When ordering a cable you may be tempted to consider whether or not to have it braided. Cables are braided for either of these reasons:
To electrostatically screen the cable
Or
Provide mechanical strength
The reason for applying a braid of metallic wires during the cables constructions instead of metal tape or alternatives is the braiding helps retain the cable flexibility.
The design of crossing interwoven wires allows the bending and stretching without the cable buckling, folding or kinking.
When the braid is designed to provide an electrostatic screen maintaining signal integrity- it’s composed of an electrical conductor such as copper, tinned copper or aluminium. However if the braid is designed to provide mechanical strength or re-enforce the cable, it can be composed from different materials such as steel wire/ nylon strand or glass fibre.
The braid can finally act as a barrier providing protection against hot surfaces, abrasion, cutting or helping prevent rodent attacks.
