TOP QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN SELECTING CABLE FOR HARSH ENVIRONMENT APPLICATIONS KEVIN DEPRATTER, DIRECTOR OF R&D, NORTHWIRE
Failure-proof cable selection starts with an evaluation of how the cable will be used and the environmental conditions that surround the application. This is especially important in dangerous or harsh environments where water, sunlight, temperature extremes, chemicals, dust, or other hazards are present. Constant motion or twisting can cause internal conductor bundles to corkscrew, which can result in conductors breaking. Constant motion or flexing can create internal heat and abrasion, which may cause inner conductor insulation to fail and then short circuit. Other environmental factors, such as the presence of oil or chemicals, combined with constant motion, can accelerate the failure of the cable’s outer jacket. Jacket failure in harsh environments that produce high heat or abrasion exposes the inner conductors to the elements. TO PREVENT FAILURE, ASK (AND ANSWER) THE RIGHT QUESTIONS Gather the necessary information about how and where the cables will be used. Start with the basics. • What are the specifications? • What is the environment of the application? What temperatures will the system operate in? If motion and flex are likely, will they be constant? Will the cable be exposed to oil, chemicals, UV
rays, or welding slag, and if so, for how long? • How will the cable be installed, connectorized, and terminated? • What agency standards, government regulations, and other approvals are needed? • Are there aesthetic requirements for the finished cable assembly’s look and feel? • What are the scheduling and budget parameters?
RUGGEDIZED CABLE COMPONENTS
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