magnetic, electrical or electromagnetic interference fields.” For interference current to be diverted effectively, the shield needs an appropriate low-impedance path to ground.
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A shield is not a substitute for choosing the correct cable, routing it appropriately, or following the equipment maker’s installation requirements. Shield performance depends on the cable construction, its continuity, and the quality of its termination.
What are the main cable-shield constructions?
Foil, braid, and combined foil-and-braid constructions differ in mechanical properties and how they can be contacted and terminated. The right choice depends on the interference environment, cable movement and strain, required contact method, and the cable and equipment specifications.
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| Construction | What to consider | Installation implications |
|---|---|---|
| Braid | Siemens and SEW-EURODRIVE recommend braid in their respective installation guidance. SEW-EURODRIVE calls for braid coverage greater than 80% in its guidance; this is a manufacturer recommendation, not a universal standard or a measured shielding-effectiveness score. | Braid can support clamp termination. Check the cable specification and the equipment maker’s instructions for the required contact and termination. |
| Foil | Siemens warns that tensile or compression strain can damage foil-shielded cable at the fastening point and reduce its shielding effect. This does not mean all foil-shielded cables are unsuitable. | Protect the cable from strain at the fastening point and use a termination method compatible with the cable’s construction. |
| Combined foil and braid | LAPP documents network cable screened with braid and aluminum-laminated foil. Combined construction is an available option, not a guarantee of performance in every installation. | Confirm that the connector and clamp can make the intended contact with the actual shield construction. |
The cited guidance does not establish a standardized, quantitative ranking of these constructions. A coverage percentage is not a decibel effectiveness figure, and one construction should not be treated as universally best.
Should a cable shield be grounded at one end or both ends?
Use the grounding arrangement specified for the equipment and system. Guidance differs because it addresses different signals and installations, not because one rule applies to every shield.
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- Both ends: ABB says shielded data cables should be grounded at both ends. SEW-EURODRIVE also recommends grounding at both ends for high-frequency interference.
- One end in particular cases: ABB says one-end grounding in its described context protects against capacitive interference and low-frequency disturbances. SEW-EURODRIVE identifies exceptions where a one-sided connection may be preferable, including some very low-level analog signals or situations where equipotential bonding cannot be routed.
- System-specific default: For its TM5 system, Schneider Electric specifies single-point grounding by default, while allowing multipoint grounding when a properly dimensioned equipotential ground plane is used.
A potential difference between grounding points can drive compensating current through a shield. That is one reason the grounding method must be considered as part of the system’s grounding and equipotential-bonding design rather than chosen by a blanket rule.
How should a shield be terminated?
The connection should be low impedance and preserve shield continuity where the shield provides functional EMC protection. A long, poor-contact, or interrupted connection can undermine the intended path for interference current.
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- Follow the equipment instructions. Check the specified grounding point, connector, clamp, and installation arrangement for the actual signal and system.
- Make a broad, direct contact. LAPP advises making the connection over as large an area as possible to help keep impedance low. Siemens recommends more than 80% contact at the contact point in its referenced 2024 installation guidance; that is an installation recommendation, not a universal performance score.
- Terminate close to the cabinet or system entry when specified. ABB recommends direct grounding with a clip at cabinet entry and metallic or metal-plated connectors for shielded data connections. Schneider’s TM5 guidance describes a clamp contacting exposed shield near the system base and secured to a conductive backplane.
- Use compatible hardware and maintain continuity. Select a clamp or connector that fits the cable and mounting surface, and avoid breaks in the shield where it serves functional EMC purposes.
How should shielded cables be routed?
Where practical, route communication and I/O cables separately from power cables. Schneider Electric gives this guidance for its TM5 system and specifies shielded, properly grounded cable for analog, high-speed I/O, and communication connections. Apply the routing and cable requirements for the equipment you are installing; the TM5 instructions are system-specific, not a universal wiring specification.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose a shielded signal cable
“Shielded signal cable” is a useful broad search term, but it is not enough to identify a compatible cable. Before selecting one, check:
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- Signal type and electrical characteristics.
- Conductor or pair count.
- Operating environment and likely interference sources.
- Whether the cable will be fixed or flexed, and the strain it must tolerate.
- Required connector, shield termination, and compatible clamp or mounting surface.
- The equipment maker’s cable, grounding, and installation requirements.
Choose construction based on these needs rather than assuming that foil, braid, or a combined shield is always superior. No particular retail model or universal cable specification follows from the guidance above.
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