Cables are an essential part of any industrial application. Therefore, it is important to make sure to choose the appropriate cable material for the environment, especially where chemical cleaning solutions, cutting fluids, and other caustic liquids are present. The two main types of cables used in industrial applications are either PVC or PUR, and they are each suited to different types of environments. This article describes the difference between PVC and PUR cables and when to use them.
PVC cables and when to use them
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cables are an excellent choice for most chemical washdown applications in the food and beverage industry. They have excellent resistance to cleaning solvents including:
• Sodium hypochlorite.
• Sodium hydroxide.
• Potassium hydroxide.
• Peracetic acid.
• Hydrogen peroxide.
• Quaternary ammonium compounds.
It is also important to take into consideration the concentration of chemicals, temperature of the process, and the duration and frequency of exposure, since these factors can impact the suitability of PVC for these applications. Furthermore, PVC has limited resistance to oils, making it less suited for automotive and machine tool industries.
In addition to being resistant to common cleaning chemicals, PVC cables are generally more rigid than other types of cables. This makes them suitable for use in applications where they will be exposed to high temperature, high pressure washdown as the rigidity of the sheathing protects the cable from damage.
A PVC cable with IP69K rating means it is sealed against the ingress of water even during washdown. However, the rigidity of PVC cables can be a disadvantage in freezer applications, where low temperatures can cause the material to crack if the cables are flexed. Discuss specific applications with an expert to determine the best cable material in these circumstances.
PUR cables and when to use them
PUR (or polyurethane) is a thermoplastic material used for cable jackets. Since PUR cables are resistant to cutting fluids, oils, and other harsh chemicals, they are a good choice for many automotive manufacturing, stamping and machining applications.
PUR cables also have high tensile strength, tear and abrasion resistance. They are also extremely flexible, with a small bend radius. This makes them ideal for applications where connections move or bend frequently, such as robotic applications.
Building the control panels of the future Omron Electronics
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
The industrial automation world is built on robust and efficient control panels. These control panels are designed precisely and assembled, managing machines, processes and equipment across different industries. Omron assists panel builders in navigating complex challenges that could impact project efficiency and profitability.
Read more...Epiroc’s new trailing cable repair solutions
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
In a significant step towards supporting southern Africa’s mining and industrial sectors, Epiroc has introduced its trailing cable service, focused on providing top-quality cable repairs that meet both South African and Australian specifications.
Read more...Status display for conveying sensor, machine and device data Turck Banner Southern Africa
Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Enhance application accuracy and efficiency with the SD50 Status Display, which conveys sensor, machine and device data via text and multicolour LEDs.
Read more...Robust power and control cable LAPP Southern Africa
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
The ÖLFLEX POWER RV-K Eca by LAPP is a robust power and control cable designed for fixed installations under medium mechanical loads.
Read more...Inductive IO-Link sensors Turck Banner Southern Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Turck Banner is expanding its sensor range, with inductive measuring sensors with IO-Link and an analogue output for flush and non-flush mounting.
Read more...Connectivity cables
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Balluff connectivity cables ensure reliable, high-performance connections for industrial automation. Designed for harsh environments, they offer robust shielding, oil resistance and high flexibility for long-lasting durability.
Read more...Online drive cable finder
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Motion plastics specialist, igus has released the latest version of its readycable finder, an online tool that makes it easier to select suitable drive cables.
Read more...New toolset for Turck Automation Suite Turck Banner Southern Africa
Industrial Wireless
Turck is expanding its Turck Automation Suite IIoT and service software platform with the TAS Cloud industrial cloud service for remote maintenance and condition monitoring.
Read more...Condition monitoring to go Turck Banner Southern Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Anyone who wants to efficiently monitor the climate in control cabinets will find a comprehensive range of control cabinet monitors for the DIN rail in Turck Banner’s cabinet condition monitoring family.
Read more...Cables and wires for food and beverage LAPP Southern Africa
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
The strict hygiene regulations for handling foodstuffs stipulate particularly complex requirements for electrical components. The cables and accessories used must withstand a wide range of chemical, thermal and mechanical loads, and also function perfectly at all times in refrigerated and damp rooms.
printer friendly version