Characteristics of signal-blocking cables for railways with ac electric traction

The growth of cargo turnover and the development of high-speed passenger traffic require special attention to the safety of railway transport. Therefore, on sections of railways with AC electric traction in signal-blocking cables preference is given to a solid aluminum shell and armor made of two steel bands, which provide necessary protection of cable circuits from external dangerous and interfering electromagnetic influences. Also, there are signal-blocking cables that are similar in purpose but use a screen made of aluminum polymer tape and a layer of aluminum wires instead of an aluminum shell. The paper makes a comparative analysis of signal-blocking cables with a solid aluminum shell and cables with a screen made of aluminum-polymer tape and a layer of aluminum wires, paying special attention to the characteristics of the influence of external electric fields.