Braiding and Shielding — What is the Difference?

By Molex / Daniel Woodhead / Brad Harrison

Wire braids are a fibrous or metallic group of filaments interwoven in a cylindrical pattern to lay a mechanical covering over one or more wires.

Shielding is defined as a metallic layer placed around a conductor or group of conductors to prevent electrostatic or electromagnetic interference between the enclosed wires and external fields. Conversely, the shield of wires and cables
serve an electrical function.

Cable shielding has been proven to be an effective strategy for dealing with problems related to signal ingress and egress caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI). Emitter receptors and frequency bands are part of the EMI definition. Diverse problems from interference from ground loops, common impedance paths, direct magnetic/electric coupling (AC hum), electrostatic discharge, power line conductor emissions or radiated emissions from all sources fall underneath the umbrella category of EMI. Shielding of cabling, like other electronic components, is particularly useful where small signal levels are transmitted through “noisy” electrical environments. Plant items such as handheld radios, variable frequencies drives, and power supplies can generate electrical “noise”, to interrupt and corrupt control signal messaging. These problems are common where signals are transmitted via wire and cable.

Brad Harrison® Connectors — Complete and Total Shielding Effectiveness

Brad Harrison shielded cordsets are shielded 360° from the cable all the way out through the connector body. This point is key to insuring complete shielding effectiveness. In a recent installation the Brad Harrison cordsets were measured
to be more effective than competitive cables by an average of 4.3dB. In order to have the maximum effectiveness, the shielded product must go from the cable all the way out to the 360º shielded connector head.

The Brad Harrison shielded cable design, unlike other designs, assures complete 360° cable/connector shielding.

CE and Shielding

Please note that shielded connectors and cordsets cannot carry the CE mark. It is not appropriate to CE mark these products, rather the machinery as a whole needs to be tested per the CE regulations. Therefore, shielding effectiveness of molded connectors and cordsets can only be determined by testing the product in its intended installation. However, with the Brad Harrison 360° shielded cordsets, connector and interconnection systems the likelihood of passing the CE directives on EMI are greatly enhanced versus other shielded options.