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Cable Selection

The difference between Low noise and Non-Low noise cables.

Technical Information

Cable Options

It is important to use the correct cable when using accelerometers.

A charge output accelerometer must be used with a LOW NOISE cable. The term low noise refers to the cables ability to reduce triboelectric noise (otherwise known as motion induced noise) rather than electrical noise. This reduction is accomplished by the inclusion of a graphite or silver wrap on the outer surface of the inner dielectric layer.  If a non low noise cable is used movement of the cable will add an additional signal into the data causing errors in data analysis.

An IEPE accelerometer is much more forgiving and can be used with almost any type of cable.  The more traditional coaxial cable is commonly used for these accelerometers. If using both Charge and IEPE accelerometers within your facility.  It is best to standardise all cables to be low noise types to avoid potential errors in using the wrong cable.

For more details about cable selection and for a practical demonstration of triboelectric noise please see our You tube video


DJB demonstrating the importance of low noise cables when
using Charge type Accelerometers.