Multiconductor Cable
Cobra Multi-Conductor Cable is thin, flexible, and provides ample power to the crawler and camera to support productivity.
Cobra Technologies™ often receives quotes requesting the use of a single-conductor cable instead of the multi-conductor cable. The benefits of the single-conductor system are presumed to be a lower cable cost, easier to fix in the field and longer cable life. The illusion created in the mind of the user is one of single copper conductor versus 18-10 wires in a bundle, which is heavy, bulky, and costly. The latter was possibly true in the early days of pipeline inspection equipment, however, it is not the case today.
Generally, only seven (7) wires are required to accomplish the task of powering the camera/crawler in a safe manner.
Any historical advantages to a single conductor system are no longer are valid today
Single vs Multiconductor
- Single conductor cable no longer has a monopoly on "thin" cable. Multi-conductor cable is no longer thick and bulky. It is thin and flexible.
- Single conductor cable has limited power to the tractor and cannot efficiently support improved productivity.
- Single conductor cable adds complexity limiting the ability to do repairs locally. Single conductor equipment normally must go back to the factory for repairs.
- Single conductor cable historically had the advantage of being able to do a termination in the field. This advantage has been neutralized with the new Cobra Termination, eliminating the use of the scotch cast forever. Cobra multi-conductor cable terminations can now be completed in 30 minutes or less.
