Why WF100 Leads the Market
After more than 25 years in the market, Webro WF100 continues to be the leading digital TV and satellite coaxial cable. Aside from being the most trusted coaxial cable for digital TV and satellite applications, this blog explores what makes WF100 so special, and why it’s still the number one ‘go to’ product for digital TV & satellite providers and installers.
Each layer of the product will be looked at in detail to understand what it’s made of, why it’s there, and the important role it plays in making this product so unique.
Conductor
Every cable starts with a conductor for the signal to travel down, and WF100 is no exception. It uses 99.9% pure bare copper, commonly known as plain annealed copper wire (PACW). This ensures that the signal can travel freely without interruption. Recycled copper is never used as it contains impurities, nor aluminium as it has a higher resistance and impedes the signal.
Insulation / Dielectric
WF100 uses foamed polyethylene (FPE). This is extruded (squeezed) onto the conductor. It starts off as pellets of polyethylene, which are melted as they go through a giant screw. Once in liquid state it’s extruded onto the conductor and gets injected with nitrogen gas which forms small bubbles in the polyethylene as it cools, creating the foaming effect. This technology permits precise signals. Foamed polyethylene has a lower dielectric constant than solid PE, thus lowering capacitance, so signals are faster with a high velocity of propagation. It’s also more flexible, making routing easier by reducing stress on the cable conductor.
Overall Copper Foil
As technology has moved on, so has cable construction. Today, the copper foil screen used is made of polyester backed plain copper. This allows the tape to flex as it’s moved, bent around corners, and through buildings. The polyester backing ensures that the tape doesn’t break or split when routing. Before this construction was perfected it was common to use a pure copper tape, but this presented problems with splitting when being installed, and created signal loss and attenuation fluctuation.
Overall Pure Copper Braid Screen
Fine strands of plain copper wire are weaved together to create an overall braid screen. This ensures that the cable doesn’t suffer from external magnetic interference from other signals and helps to maintain stable attenuation. The braid screen can also help with flexibility as the wires are interwoven and so it bends and flexes better. Braid coverage on this type of cable is important, but so is the material used. It’s common for pure copper to be substituted for aluminium, but this can have a detrimental effect on both attenuation and mechanical strength because aluminium is softer and weaker than copper and has a much higher resistance.
Sheath
There are various sheath types to choose from depending on the installation:
PVC: This was the most common sheath material when the cable was first introduced and still remains popular today. It’s UV stable, flexible, and fast and cheap to extrude. It’s mainly used in domestic single dwelling properties with very low risk to life in the event of a fire. it’s available in 3 colours: black, brown, and white.
LSF: This has now replaced a lot of PVC installations due to is slightly lower smoke production when burnt. It’s not recommended where there are large groups of people, or in public buildings, but it’s ideal for domestic single dwelling properties. It’s available extensively in six colours: black, brown, white, red, green, and yellow.
Low Smoke Non-Halogen (LSNH): This is becoming ever more popular because when burnt it gives off little smoke and no harmful gases. It’s used mostly in public buildings, multi dwelling units, or where evacuation is challenging. It comes in two CPR classes: Dca, and Cca – being the first TV & satellite cable to be classified at this level. It’s available in 3 colours: black, brown, and white.
Polyethylene: This is used when the cable needs to be tough, waterproof, and installed underground or in ducts. The incredibly tough sheath is designed to last, and with its distinct green colour it’s easily distinguishable from other types of cable being run in the same area. A quick score of the sheath with a cutting tool or knife and a snap back and forth and the jacket comes free, making installation quick and easy.
TPE: This material is very flexible and rugged. It’s used when routing is tight, and extra flexibility is required. It’s available in black only.
Standards and Approvals
WF100 has held CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) approval for 25 years and is the longest serving cable in its approval list. The cable also passes the relevant mechanical and electrical testing required in BS EN 50117-1 Coaxial Cable standard. Each test ensures the cable is fit for long-term use within digital TV and satellite networks. If you wish to know more about the specific parts within this standard, please contact our technical sales team. As well as the above approvals it holds relevant RoHS3, REACH, and Construction Products Regulation (CPR) classifications.
In terms of public, customer, and industry approval, it wouldn’t be where it is today without the recognition of being deemed as ‘best in class’ by the marketplace, determined by sales volume.
As you can see the cable has been gone through technological advances in construction and materials and this is one of the reasons why it holds its market leader status. It has also held and continues to hold the correct approvals.
For the cost conscious there are other product ranges that are suitable for digital TV and satellite applications including a wide range of CAI and non-CAI approved cables.
To find out more about WF100 and all its variations, including WF125, WF165, WF233 and HD100, along with their associated connectors and tools, contact your local stockist or call our technical sales team
Need technical help & advice to choose the right digital TV & satellite options for your project? Talk to our dedicated Webro Team for expert advice on 0115 9724483 or sales@webro.com
