Getting to Know Digital Electricity Cables

Digital

Nov 19, 2018

By Ron Tellas

As smart buildings rely on more high-power, long-reach applications, such as PONs (passive optical networks) and BASs (building automation systems), digital electricity cables are becoming a viable option to safely and reliably transmit power and data across long distances.

Relatively new to the market, however, there are a few things you should know about digital electricity cable technology.

1. It supports long transmission distances

With a low mutual capacitance of <50 pF per foot to maintain power-transfer speed, reliable power and data transfer across extended reaches is possible. This makes it ideal for large venues like airport terminals, convention centres, high-rise hotels, hospitals, stadiums and office towers.

2. It supplies safe power transmission

By transmitting “pulses” of DC power, digital electricity cables send energy and data across very long distances in a safe, efficient manner. Data-sensing transmitters and receivers are constantly monitoring line conditions to make sure power pulses are properly received.

If a problem is detected — like an exposed conductor being touched, or a wire being short circuited or incorrectly installed — power distribution stops immediately (within 0.003 seconds) to protect people and equipment. This makes the cable safe to touch, without the worry of dangerous electrical shock.

3. It allows for lower-cost networks

Even when transferring thousands of watts of power, digital electricity networks utilizing digital electricity cables can be installed at much lower costs than traditional networks. They don’t need conduit or armoured cabling, and don’t require an electrician’s time. Instead, a cable installer can used for installation (similar to how a traditional PoE cable would be installed).

4. It establishes better management and control

Digital electricity technology has inherent embedded data capabilities for energy management, monitoring and control. This means it can be used to remotely power and centrally back up systems like DAS remotes, mobile edge servers, PoE LED lighting systems, and IoT sensors.

5. It offers installation versatility and flexibility

With a stranded design, digital electricity cable can maintain flexibility so performance isn’t impacted during installation. It can be used in indoor (plenum and riser), outdoor and overhead/burial applications.

In Belden’s digital electricity cables, digital electricity technology is supplied by VoltServer. The transmitters and receivers are supplied by either VoltServer or JMA Wireless.
Digital electricity cable is available in either copper or hybrid copper/fibre.

Ron Tellas joined Belden in 2016 to help define the roadmap of technology and applications in the enterprise. Prior to this, he developed cables and connectivity for Panduit and Andrew Corp. Ron Tellas is a SME in RF design and Electromagnetic Propagation and has BSEE from Purdue University, a MSEE from IIT, and a MBA from Purdue University.

This article was first published online by Belden
Photo source: GE Reports

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Navigating Tariff Uncertainty as an Electrical Contractor

    April 15, 2025 By Matthew Biswas These three words put me into a catatonic shock – Supply Chain Disruption. It seems like just yesterday I was standing at a counter asking for products I’d bought 100’s of times before and being told they are on backorder with no expected delivery date. Circuit breakers, dimmers, panels,… Read More…

  • Four Ways Permanent Power Enahnces Outdoor Spaces

    Four Ways Permanent Power Enahnces Outdoor Spaces

    April 14, 2025 Today’s workplaces are expanding beyond the four walls of an office. As technology continues to evolve, employees are looking for new and alternative workspaces to inspire creativity and increase productivity. This includes taking their work to outdoor spaces. Bringing technology to outdoor spaces has become a challenge for facility managers and property… Read More…

  • CAF-FCA Provides Recomendations on Apprenticeship Investment

    CAF-FCA Provides Recomendations on Apprenticeship Investment

    April 13, 2025 CAF-FCA have provided an outline of actionable recommendations—developed through national consultation—to enhance accessibility, reduce financial barriers, and better align apprenticeship training with industry needs. Source Read More…

  • New Report: Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather

    New Report: Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather

    April 13, 2025 Alberta is facing more severe weather events, with rising temperatures, wildfires, and more frequent extreme storms threatening homes and businesses. Our report, Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather−written in partnership with the Alberta Ecotrust Retrofit Accelerator program−highlights the need for deep retrofits to ensure the province’s buildings can withstand these changing conditions. Four… Read More…


Changing Scene