What is the piece of cable that connects the controller cabinet to the loops called?

The piece of cable that connects the controller cabinet to the loops is known as lead-in cable. It serves a critical function in traffic signal systems by providing the pathway for signal information from the inductive loops embedded in the roadway to the traffic signal controller. These inductive loops detect the presence of vehicles, allowing for the timely adjustment of signal phases according to the traffic conditions.

Understanding the role of lead-in cable is vital for technicians, as proper installation and maintenance of this cable can significantly impact traffic flow and safety. In contrast, signal cable typically connects different traffic signals within a system, power cable is responsible for supplying electrical energy to the signal equipment, and ground cable serves to protect electrical systems from lightning strikes or faults by providing a safe path for excess electrical energy. Each of these plays a distinct role, but lead-in cable specifically pertains to connecting the controllers to the detection devices, making it the most accurate answer.