Hitting The Bullseye

Cable suppliers have been busy improving existing cable designs or developing improved cables to meet new system design requirements. These application-specific cables address increased system complexity, frequently with a custom solution. In some cases, the new products target space saving and cost reduction as well. The following four examples provide some similarities and differences for recently introduced products.

LOCKING EXTENSION CORD

Coleman Cable recently introduced this Push Lock extension cord line which features a patented locking technology. When connected to a tool or other electrical device, the positive lock prevents inadvertent disconnections. Other special features of these cords include a lighted end for a power indicator and water resistant ends with reinforced blades for increased durability. The UL listed cords are available in lengths of 45 and 90 ft with either 12- or 14-gauge wires. For more info on Coleman Cable Push-Lock Extension Cords, go to http://rbi.ims.ca/4416-571.

CUSTOM CABLE ASSEMBLIES FOR VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVES

Working with major drive manufacturers, Lapp Systems USA developed these custom connectorized cable assemblies for servo and VFD systems. Lapp engineers designed different assemblies to meet the requirements of a variety of applications, from high flex to stationary applications. Similar types of cable systems are also used in robotic and automation control applications. The custom cables take into account different materials and connector requirements in the application to eliminate system failures and downtime often caused by improper installation of products. For more information on Lapp Systems custom cable assemblies, go tohttp://rbi.ims.ca/4416-572.

HIGH DENSITY OPTICAL CABLE

Molex High Density MT (HDMT) ferrule optical cable assemblies address the requirements of optical backplane and front-panel interconnections. The cable assemblies use the 72-fiber MT ferrule in the industry standard MTP connector. Incorporating the HDMT ferrule in Molex's HBMT backplane interconnect provides an ultra highest-density blind-mate interface. Using 72 fibers instead of 12 or 24 fibers in a single MT-style connector results in space savings and lower installation time and cost. The cable assemblies have an optical insertion loss below 1.0 dB across all 72 channels. For more information on Molex HDMT optical cables, go tohttp://rbi.ims.ca/4416-569.

ANGLED POWER CORDS

To reduce the clearance space behind or under equipment, Interpower Corp. has introduced eight angled NEMA 5-15 power cords. The UL and CSA approved power cords are for equipment rated up to 15 A with service at 125V ac. Available with 3×18, 3×16, and 3×14 AWG cable in stock lengths of 6, 8, and 10 ft, the molded power cords configurations include eight different angles (45 degree increment) of the NEMA 5-15 plug and are terminated with bare conductor wires. Product options include custom lengths, special packaging, and colors. For more information on Interpower's angled NEMA 5-15 power cords, go tohttp://rbi.ims.ca/4416-570.

SMALL DIAMETER CABLE FOR VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVES

Alpha Wire Company Series V Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Cables address the special requirements of interconnecting VFD systems and motors for extended duty cycle performance. The units use non-hygroscopic filler materials to provide a round, symmetrical profile. The uniform round shape of the foil/braid shield promotes a fixed capacitance profile throughout the cable for improved signal transmission. The round shape also allows the Series V cable to fit into grommets to establish a cable-to-electrical-junction/control box seal for protection from dirt, dust, oil, water and pollutants meeting IP 67 and NEMA 6 installation standards. The UL 1000V rated cables are oil resistant and operate from -25 to 90C (UL: wet or dry). For more information on Alpha Wire Company SERIES V VFD Cables, go tohttp://rbi.ims.ca/4416-568.