Braided wire is a woven assembly of bare or tinned copper strands used as cable shielding and as grounding conductors in power or industrial systems.
Braided wire is formed by interlacing multiple wire strands into a flexible, mesh-like structure. This design provides durability, conductivity, and adaptability for both shielding and grounding. In shielding, braided wire wraps around cables to create a conductive layer that blocks electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), preserving signal integrity in AV, communication, and control systems. In grounding, it provides a low-resistance path to safely dissipate fault currents or static electricity. Its flexibility makes it well suited for moving equipment or high-vibration environments. Tinned copper braids add corrosion resistance, expanding use to industrial and outdoor settings. Constructions vary, including flat braids, tubular braids, and high-coverage braids, each balancing coverage, conductivity, and flexibility for specific applications.
Braided wire performance is evaluated under standards from UL (Underwriters Laboratories), ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers).
Braided wire has been used since the early development of electrical and telecommunications systems. Its woven design was first adopted to improve durability and flexibility compared to solid conductors. As technology advanced, braided shielding became vital in preventing interference in broadcast, data, and industrial systems, while grounding applications expanded into power systems and heavy equipment.