Solid pair cables for oil and gas are selected from the circuit record: analog or digital function, pair count, screening, armour, hydrocarbon exposure and a fixed installation route. Use a construction checklist instead of relying on a generic instrumentation name.
What the application record should capture
Record the process unit, DCS or PLC loop, transmitter type, pair count, maximum route length, tray or conduit path, and whether the cable is fixed after installation. Solid conductors are typically used on stationary oil and gas routes where termination reliability and low-noise analog loops matter more than repeated flexing.
Confirm voltage, signal type (4–20 mA, RTD, thermocouple, digital I/O), earth scheme and whether individual screens, an overall screen, or both are required. See the related shielded instrumentation cable reference for a confirmed TEBAOFLEX construction family.
Solid pair versus stranded pair
Solid pair cables are usually specified for fixed tray, rack and conduit runs in refineries, terminals, well pads and offshore modules. Stranded pair cables remain the better default where vibration, short-radius dressing, or occasional movement is part of the duty.
Do not mix the two constructions on the same approved loop without checking termination hardware, ferrules and the project cable schedule. A previous order for “instrument cable” is not evidence that solid pair is acceptable on a moving skid or drag path.
Construction points to verify
Verify pair identification, insulation, individual screen (IS), overall screen (OS), drain wire, armour and outer sheath against the approved data sheet. Hydrocarbon splash, mud, UV and temperature must be written into the exposure record, not assumed from a photograph.
For oil contact and cleaning chemicals, use the same evidence method as the oil resistant cable guide. Offshore or platform routes also need the local fire, smoke and mud specification checked against the current project standard.
Project verification checklist
| Check | Record | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit duty | 4–20 mA, RTD, thermocouple, digital I/O | Defines pair type and screening. |
| Conductor | Solid pair, size and pair count | Confirms fixed-route construction. |
| Screening | IS, OS or IS+OS and drain wire | Controls noise and earth scheme. |
| Mechanical route | Tray, conduit, armour, glands | Prevents unsupported indoor-only use. |
| Environment | Oil, mud, UV, temperature, fire class | Sets sheath and approval evidence. |
| Evidence | Data sheet, marking, test records | Supports FAT, SAT and punch-list close-out. |
Common mistakes
- Treating instrument cable as a complete specification. Pair count, screen type and conductor class must be written down.
- Using solid pair on a moving or high-vibration route. Recheck the mechanical duty before release.
- Omitting hydrocarbon and fire evidence. Jacket colour or a familiar designation is not sufficient.
- Leaving earth and screen bonding undefined. IS/OS only works when the earthing drawing is followed.
What to send with the enquiry
Include the loop list, pair count, conductor class, screening, armour, sheath, route length, ambient and fluid exposure, and the governing standard. TEBAOFLEX can then match a documented construction instead of substituting a visually similar cable.
Specify Solid Pair Cable by Circuit Function
Solid-pair instrumentation cable is commonly considered for fixed signal and control circuits in oil, gas and petrochemical facilities. Selection starts with the circuit function, not with a broad “oil and gas cable” description. Identify the signal type, number of pairs, conductor size, pair identification, screen requirement, cable route and termination interface.
Solid conductors and pair geometry should be reviewed against the approved design for the particular circuit. A fixed instrumentation route has different requirements from a portable, trailing or continuously flexing cable route. If the equipment or cable route moves, make that clear before a cable construction is selected.
Screening, Pair Separation and Installation
Where the system requires control of electrical interference, specify whether individual-pair screening, overall screening or another arrangement is required by the project design. State the surrounding power equipment, cable-tray layout and the expected grounding or termination method. A screen is part of the complete instrumentation system; correct termination and route separation remain important.
Document how the cable will be installed: tray, conduit, cable ladder, indoor panel route or exposed process area. Record the ambient conditions, any contact with oils or process fluids, ultraviolet exposure, temperature sources and flame-performance requirements stated by the project. Product documentation must be checked against each confirmed requirement.
| RFQ information | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Signal and instrument function | Defines pair, conductor and screening needs. |
| Pairs and conductor size | Establishes cable configuration. |
| Screening and termination | Supports interference-control review. |
| Route and environment | Informs jacket and installation checks. |
| Standards, marking and quantity | Supports a complete project quotation. |
Common Selection Mistakes
Do not use a fixed instrumentation cable for a moving route, assume every screen uses the same grounding method, or submit an enquiry without the required pair count and signal information. These gaps delay the engineering review and can produce an unsuitable construction.
RFQ and Technical Review
Send TEBAOFLEX CABLE the application, signal type, conductor size, pair count, shielding requirement, route, environment, required standards, termination details and quantity. Our engineering team can review the requirement and recommend a suitable cable solution. Contact TEBAOFLEX CABLE for an instrumentation cable review.
