What are TRONIC-CY (LiYCY) shielded signal cables? Constructions, specifications and applications
TRONIC-CY (LiY-CY) is a multi-core shielded signal cable from HELU with finely stranded copper conductors, PVC core insulation, a tinned copper braid screen with approx. 85% coverage and a grey PVC outer sheath. It carries control and measurement signals in the milliampere range in machines, control cabinets and industrial computer systems where electromagnetic interference (EMI) must be kept low.
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During the manufacturing process, control signals must always be accurate and stable. This is a critical requirement for ensuring that the factory operates efficiently and that products maintain consistent quality. One of the essential factors for a smooth production process is the signal cable system within machinery and equipment. Recognizing this, at HELU Vietnam, we offer the TRONIC-CY (LiY-CY) line of specialized interference-resistant signal cables.
The TRONIC-CY (LiY-CY) shielded signal cable is a specialized cable designed for data transmission, sensor signals, and measurement applications. This product features outstanding characteristics such as a shielding coverage of up to 85%, a wide range of conductor counts from 1 to 61, resistance to oil vapors and chemicals, and compliance with flame-retardant standards.
1. What does LiY-CY mean?
LiY-CY is a German standard designation that describes the cable's construction:
| Symbols | Meaning |
| Li | Litze – fine-stranded conductor (consisting of many small copper wires) |
| Y | PVC-insulated core |
| C | Copper braided shield |
| Y | PVC outer sheath |
TRONIC-CY is HELU’s trade name for the LiY-CY cable series. The TRONIC-DY (LiY-DY) version uses a twisted-pair shield made of tinned copper wires instead of a braided mesh.
Learn about the trade names and VDE codes for the YY, CY, SY, and LiYY cable series
2. Construction of the TRONIC-CY (LiY-CY) shielded signal cable
The TRONIC-CY (LiY-CY) cable consists of the following components:
- Conductor: bare copper, finely stranded in accordance with DIN VDE 0295 Class 5 / IEC 60228 Class 5
- Insulation: PVC in accordance with DIN VDE 0207-363-3 / DIN EN 50363-3.
- Core identification: color-coded according to DIN 47100; colors do not repeat until the 44th core (colors begin to repeat starting with the 45th core).
- Shielding layer: braided tin-plated copper wire mesh, approximately 85% coverage.
- Outer sheath: PVC in accordance with DIN VDE 0207-363-4-1 / DIN EN 50363-4-1, RAL 7001 gray, with length markings in meters printed on it.
3. Technical specifications of the TRONIC-CY (LiY-CY) cable
Some key technical specifications of the TRONIC-CY shielded signal cable. View the full technical specifications of the TRONIC-CY cable
| Specifications | Value |
| Cross-section | 0.14 - 0.25 - 0.34 - 0.5 - 0.75 - 1.0 - 1.5 mm² |
| Number of cores | 1 to 61 cores (depending on the cross-sectional area) |
| Operating temperature – Flexible installation | -5°C to +80°C |
| Operating temperature – Fixed installation | -40°C to +80°C |
| Characteristic Impedance | about 78 Ω |
| Inductance | about 0.65 mH/km |
| Equivalent resistance at 30 MHz | about 250 Ω/km |
| Minimum bending radius | Flexible: 10 × outer diameter Fixed: 5 × outer diameter |
Note: Wires are rated in metric units (mm²); AWG ratings are for reference only.
4. Key features of the TRONIC-CY (LiY-CY) cable
The key advantages of this EMC-protection cable include:
4.1 Compliance with the German DIN 47100 color coding
In the TRONIC-CY (LiY-CY) cable series, each conductor is identified by a specific color or color combination in accordance with the German DIN 47100 standard. For multi-conductor cables (e.g., 12- or 25-conductor cables), technicians can identify each conductor without needing to perform continuity tests, thereby reducing the time required for electrical panel wiring.
4.2 Tinned copper braid against EMI
The inner shield plays a crucial role in ensuring signal stability. In the TRONIC-CY (LiY-CY) cable series, the shield is made of thin tin-plated copper strands tightly braided together to form a dense mesh with up to 85% coverage (considered the highest coverage currently available for electrical cables).
The thick braided shield helps block interference from inverters, motors, and nearby power cables, while also limiting the cable from emitting interference to surrounding equipment. The tin-plated layer provides protection against oxidation and facilitates soldering and grounding.
4.3 Flexible, flame-retardant, oil-resistant
The Class 5 conductive core makes it easy to route the cable in tight spaces. The flame-retardant PVC jacket complies with the IEC 60332-1-2 standard and is oil-resistant, making it suitable for factory environments.
5. Applications of TRONIC-CY (LiY-CY) Cable
TRONIC-CY is used as control and signal cable in the mA range, typically:
- Connecting sensors, measuring devices, and PLC controllers
- Electrical panels and machine control cabinets in production lines
- Industrial computer systems and electronic equipment
- Machinery with free movement that is not subject to tensile forces
Suitable environments: dry, damp, and wet indoor areas. Not suitable for: outdoor installation; continuous motion in chain conveyors; power transmission.
6. When should you choose TRONIC-CY, and when should you opt for another type of shielded signal cable?
| Cables | Core | Shield | Outer sheath | Best suited for |
| TRONIC-CY (LiY-CY) | Color coding | Tin-plated copper braid ~85% | Grey PVC | Multi-core control and measurement signals for indoor use |
|
PAAR-TRONIC-CY
| Twisted pair | Aluminum foil + copper braid ~85% | Grey PVC | RS485/RS422 communication, differential signals |
|
SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC 340-C-PUR
| Twisted pair | Copper braid~85% | PUR, UV-resistant | Outdoors, continuous motion, robot |
|
F-CY-JZ
| Number coded, with a ground core | Tin-plated copper braid ~85% | Grey PVC | 300/500 V shielded control cable |
|
Y-CY-JB
| Number coded, with a ground core | Tin-plated copper braid ~85% | Transparent PVC | Visually inspect the braid |
👉 Not sure which shielded cable to choose?
View the HELU Vietnam overview guide
7. FAQs
LiY-CY has a copper shield (the letter "C"), while LiYY does not have a shield. You should choose LiY-CY when the cable runs near inverters, motors, or power cables.
From 1 to 61 cores, with cross-sectional areas ranging from 0.14 to 1.5 mm², depending on the configuration.
This is a German standard specifying the identification colors for signal and telecommunications cable conductors: single colors (white, brown, green, yellow, etc.) are used first, followed by two-color combinations. On the TRONIC-CY, colors do not repeat until the 44th conductor.
No. For outdoor applications or continuous motion, it is recommended to use a PUR-based series such as SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC 340-C-PUR.
It can be used for short distances, but RS485 works best with twisted-pair cable with matched impedance, such as PAAR-TRONIC-CY.
From -5°C to +80°C for flexible installation and from -40°C to +80°C for fixed installation.
