Belden VFD cables

January 2012 Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors

Variable frequency AC motor drive output cables are subject to harsh operating environments characterised by high voltage spikes, high noise levels and adverse environmental conditions. Typical cabling solutions for this application have been unshielded tray cables, single-conductor lead wire installed in conduit or continuously-welded armoured cable. These solutions suffer from complex, costly installation and potential reliability problems. Belden VFD cables were designed and engineered to overcome these challenges.

The challenge of VFD applications

VFD cables carry power from AC drive systems to AC motors. As a result, these cables must handle not only the overall high power levels of the pulse-width modulated signals, but also the extremely high voltage which can occur when standing waves develop on the conductors. This high voltage can cause corona discharge between the conductors of conventional cables, causing damage not only to the cabling itself, but also to the motors, bearings, drives and related equipment. In turn, this damage can cause failure of the entire drive system, resulting in costly production downtime.

Limitations of conventional VFD cables

In addition to experiencing failures due to corona discharge and adverse environmental conditions, conventional cabling is difficult and expensive to install. Armoured cable and lead wire in conduit are cumbersome and heavy and require extremely large installation bending radii, making installation both time-consuming and labour intensive. Yet they still do not solve noise and corona discharge problems, nor do they effectively address the high levels of noise generated by VFDs.

Belden’s series of VFD Cable in gauge sizes from 16 to 4/0 provides the robust construction required to deliver superior electrical performance and reliability in the most demanding industrial environments.

For more information contact Greg Pokroy, Jaycor International, +27 (0)21 447 4247, <a href=mailto:[email protected]:< [email protected]</a>, www.jaycor.co.za

Further reading:

Cutting-edge plastic e-chain protects cables in cleanrooms
igus Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
igus has developed the C6 cleanroom energy chain with an e-spin guide system that allows abrasion-resistant cable travel over distances of up to 30 metres without generating the microparticles that standard energy chains produce.

Read more...

---

Energy chains transform Durban ship loader productivity
igus Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
South African Bulk Terminals has installed a 140 m opposing energy chain system from igus to improve the management of cables used in the operation of two of its massive ship loaders.

Read more...

---

Rittal’s flat-pack enclosure solution
Rittal Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
The launch of Rittal’s FR IT flat-pack enclosure earlier this year marked a milestone for the company, introducing the local market to a high-capacity, top-tier IT enclosure in a convenient and cost-effective flat-pack format for the first time.

Read more...

---

Reliable connectivity for the food and beverage industry
LAPP Southern Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
The food and beverage industry operates in one of the most demanding industrial environments where hygiene, efficiency and reliability are critical to daily operations. To support these growing industry demands, LAPP has introduced a new generation of sensor cordsets designed to perform in challenging food and beverage environments.

Read more...

---

Innovative cable entry for maximum flexibility and efficiency
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
icotek is setting new standards in terms of flexibility, efficiency and space-saving with a new series of cable glands.

Read more...

---

Safety-critical fibre optic systems in mining
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Omniflex highlights the importance of fibre optic technology in in enabling systems in the mining industry to transmit shutdown commands reliably over tens of kilometres and verify that they have been executed.

Read more...

---

Compact integration of 3A and 4A connectors
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
With the new AT-HA grommet, icotek is expanding its innovative IMAS-CONNECT adapter system with a forward-looking solution for industrial use.

Read more...

---

Space-saving I/O module for control cabinets
ifm - South Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
The IO-Link I/O module from ifm simplifies integration of sensors and actuators with conventional wiring in the control cabinet as well as in field applications with low IP protection class requirements.

Read more...

---

The future of industrial connectivity
LAPP Southern Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Designed to meet the demands of modern industry, the EPIC DATA RJ45 connector from LAPP delivers a combination of durability, performance and versatility suited to demanding industrial environments.

Read more...

---

Hybrid connectors for distributed automation
Beckhoff Automation Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Beckhoff’s ECP and ENP connector series combine power with signal and data communication by means of One Cable Automation (OCA) and thus significantly reduce cabling work.

Read more...

---