The shield of a cable protects it from outside interference that might damage electrical signals. A shielded cable is best used in noisy environments or where interference is higher than usual. Its protective material aids in the prevention of data loss and the transfer of signals to devices. Shielded cables are ideal for network, audiovisual, speaker, access control, and security applications.
Unshielded cables can be utilized in installations where interference is minimal, such as fire alarm, thermostat, and networking lines. Unshielded cables provide less electromagnetic interference protection, but they are easier to install and less expensive than shielded cables.