FEATURE CABLES & CONNECTORS
PROTECTING connectivity
T
oday’s machine builders and design engineers need to consider the consequences of losing power or data. After all, interconnectivity and Industry 4.0 means that failure in one area can bring an entire production line grinding to a halt. So, as no OEM wants the reputation that their equipment is unreliable, the power and data cabling and its connections need protecting – not just during installation but for the lifetime of its operation. In many applications, however,
the cabling has to face up to some potentially serious hazards – such as heavy washdown in food plants; contact with oil, grease and chemicals; vibration, tensile or pull off strength, and much more. Simply supplying components to protect cabling is not the answer – technical solutions that can be proven to meet the needs of the application are needed.
CABLE PROTECTION To ensure long-term continuity, the entire cable protection system needs to be considered, including both the flexible conduit and the fitting that connects the conduit and cabling where it terminates. The first step is to conduct a risk assessment for the application, identify the hazards likely to be faced by the cabling and then specify a complete conduit system to ensure the cable’s long-term protection. With every industry striving for value
The new one-piece Flexicon Ultra fitting features all round teeth that provide 360˚ strength
Cable protection – and securing its interface between, and within, equipment – has never
been more important for machine builders than in today’s interconnected world, writes Tim Creedon, sales and marketing director for Flexicon
“No OEM wants the reputation that their
Applying the principles of TOTEX, cheapest is generally not best when the cost and risk of downtime or failure is considered, but equally the solution shouldn’t be over-engineered. Generally, most cabling will be subject to three or four different hazards, but these of course will vary according to the application. However, having identified
equipment is unreliable, so
the power and data cabling and its connections need protecting, not just during installation but for the lifetime of its operation”
the hazards, it’s still a case of buyer beware. For example, when it comes to water ingress, it is not simply a case of specifying the highest test and assuming that this is okay. The standard actually states that above IPx6 you cannot assume that the product will meet a lower level.
This is because above this level each has a different type of test and is subject to different conditions and environments. Crush or impact resistance is another
for money it is important to get sufficient cable protection at the right price.
area that it pays to think about carefully; and here the problem is often to do with over-specification. There is often an outdated rule of thumb that leads to the specifier insisting on metallic conduit without considering the nature of the hazard faced by the cabling. The technology for non-metallic conduits has advanced dramatically, meaning that they can generally offer a tough enough solution, at a fraction of the price, whilst offering simplicity when it comes to installation. Flexicon’s metallic systems range, for example, offers compression strengths starting at 45kg/100mm going up to 570kg/100mm, whereas its non-metallic conduits offer compression strength of up to 150kg/100mm. So while at face value the metallic
32 NOVEMBER 2016 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS
option may seem best, it’s an idea to take a closer look at the installation. Even where compression strength and crush resistance might be an issue, in all but the most extreme cases 150kg/100mm, or even probably less, is more than
adequate.The lesson then is to identify the hazards and then also consider the degree of each hazard and specify appropriately. It is also important to remember that protecting the cabling is about more than the flexible conduit. The fitting is an integral part of the system and for many hazards the interface between the conduit and the fitting, and/or the fitting and the equipment, could be the potential weak link. It is therefore worth exploring different fittings for their properties and taking care over their specification.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS Just like the development of flexible conduit, new fitting technology has made great strides over the last few years to help ensure system integrity and continuity. The new one-piece Flexicon Ultra
fitting, for example, features all round teeth that provide 360˚ strength, facilitating the strongest tensile strength available of up to 70kg, and the highest levels of anti-vibration and shock protection performance tested to EN 613373 Cat 2. It is a true one piece fitting featuring integrated sealing technology to deliver IP ratings of 66, 67, 68 (two bar) and 68 (72 hours@1m) and 69. Staying connected is more important than ever across all industries to maximise efficiency and ensure safety. Get it right and your customer will enjoy many years of maintenance-free safe electrical and data connectivity.
Flexicon
www.flexicon.uk.com
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