How many conductors can mineral insulated cable (MI) accommodate?

Mineral insulated cable (MI) is specifically designed for high-temperature and hazardous environments, providing durability and safety. In MI cable constructions, the number of conductors that can be accommodated is typically in the range of one to 17 conductors. This capacity allows for a variety of applications, including temperature sensors and signaling in hazardous environments due to its robust construction and electrical insulation properties.

The structure of MI cables, which consist of conductors surrounded by a mineral insulation material (usually magnesium oxide), contributes to their ability to operate under extreme conditions, accommodating multiple conductors while maintaining performance and safety standards. Each conductor within the MI cable is insulated by the mineral material, enabling them to function effectively even in challenging environments.

While options indicating fewer or greater conductors may seem plausible, they do not reflect the standard configurations seen in practice, which are governed by industry standards and practical implementation for MI cables. Therefore, the choice that states 1 to 17 conductors most accurately describes the typical capacity of mineral insulated cables.