CY Cable - Copper Braid Screened Flexible Control Cable
Cable Services supply CY control cable - flexible PVC control cable with a tinned copper wire braid screen, designed for EMC-sensitive control and instrumentation installations. Available from 0.5mm² to 25mm², multi-core configurations, cut to length at our Wrexham facility.
CY cable is a flexible PVC control cable with a tinned copper wire braid screen and a grey PVC outer sheath. The copper braid provides electromagnetic screening against electrical interference, making CY the standard choice for control and instrumentation cabling in environments with sensitive electronics, variable speed drives, or other EMC-sensitive equipment. We stock CY cable in all common core counts and conductor sizes, with cut-to-length service from Wrexham.
CY Cable Stock Range
View Our CY Cable Stock - Sizes And Core Counts
- Conductor sizes: 0.5mm², 0.75mm², 1mm², 1.5mm², 2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm², 10mm² and 16mm²
- Core counts: 2 core, 3 core, 4 core, 5 core, 7 core, 12 core, 18 core and 25 core
- Voltage rating: 300/500V
- Temperature range: -15°C to +80°C
- Identification: Numbered cores for higher counts, colour coded for low core counts
- Standard: Manufactured to general industry specifications based on VDE 0250
For specific core count and size combinations not on the shelf, our cable cutting service can cut to length from larger drums.
A Guide to CY Copper Braid Screened Control Cable
CY cable is a flexible multicore PVC insulated control cable identified by its tinned copper wire braid screen, used wherever electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance is critical. The cable is rated 300/500V to VDE 0250 and operates between -15°C and +80°C. The "C" in CY stands for Cu (copper) referring to the tinned copper braid, and the "Y" denotes PVC as the insulation and sheath material. The copper braid is the defining feature - it provides effective screening against electromagnetic interference (EMI), making CY the standard choice for variable speed drive output cabling, sensitive instrumentation circuits, and process control loops near power switchgear.
Unlike SY which uses a steel braid for combined mechanical protection and screening, CY's copper braid is optimised purely for screening performance. Copper is significantly more conductive than steel, so a copper braid provides better EMC screening at high frequencies - the frequencies generated by variable speed drives and switching power supplies. The tradeoff is mechanical protection - CY offers less crush and abrasion resistance than SY. Where you need both screening AND mechanical protection in one cable, SY is the right choice. Where EMC performance is the priority and the installation environment is benign, CY is the better technical match.
What Is CY Cable?
CY cable is a flexible PVC control cable distinguished by its tinned copper wire braid screen. The construction is optimised for electromagnetic compatibility in industrial control and instrumentation environments.
How Is The Cable Constructed?
CY Cable Construction Explained
CY cable construction (from conductor outwards):
- Class 5 fine stranded copper conductors - delivering flexibility for installation in conduit and around bends
- PVC core insulation - numbered identification or colour coded depending on core count
- Inner PVC bedding - binds the cores together and provides a foundation for the braid
- Tinned copper wire braid screen - delivers EMC screening at all frequencies (copper is highly conductive)
- Grey PVC outer sheath - protects the screen and conductors
Important: The copper braid is a screen, not a circuit protective conductor. It must not be used as the CPC in an installation - a dedicated earth core within the cable must be used.
When Do You Need A Copper Braid Screen?
EMC-Sensitive Industrial Applications
Copper braid screening is needed where electrical interference (EMI) would corrupt signal integrity. Typical applications include:
- Variable speed drive (VSD) output cables - to contain switching noise
- Instrumentation signal cabling near power cables
- Process control loops in industrial plants
- Sensor wiring for analytical equipment
- Building management system control wiring near switchgear
- Equipment connections in EMC-regulated environments
The braid must be properly earthed at the panel end (and sometimes at both ends, depending on installation design) to provide effective screening. Floating screens do not work.
Where CY Should NOT Be Used
CY cable is not a general purpose cable. Avoid using CY for:
- Direct burial in ground - use SWA armoured cable or run CY in a protective duct
- Outdoor use without protection - PVC sheath is not UV resistant
- Heavy mechanical stress environments - use SY cable for combined screening and mechanical protection
- Fixed wiring in domestic installations - use twin and earth or 6491X instead
BS7671 Compliance Gap: IET guidance explicitly discourages the use of CY, SY and YY cables in fixed installations under BS7671. CY is appropriate for control panel and instrumentation wiring, not for general fixed building wiring.
CY, SY or YY - Which Control Cable Do You Need?
CY vs SY vs YY Comparison Table
The CY, SY and YY family share the same flexible PVC insulated construction but differ in screening and protection.
| Feature | YY Cable | CY Cable | SY Cable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | None | Tinned copper wire braid | Galvanised steel wire braid |
| EMC Screening | None | Best (high frequency) | Good (some HF loss) |
| Mechanical Protection | Low | Low (screen only) | High |
| Outer Sheath | Grey PVC | Grey PVC | Transparent PVC |
| Typical Use | Internal panel wiring, no EMC risk | VSD output, instrumentation | General industrial control |
CY is the right choice when EMC performance is the primary requirement - the copper braid is more conductive and provides better high frequency screening than steel braid.
Your Trade Supplier For CY Control Cable
Cable Services hold extensive stock of CY copper braid screened control cable in every standard conductor size from 0.5mm² up to 16mm², in core counts from 2 core right through to 25 core. Our cable cutting service at Wrexham means you can order the exact length and core configuration you need for variable speed drive output cables, instrumentation runs, and EMC-critical control circuits without buying a full drum. Stock is held across six UK branches with same-day despatch in most cases.
We also stock the matching EMC cable glands required for proper 360-degree screen termination - because a CY screen that is not correctly earthed does not screen at all. Explore our full low voltage cable range or contact our team for a same-day trade price quote.
Need CY Cable For An EMC-Sensitive Installation?
Send us your specification with core counts, conductor sizes and lengths. We will check stock across all six UK branches, cut to the lengths you need at Wrexham, and despatch the same day in most cases. Trade accounts welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CY cable stand for?
CY is a German VDE designation for flexible PVC control cable with a copper wire braid screen. The "C" denotes Cu (copper) referring to the tinned copper braid, and "Y" denotes PVC as the insulation and sheath material.
How do you earth a CY cable screen?
The CY screen should be terminated to a clean earth at the panel end using an EMC cable gland or a dedicated screen termination clamp. The braid is folded back over the gland body to make a 360-degree connection. Depending on installation design, the screen may be earthed at one end only or at both ends.
Is CY cable suitable for variable speed drives?
Yes, CY cable is commonly used on variable speed drive output cabling where the copper braid contains the high frequency switching noise from the drive. For longer or higher-rated drive installations, dedicated VSD output cable with concentric copper screen may be preferable.
Can CY cable be buried direct?
No. CY cable is not rated for direct burial. For underground control runs use SWA armoured cable or run the CY in a protective duct.
Can you cut CY cable to length?
Yes. We cut CY cable to the exact length you need on our automatic winding and measuring machine at Wrexham. Order the length and configuration you need, and we will cut from the drum.
Cable Services supply a wide range of products from leading brands, click here to see a sample range of cables that can offer:
Contact Us
For further details on our products and services please get in touch.
Tel: + 44 (0) 1978 340 450
Email: sales@cableservices.co.uk
Cable Cutting Service
We have invested in an automatic winding and measuring cable cutting machine at our Wrexham facility. This £90,000 investment reflects our commitment to offering an economically valuable and highly efficient service for our valued customers.
We are known for providing tailored solutions that meet the exact needs of our customers. We recognise the growing demand for a flexible service that eradicates waste and delivers cost efficiencies. The efficiency and precision of this new machine support the industry’s commitment to operational sustainability and allow us to pass on cost savings to our customers.
