Introduction to the SFX OSC4-18 Screened Multicore Cable
SFX OSC4-18 — 4‑core, 18 AWG overall‑foil screened multicore cable (100 m)is a purpose-built screened multicore cable designed for low-voltage control and signal applications. Supplied on a convenient 100 m spool (product code OSC4-18 / ITM003460), this cable combines a compact 4‑core design with an overall aluminium foil screen and LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) insulation and sheath. Rated at 600 V and with a temperature range of −20°C to +80°C, it is ideal for environments where EMI/RFI control and improved fire-safety characteristics are important.
Key features at a glance
- 4 cores, 18 AWG (≈0.82 mm²) stranded tinned copper conductors — flexible and reliable for control and signal wiring.
- Overall aluminium foil screen for effective EMI/RFI suppression.
- LSZH insulation and grey outer sheath for low-smoke, reduced-toxicity performance in enclosed spaces.
- Rated voltage 600 V and temperature range −20°C to +80°C.
- Supplied on 100 m spools for straightforward installation and inventory management.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The SFX OSC4-18 is engineered with practical deployment and electrical performance in mind. The conductors are stranded tinned copper, typically 19 strands per conductor, which provides both good conductivity and flexibility for routing through conduits and equipment panels. The conductor cross-sectional area is approximately 0.82 mm² (18 AWG), with an individual strand diameter of around 0.24 mm ±0.008 mm. Conductor DC resistance is specified at <21 Ω/km at 20°C, supporting reliable low-voltage signalling over typical installation distances.
The cable uses an overall aluminium foil screen rather than individual pair or braid screening. An overall foil screen is slim and cost-effective while providing strong protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) that can affect sensitive control and video signals. The screen helps maintain signal integrity in installations near power cabling, variable speed drives, wireless equipment or other potential noise sources.
LSZH insulation and a grey LSZH outer sheath are key safety features. In the event of fire, LSZH materials emit minimal smoke and negligible halogenated gas, reducing the risk to people and sensitive electronics in confined or public spaces such as control rooms, plant areas, theaters, schools and public buildings. Note that CPR/fire classification can vary across variants and batches — check the product label or datasheet for the specific Eca or Fca marking for the spool you receive.
Mechanically, the cable has an overall diameter of approximately 6.20 mm ±0.20 mm, making it compact for multi-conductor runs while still offering easy handling and termination. Typical core colours are Red, Black, White and Green which simplifies identification during installation.
Benefits summary
- Reliable signal integrity: screening reduces interference for clearer signals in CCTV, instrumentation and control lines.
- Improved safety: LSZH materials reduce smoke and toxic emissions in fire scenarios.
- Flexibility and ease of installation: stranded tinned copper conductors and 100 m spool format.
- Versatility: suitable for a wide range of low-voltage control and signalling uses thanks to the 600 V rating and broad temperature range.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The SFX OSC4-18 is well suited to many practical installations where screening, compact size and low-smoke properties are priorities. Typical applications include:
- Access control and alarm systems— Multiple control lines for card readers, door strikes, sensors and alarm panels benefit from the screened multicore to reduce false triggers caused by EMI.
- CCTV and video distribution— Camera control and low-voltage power runs in close proximity to other cabling or power sources often experience interference; the foil screen helps maintain reliable signal control and camera telemetry.
- Instrumentation and process control— Sensors and analogue signals require stable lines; screening protects measurement accuracy in industrial environments.
- Panel wiring and local control— The compact multicore format simplifies cabinet wiring for PLC inputs/outputs and local control stations.
- Emergency and public spaces— LSZH construction is preferred in confined or high-occupancy areas such as theatres, transport hubs and education facilities where reduced smoke and toxic emissions are required.
In each of these scenarios the balance of screening, flexible conductors and LSZH materials makes the SFX OSC4-18 a practical choice for installers and system designers who need dependable, compact cabling for low-voltage systems.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When selecting multicore cable, it helps to compare screening type, conductor size, sheath material and mechanical construction. Here are key comparisons to consider:
- Overall foil screened vs individually screened pairs— The OSC4-18 uses an overall foil screen which is thinner and often less expensive than individually screened pairs. For many control and CCTV runs an overall screen is sufficient and offers easier termination. In highly noise-sensitive analog audio or precision instrumentation where crosstalk between pairs is critical, individually screened pairs or twisted-pair constructions may be preferred.
- Foil screen vs braided screen— Aluminium foil provides near-complete coverage and good high-frequency shielding while braided copper screens offer better mechanical strength and lower impedance at lower frequencies. A braided screen can be beneficial where additional mechanical protection or grounding reliability is required, but foil screens are lighter and typically less expensive.
- 18 AWG vs thicker gauges (16 AWG, 14 AWG)— 18 AWG is a common size for control and signal cables offering a good compromise between current capacity, flexibility and size. If longer runs or higher currents are expected, a thicker conductor (e.g., 16 or 14 AWG) will reduce voltage drop but will increase cable size and cost.
- LSZH vs PVC sheathing— LSZH is preferred for safer evacuation and reduced equipment corrosion in fires; PVC is commonly used and cheaper but releases more smoke and halogenated gases when burned. Regulatory or customer safety requirements often drive the choice of LSZH.
Installation and compliance reminders
The cable is rated to 600 V and has a working temperature range of −20°C to +80°C. It is not intended for mains power beyond its rated voltage and should be used in accordance with local wiring regulations and the manufacturer’s datasheet. Because CPR/fire class marking can vary across variants, always check the spool label and datasheet for the exact CPR/UKCA/CE markings and batch information before use in installations requiring specific fire performance classifications.
Customer feedback and testimonials
While individual customer reviews for this exact model may vary, installers and integrators who choose screened LSZH multicore cables typically highlight the following themes:
- Ease of routing and termination due to the cable’s compact diameter and flexible tinned copper conductors.
- Noticeable reduction in interference-related faults once a screened cable is used near noisy equipment.
- Appreciation for LSZH construction in projects where occupant safety and equipment protection are prioritized.
Example installer comments often shared in the field include remarks such as: "Clean and easy to terminate — the overall foil is straightforward to bond to earth and the cores are handy sizes for control panels" and "Good compromise between flexibility and robustness for CCTV control cabling — the LSZH jacket is a real plus for installations in public buildings." These sentiments reflect common advantages users seek in screened multicore cables.
Conclusion — why SFX OSC4-18 is a strong choice
The SFX OSC4-18 screened multicore cable combines practical electrical performance with safety-conscious construction. Its 4-core 18 AWG stranded tinned copper conductors provide flexibility and reliable conductivity for control and signal duties, while the overall aluminium foil screen reduces EMI/RFI to help maintain signal integrity. LSZH insulation and sheath make it suitable for use in confined or public spaces where reduced smoke and toxic emissions are important. Supplied on 100 m spools and rated to 600 V with a wide operating temperature range, it is a versatile solution for access control, intruder/alarm systems, CCTV, instrumentation and panel wiring.
For projects that require a compact screened cable with low-smoke properties, the OSC4-18 is an efficient and practical choice. Always verify CPR/fire classification on the label for your batch and follow applicable wiring regulations during installation to ensure compliance and safety.
