Control vs telephone cables

[Sargardani]

The control cable for various equipment at the forebay, like level meters, gate position indicators, etc has got damaged. No spare cable is available at the moment. Is it possible to use spare telephone cable for the time being?

 

[busbar]

Not much to go on… To some extent, one has to let a reasonable interpretation of Ohm’s Law prevail. How do the existing control-circuit voltages and currents fit into using substitute cable? Does the temporary material create any additional facilities- or personnel-safety concerns? It should not be hard to imagine that without more information, it’s tough to say.

 

[rmw]

Control cable is normally shielded to prevent "noise" (electronic interence) from interfering with the control signal. Is this telephone cable shielded? Is the control cable you are trying to replace shielded?? If it is, then you need to substitute shielded cable.

 

[Sargardani]

The control voltage is 24 v DC with 4-20 mA current. Yes I agree the diffeence is in the sheilding. Thank you.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: It depends. It would require the cable/circuit specialist to assess the telephone versus control circuitry and cables.
It may be faster, technically correct, and safer to use proper control cables.