What you need to know, straight to the poin
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about our range of cables and electrical conductors to help you quickly find the information you need.
If your query is not covered here, do not hesitate to contact us.
1. Cables and Transmission Types
What is a coaxial cable and what is it used for?
A coaxial cable is a type of data transmission cable composed of a central conductor, a dielectric insulator, a metallic mesh or shield, and an outer protective cover. Its design allows it to carry high-frequency signals with minimal electromagnetic interference.
It is primarily used in cable television, radio broadcasting, CCTV, and home video equipment.
What is a shielded cable and when is it recommended?
A coaxial cable is a type of data transmission cable composed of a central conductor, a dielectric insulator, a metallic mesh or shield, and an outer protective cover. Its design allows it to carry high-frequency signals with minimal electromagnetic interference.
It is primarily used in cable television, radio broadcasting, CCTV, and home video equipment.
What is optical fiber and what are its advantages?
Optical fiber is a transmission medium that uses light pulses in a thread of glass or plastic fiber to transmit data at high speeds. It is widely used in telecommunications networks, as it allows fast, secure transmission with no electromagnetic interference and over long distances.
Advantages of optical fiber:
- High transmission speed for data, voice, and video.
- Low attenuation: allows long distances without signal loss.
- Immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- Greater security in data transmission.
- Lightweight and durable, with excellent resistance in demanding environments.
How and why use optical fiber in a data network?
Optical fiber is the best choice for data networks requiring high speed, stability, and security. It is recommended for:
- Data centers and corporate networks.
- Long-distance communications without signal loss.
- Industrial environments with electromagnetic interference.
- High-resolution security and video surveillance networks.
Its installation reduces long-term costs due to its durability and lower maintenance compared to traditional wiring.
2. Infrastructure and Cabling Networks
What is a structured cabling system and what are its benefits?
A structured cabling system is the basis of telecommunications networks in buildings and companies. It is a standardized infrastructure that enables the efficient connection of various devices, such as computers, telephones, servers and network equipment, regardless of their technology or manufacturer.
Its main advantages include an orderly and organized design, which facilitates management, maintenance and fault identification. In addition, it allows for scalability, as the network can be expanded or modified without major complications or interruptions. It also improves connection performance and stability, minimizing interference and ensuring reliable, high-speed communication.
By following international norms and standards, structured cabling guarantees a durable infrastructure adaptable to future technological needs, optimizing operational costs and offering an efficient solution for any business or industrial environment.
Benefits of structured cabling:
- Enables the integration of voice, data, and video in a unified infrastructure, optimizing resource use.
- Reduces long-term costs due to its flexible, scalable, and easy-to-maintain design.
- Improves cable organization, facilitating future expansions or modifications without significant interruptions.
- Ensures high performance, stability, and reliability in the network, minimizing failures and downtime.
How do I determine which cable section I need?
To choose the correct cable section, several key factors need to be considered:
- Electric current to be carried: The number of amperes the cable needs to support directly affects the required section.
- Cable run distance: The longer the distance, the greater the voltage drop, so a larger section may be needed to maintain proper performance.
- Type of installation: Depending on whether the installation is in a dry, damp, or buried environment, cables with specific resistance and insulation characteristics must be selected.
- Safety regulations: It is crucial to comply with local regulations and safety guidelines to ensure the correct operation and safety of the installation.
If you have any doubts about which cable section to choose, CERVI offers specialized advice to help you select the most suitable cable based on your needs and specific application.
3. Safety and Regulations
What is an ATEX zone and what type of cabling is required?
ATEX zones are areas with explosion risk due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, or dust.
The regulatory framework includes the international IEC 60079 standard. In Europe, the regulation is governed by Directive 2014/34/EU, which harmonizes member states’ legislation concerning equipment and protection systems for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. However, cables are not covered by the ATEX directive (either as equipment or components) because they are generally considered part of the installation.
Therefore, the basic regulatory reference for low voltage electrical installations in Spain is the Low Voltage Electrotechnical Regulation, specifically ITC (Complementary Technical Instruction) No. 29 (Special requirements for electrical installations in locations at risk of fire or explosion).
At CERVI, we offer cabling solutions for explosive atmosphere zones, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
What is an intrinsic safety circuit?
Intrinsic safety is a protection mode applied in installations at risk of fire or explosion (ATEX) that involves constructive and electrical measures taken to achieve explosion protection in potentially explosive atmospheres. It limits the energy in the circuit, voltage, and current to prevent excessive temperatures, sparks, and arcing that could ignite the dust-air mixture.
The basic regulatory reference for these installations and cable requirements in Spain is the Low Voltage Electrotechnical Regulation, ITC No. 29, which refers to UNE-EN 60079-14 and UNE-EN 50039 (currently UNE-EN 60079-25) for cabling installations of this type.
At CERVI, we offer cabling solutions for Intrinsic Safety circuits, ensuring safety and compliance.
What is the CPR regulation and how does it affect cabling?
The Construction Product Regulation (CPR) is issued by the European Parliament (REGULATION (EU) No. 305/2011), establishing the requirements and characteristics all products used in construction must comply with within the European Union.
For evaluating fire safety requirements, which directly applies to cables, a classification system with EUROCLASSES has been established to categorize products based on their fire performance. Cables range from Fca (performance not determined) to B1ca (best performance).
This system creates a unique and uniform classification criterion: a common and understandable language for all affected parties. However, each country must legislate individually through the relevant authorities and regulations (REBT, ICTel, RSCIEI, etc.) to define the minimum Euroclass for each installation type.
At CERVI, we offer cables certified according to the CPR regulation, ensuring compliance with specific requirements for each type of installation and guaranteeing maximum safety in all our products.
4. Other Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best cable for my application?
Choosing the right cable depends on several key factors, such as the main application or function, the installation environment conditions (temperature, humidity, corrosive substances, etc.), and specific regulatory requirements. Additionally, it is important to consider aspects based on the particular needs of your project, such as shielding type, armoring, flexibility, and temperature range.
At CERVI, we offer personalized advice to help you select the best solution, ensuring that the chosen cable meets the standards and technical requirements for each application, guaranteeing performance, safety, and durability of the installation.
What is the difference between a single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic cable?
Single-mode: This type of fiber is designed for long-distance, high-speed transmissions, allowing light to travel in a single path (mode) along the fiber. It is ideal for telecommunications applications, Wide Area Networks (WAN), and connections requiring high transmission capacity and low signal loss.
Multi-mode: Multi-mode fiber, on the other hand, allows light to travel through multiple paths, making it more suitable for shorter distances, such as Local Area Networks (LAN) and data centers. Its ability to handle multiple signals simultaneously makes it more cost-effective, but it experiences greater signal loss over longer distances.
At CERVI, we offer both options, tailored to each customer’s specific needs, ensuring the best solution for each installation and application.
5. About CERVI
5. About CERVI
Who is CERVI and what products do they offer?
CERVI is a leading company in the manufacture and distribution of specialized cables for a wide range of applications, including telecommunications, industry, energy, security, and ATEX environments. We have solid experience in providing innovative, customized solutions tailored to each customer’s specific needs.
Our products are known for their high quality, compliance with international standards, and a broad range of options to meet the most demanding requirements. We also export our cables worldwide, ensuring reliability and optimal performance of each product anywhere in the world.
Does CERVI offer technical advice for cable selection?
Yes, at CERVI, we have a highly qualified team of cabling experts who provide personalized technical advice to help you choose the most suitable solution for your needs. We carefully analyze the requirements of each project, considering factors such as applicable regulations, installation environment, and required performance specifications. This way, we ensure you select the ideal cable to guarantee maximum efficiency, safety, and durability in your installation.
Does CERVI manufacture custom cables?
Yes, at CERVI, we offer custom cable manufacturing, tailored to each customer’s exact specifications. If your project requires cables with special characteristics, we can design and produce them using the most suitable materials, ensuring compliance with necessary certifications and guaranteeing the optimal performance your application demands. We ensure that each solution is completely customized to meet the specific needs of your installation.
Where are CERVI's facilities located, and which markets do they operate in?
CERVI’s headquarters are located in Terrassa, with a second location in Bilbao through CERVINOR. Additionally, we have subsidiaries in Madrid, Valencia, and Seville, allowing us to offer agile and efficient support nationwide. We also have a logistics warehouse in Sallent to optimize our distribution processes.
Beyond our strong presence in Spain, CERVI exports its products internationally, supplying high-quality cables to companies in various sectors, such as telecommunications, energy, transportation, security, and high-demand industrial environments.
Does CERVI comply with international quality and safety regulations?
Yes, at CERVI, all our products comply with the most demanding international regulations and certifications, such as CPR, ATEX, IEC, UL, and RoHS, ensuring the highest quality, safety, and compliance with global standards. Additionally, we have ISO 9001 certification, validating our commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction across all our processes.
