Multi-compartment screened telephone cables

Abstract

Three or more groups of individually insulated conductors are optionally separately wrapped with insulating material and then either singly or collectively encircled with metal tape material. The groups are secured together by a strengthening steel tape and surrounding protective jacket. By way of example, a series of embodiments are described, each containing three groups of conductors or cores. Screen configurations are presented for enclosing all groups or only the carrier service groups with one tape element that weaves its way in and out between the groups so that each group or core is screened from all adjacent cores. Other configurations employ separate tapes, each enclosing a separate corresponding group. Finally, embodiments are disclosed in which one group is enclosed by one tape element, while two additional groups are collectively enclosed by a single tape element deployed somewhat 'S' shape about the cores. The groups of conductors can consist of different gauge wire with heavier gauge being useful for VF service and lighter gauge for PCM carrier service.