PAAR-TRONIC twisted pair cables: PAAR-TRONIC-CY vs its variants and how to choose
PAAR-TRONIC is HELU’s line of signal cables with twisted-pair conductors. The standard PAAR-TRONIC-CY series features a PVC jacket, a metal foil shield, and a ~85% tin-plated copper braid. Variants differ in shielding (none, common, per pair), insulation material (PVC or low-capacitance PE), jacket (PVC, PUR, UV-resistant, halogen-free), and certifications (UL/CSA, intrinsically safe).
Article content:
1. How do industrial twisted-pair cables differ from LAN cables?
When searching for “twisted-pair cable,” many people think of UTP/STP network cables (Cat5e, Cat6, etc.). Both types are twisted-pair cables but serve different purposes:
| Industrial twisted-pair cable (PAAR-TRONIC) | LAN Cables (UTP/STP) | |
| Purpose | Control, measurement, serial communication | High-speed Ethernet |
| Standards | DIN VDE 0812, DIN VDE 0819… | ISO/IEC 11801, TIA-568 (Cat.x) |
| Number of pairs | 1 to dozens | Usually 4 |
| Core | Class 5–6 stranded, 0.14 – 1.5 mm² | Typically AWG 23–26 |
2. A quick guide to PAAR-TRONIC cable designations
| Symbol | Meaning |
| PAAR | Cores twisted in pairs |
| C | Braided copper screen |
| CY-CY | Each pair screened and sheathed, plus overall screen |
| Li | Stranded conductor |
| 2Y | PE insulation – low capacitance |
| Y | PVC sheath |
| v | Reinforced outer sheath |
| PUR | Polyurethane sheath for drag chains |
| SUPER | Extra-fine conductors for continuous motion |
| BL | Blue sheath – intrinsically safe circuits |
3. 11 variants in the PAAR-TRONIC family
3.1 PAAR-TRONIC cable – Basic version, without shielding braid
This is a twisted-pair cable series with foil shielding around the pair bundles and a gray PVC jacket (RAL 7032). The cable series has a cross-sectional area range of 0.14 to 0.75 mm², with 1 to 55 pairs. The minimum bending radius is smaller than that of the CY series (7.5× for flexible / 4× for rigid). It is used in applications requiring low interference, compactness, and cost-effectiveness.
3.2 PAAR-TRONIC-CY shielded cable – Standard version, double shielding
The cable consists of a foil shield, a ground wire, and a tin-plated copper braid (~85%), with a gray PVC jacket (RAL 7032). This is the default choice for many indoor measurement and control applications in noisy environments.
We designed the PAAR-TRONIC-CY shielded signal cable to ensure flexible use in a wide range of applications; it is particularly well-suited for use in areas prone to signal interference due to the cable’s high level of screening and noise immunity. This significantly reduces the impact of electromagnetic compatibility issues in parallel wiring systems. In particular, the copper shielding layer is also commonly used as a grounding strap.
→ View details on the construction and specifications of the PAAR-TRONIC-CY cable
3.3 PAAR-TRONIC-CY-CY – Individual pair screen & overall screen
Each pair features a ~85% copper mesh and its own PVC jacket, plus a shared ~85% shielding braid. A standout feature of the PAAR-TRONIC_CY-CY is its best-in-class crosstalk resistance within the product family, making it ideal for situations where multiple sensitive signals are transmitted over a single cable.
PAAR-TRONIC-CY-CY cable data sheet
3.4 PAAR-TRONIC-Li-2YCY – PE insulation, low capacitance
This cable features insulation made of PE material , with a core-to-core capacitance of approximately 72 pF/m (2–4 pairs) or approximately 60 pF/m (8–10 pairs); a copper braid of approximately 85%; and a gray PVC jacket. In terms of applications, the cable is used for transmitting data and signals over longer distances and is suitable for RS422/RS485 communication.
3.5 PAAR-TRONIC-Li-2YCYv cables
This cable series is quite similar to the Li-2YCY version. However, the Li-2YCYv version features a black RAL 9005 reinforced PVC jacket that is UV- and weather-resistant (DIN EN ISO 4892-2). The cross-talk attenuation is 50 dB at 1 MHz. In terms of applications, the cable is used for outdoor runs between factories and substations.
PAAR-TRONIC-Li-2YCYv cable data sheet
3.6 SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC-C-PUR cable, specifically designed for cable chains
The SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC-C-PUR cable is specifically designed for cable chain systems. It features an overall shield and stranded conductors arranged in pairs, enabling operation in environments with high-frequency external electromagnetic interference that affects pulse transmission; it is suitable for continuous, flexible operations.
3.7 SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC-340-C-PUR cables, specifically designed for cable chains, UL/CSA-certified
Like the C-PUR version, it also has UL Style 20233 / CSA certification. This cable series features a temperature range up to +80°C and is resistant to oil, UV radiation, hydrolysis, microorganisms, coolant solutions, acids, alkalis, and seawater.
3.8 HELUDATA PAAR-TRONIC 2464/300 cables – for machines exported to North America; complies with UL Style 2464 and CSA
Tinned copper conductors, AWG 26–20, with foil shielding (no braid), RAL 7001 gray or RAL 9005 black PVC jacket. 1–25 pairs.
This product is used as a signal and measurement cable in machine tools, assembly lines, conveyor belts, plant construction, air conditioning equipment, metallurgical plants, and steel mills.
3.9 Halogen-free DATAFLAMM-C-PAAR cables
This cable features PE insulation, a copper braid (approximately 85%), and a halogen-free thermoplastic (FRNC) jacket in RAL 7005 gray; it has been tested for halogen emissions and corrosion resistance in accordance with IEC 60754. The cable is used in public buildings, data centers, and ships—places where people and expensive equipment are present.
3.10 PAAR-CY-OZ cables – Numbered coded, 300/500 V
Black conductors with white markings, twisted pairs, ~85% copper shielding, gray PVC jacket (RAL 7032). Rated voltage 300/500 V—higher than the TRONIC versions. The PAAR-CY-OZ version is suitable when wiring by the number of conductors, as with control cables, but a twisted-pair structure is still desired.
3.11 OB-BL-PAAR-CY cables – for intrinsically safe circuits (Ex i)
Color-coded twisted-pair core per DIN 47100, ~85% copper braid, blue PVC jacket (RAL 5015) for identifying intrinsically safe circuits in hazardous areas.
4. Quick comparison of the PAAR-TRONIC cables
| Variant | Screen | Insulation | Sheath | Flexible Temperature | Cross-section | Strengths |
| PAAR-TRONIC | Foil only | PVC | Grey PVC | -5 to +80 °C | 0.14 – 0.75 mm² | Compact, economical |
| PAAR-TRONIC-CY | Foil + braid ~85% | PVC | Grey PVC | -5 to +80 °C | 0.14 – 1.5 mm² | Standard all-rounder |
| PAAR-TRONIC-CY-CY | Individual+ overall braid | PVC | Grey PVC | -5 to +80 °C | 0.14 – 0.5 mm² | Lowest crosstalk |
| PAAR-TRONIC-Li-2YCY | Braid ~85% | PE | Grey PVC | -5 to +70 °C | 0.22 – 0.5 mm² | Low capacitance, long runs |
| PAAR-TRONIC-Li-2YCYv UV | Braid ~85% | PE | Reinforced black UV PVC | -5 to +70 °C | 0.22 – 1 mm² | Outdoor |
| SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC-C-PUR | Braid ~85% | PP | PUR | -30 to +70 °C | 0.14 – 1 mm² | Drag chain, halogen-free |
| SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC-340-C-PUR | Braid ~85% | PP | PUR | -30 to +80 °C | 0.14 – 1 mm² | Drag chain + UL/CSA |
| HELUDATA PAAR-TRONIC 2464/300 | Foil | PVC (UL) | Grey/black PVC | -10 to +80 °C | AWG 26 – 20 | UL 2464 / CSA |
| DATAFLAMM-C-PAAR | Braid ~85% | PE | Halogen-free | +5 to +70 °C | 0.14 – 0.75 mm² | Fire safety |
| PAAR-CY-OZ | Braid ~85% | PVC | Grey PVC | -15 to +80 °C | 1 – 1.5 mm² | 300/500 V, numbered |
| OB-BL-PAAR-CY | Braid ~85% | PVC | Blue PVC | -10 to +80 °C | 0.5 – 0.75 mm² | Intrinsic safety |
5. Which PAAR-TRONIC cable variant should you choose?
To choose the right PAAR-TRONIC cable from among the 11 variants available, you can use the following 6 questions to help you decide:
- Are there cables designed for continuous motion (drag chains, robots)? → Yes: SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC-C-PUR, or the 340 version if UL/CSA certification is required.
- Outdoor installation? → PAAR-TRONIC-Li-2YCYv.
- Long-range transmission, low capacitance required? → PAAR-TRONIC-Li-2YCY.
- Multiple sensitive signals traveling over a single cable? → PAAR-TRONIC-CY-CY.
- Any special requests?
- Halogen-free → DATAFLAMM-C-PAAR
- Machines for export to North America → HELUDATA PAAR-TRONIC 2464/300 or SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC-340-C-PUR
- Intrinsically safe circuit → OB-BL-PAAR-CY
- Voltage 300/500 V, numbered cores → PAAR-CY-OZ
- None of the above apply? → PAAR-TRONIC-CY (high noise) or PAAR-TRONIC (low noise).
6. FAQs
PAAR-TRONIC has only a foil wrapping; PAAR-TRONIC-CY adds a drain wire and ~85% tinned copper braid for much better EMC near drives and motors.
When several sensitive analog or measurement signals share one cable and crosstalk must be minimized.
Since PE has a lower dielectric constant than PVC, so core-to-core capacitance is lower (~60–72 pF/m vs ~100–150 pF/m) and signals distort less over distance.
SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC-C-PUR and SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC-340-C-PUR. PVC versions are for free movement without tensile stress only.
DATAFLAMM-C-PAAR (FRNC sheath) and the SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC PUR versions.
You shouldn't. Ethernet requires Cat.x-compliant cables, such as our HELUKAT series.
