The Satellite Review Magazine The Satellite Review Magazine Vol 1 | Page 12

7 Tips for Electrical Cable Selection and Installation By Carol Sabovik, Marketing Manager, TPC Wire & Cable Corp. Consider the environment that your electrical cable must perform in. Is it a reeling, bending, robotic or pendant application? Each of those has different parameters to think about before making an informed decision. Are there special circumstances like extreme temperatures to endure as well? Choosing the right cable and proper installation of that cable are keys to having a long-lasting, high performing electrical application. Follow these general guidelines for successful cable selection and installation: 1. Make sure the bend radius meets the minimum requirements based on the cable design and application. A tighter bend radius will prematurely weaken conductors and lead to failure. 2. Do not restrict cable movement within an application with cable ties or clamps. This constricts the inner conductors and can cause the cable to fail. 3. Where possible, always use some type of strain relief to minimize cable stretch. 4. Always use a cable with a reinforced jacket or strength member in a reeling or pendant application. 5. Before installation, allow the cable to hang at least 24 hours. This releases any tension that exists from being on the reel. 6. Flex life and flexibility are not the same. A cable may be very flexible but if not designed properly for the application, it may have a very short flex life. 7. Considering all circumstances in an application – motion, speed, temperature – use the smallest cable O.D. that you can. Following these tips should help you make wise decisions when choosing the correct electrical cable for your specific application. Seek out specific types of cable if you know that there are additional factors to consider like extreme temperatures, abrasion, tension, impact or chemicals. You may need to consider using a higher performance cable to withstand the abuses of your harsh environment. Constantly Repl aCing youR eleCtRiCal Cable? Extreme Temperature Cable Rated from 150°C to -70°C if so, maybe your application requires a different solution. TPC’s long-lasting, dependable wire and cable products solve the most difficult application problems in the harshest environments resulting in lower overall costs and increased production time. þ longer lasting cable EXTRA HEAVY DUTY ALL WEATHER CABLE þ harsh environments Chem-Gard™ 150/200 Cable Rated from 150°C/200°C to -60°C þ increased production time Extra Heavy-Duty Reeling Cable Rated from 90°C to -40°C learn more about choosing the right cable at www.tpcwire.com/services-solutions/cable-install Custom Assemblies Made to your specifications USA 800-521-7935 • www.tpcwire.com • 9600 Valley View road, macedonia, ohio 44056