Published on:2026-05-24 Click:23
4x2x26AWG neutrally buoyant ROV tether cable. Four twisted pairs in a low-density jacket for near-zero drag ROV tether applications in shallow to mid-water operations.
The 4x2x26AWG buoyant tether cable is engineered for near-neutral or positive buoyancy in seawater, dramatically reducing the downward drag force on an ROV tether compared to a conventional dense-jacket cable. Four twisted pairs of 26AWG conductors are encased in a low-density polyurethane or foam-filled jacket that displaces a volume of water greater than the cable mass, producing positive or near-zero net buoyancy. This design is widely used in shallow-water ROV, underwater drone, and AUV tether systems where minimising tether drag improves vehicle manoeuvrability and reduces motor load.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Structure | 4 x 2 x 26AWG twisted pairs (4 pairs, 8 conductors) |
| Conductor Material | Stranded tinned copper |
| Pair Shielding | Individual foil + drain (optional) |
| Jacket | Low-density PUR or foam-filled jacket |
| Buoyancy | Near-neutral to +5 g/m positive (configurable) |
| Colour | Yellow (standard) / orange / custom |
| Bandwidth | Cat5e equivalent (100BASE-TX) |
| Custom | Buoyancy, pair shielding, length, colour |
Request datasheet, custom length, or OEM pricing: sales@rovcable.com -- Shanghai Kabel Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd.
Standard configuration provides approximately +2 to +5 grams per metre of positive buoyancy in seawater (salinity 35 ppt). For fresh water (lower density), the net buoyancy is slightly less. Specify the required net buoyancy per metre and we will adjust the jacket foam density accordingly.
Yes. The 4x2x26AWG buoyant tether is compatible with BlueROV2, Chasing M2, and similar ROVs that use Ethernet pairs for topside communication. The 26AWG conductor is sized for the low-current Fathom ROV interface tether standard. Contact us for a drop-in replacement specification for your specific vehicle.
4X2X26AWG Buoyant tether cable
4 X 2 X 26 AWG:
copper conductor Polyethylene insulation
Cores twisted in pairs
Water blocking tape
Foamed PUR inner sheath, color yellow
Kevlar braid strength member
UV resistant PUR outer sheath color yellow
Nominal overall diameter 8.20 mm
