Abstract: A flexible electrical cable having a centre part surrounded by a sheath (16) made of insulating material is specified in which are arranged at least one data pair (DP) consisting of two data cores (1, 2) which are used for data transmission and are surrounded by a common screen containing a metallized synthetic fleece, and at least one supply core (VA) which is used for supplying power, which are surrounded by a common electrical screen (15). In the centre part, at least two screened data pairs (DP) with data cores (1, 2) running parallel to one another are arranged separately from one another, the screen of which has a synthetic-material-clad metal foil (5) surrounding said screen on all sides, the metal side of which faces outwards, over which the metallized synthetic fleece (6) is arranged in contact with the metal side.

Abstract: In order to recognize an electric arc in a 42V vehicle electrical system and initiate suitable protective measures, a detection line is at least partially guided along a current conducting supply line for the protection thereof, whereby the current flow (IV) in the supply line is at least reduced by means of a detection flow (ID) flowing along the detection line when an electric arc occurs.