Published on:2026-05-24 Click:23
Neutrally buoyant ROV tether cable 4x20AWG power + 4x2x22AWG signal pairs. Foamed PUR jacket, 8 power/signal cores for multi-thruster ROV tether applications.
The 4x20AWG + 4x2x22AWG neutrally buoyant ROV tether is designed for multi-thruster ROV systems requiring four independent power channels and four shielded twisted pairs for multi-axis control and sensor data, all in a single foamed buoyant tether. The four 20AWG power cores can supply power to separate thruster zones (port, starboard, vertical, aux), while the four 22AWG pairs carry RS-485, analog, or Ethernet signals. The foamed polyurethane (PUR) jacket uses a micro-cellular expanded jacket compound with a bulk density lower than seawater (~1.025 g/cm³), giving the cable near-zero or positive net buoyancy. This eliminates tether sag and reduces drag force on the ROV, improving vehicle manoeuvrability and reducing tether management workload during subsea operations.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Cores | 4 x 20AWG (0.52 mm²) stranded tinned copper |
| Signal Pairs | 4 x 2 x 22AWG (0.33 mm²) shielded twisted pairs |
| Pair Shielding | Individual Al-foil + drain wire |
| Jacket | Foamed micro-cellular PUR |
| Buoyancy | Near-neutral in seawater |
| Total Conductors | 12 electrical + drain wires |
| Colour | Yellow (standard) |
| Custom | Conductor CSA, pair count, Kevlar |
Request datasheet, custom length, or OEM pricing: sales@rovcable.com -- Shanghai Kabel Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd.
The jacket is manufactured from a micro-cellular expanded (foamed) polyurethane compound. During extrusion, a controlled foaming agent creates millions of tiny closed-cell air pockets within the jacket wall. These air cells reduce the bulk density of the jacket below that of seawater (~1.025 g/cm³), producing positive or neutral net buoyancy. The jacket retains all the abrasion resistance, oil resistance, and flexibility of standard PUR while achieving the buoyancy needed for ROV tether applications.
20AWG (0.52 mm²) is rated for approximately 6A continuous at 40°C ambient in free air. In a multi-core cable where all cores are loaded simultaneously, apply a derating factor (typically 0.7x) giving ~4.2A per core. For higher current requirements, specify 18AWG (0.82 mm², ~10A) or 16AWG (1.31 mm², ~13A).
