Olflex SDP TC Severe Duty Power Cable

The Olflex® SDP TC Severe Duty Power cable, or simply SDP TC, is a Bus Drop approval cable that has some unique features that it has when compared to other Olflex® cables. One of those is the orange elastometric alloy jacket that covers the wiring. This elastometric alloy jacket is also TC-ER approved passing all UL standards that run for 600 volts. This means that you can apply this kind of cable for both commercial and industrial conditions, in cold and other hazardous environments, for control and/or power applications, and even for machine tools or in the electrical circuitry of factory installations. The heavy-duty wire, aside from being approved for 600 volts, is also approved for use in 1000 volts.

This cable goes has still more unique features compared to other motor supply cables. The finer stranding that it has gives it a little more edge. Its wire is also covered with pressure extruded jackets that make this cable a very flexible property for installation. The design of this wire also conforms to NOM and CE standards that make it a globally acceptable solution for wiring.

The construction of this wire is made of finely stranded tinned copper wires. These wires are then covered PVC or nylon insulations, which makes it a little different to other Olflex® cables which are covered with the special formulation of Lapp Surge Guard®. This, however, does not decrease the efficiency of this wire as it compensates with barrier tapes and a specially formulated elastometric alloy jacket.
This jacket makes this wire highly resistant against oil and other chemical intrusions that can cause damages or decrease in conductivity. Aside from the oil and chemical-resistant version, submersible pump approvals are also available in special orders. The Olflex® SDP TC Severe Duty Power cable is highly resistant against heat, though it could only burn or melt when exposed to extremely high temperatures. On the other hand, it is not very flexible so it is not really recommended for electrical machineries that require perpetual motion. However, this wire scores very high when it comes to toughness and mechanical rigidity.

The minimum bending radius for installing this wire is rated at 7.5 times the diameter of the cable. For example, if you have this wire in 26 awg, then you can multiply it by 7.5 to get the minimum bending radius for a 26 awg Olflex® SDP TC. This wire can work for temperatures as low as -40°C to even temperatures beyond 150°C. The nominal voltage that you can use this wire can be in 600-volts (based on UL-TC) or in 1000-volts (based on UL AWM), yet its test voltage can reach to even up to 4000 volts. Like other Olflex® cables, the Olflex® SDP TC Severe Duty Power cable can also be used for variable frequency drives of VFD’s. Yet at the same time, unlike other VFD cables, this one can also be used for non-linear power distortions that can be sometimes associated with other VFD’s.

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Why Use PVC Electronic Hook Up Wire?

An electrical conduit is mainly a passageway wherein electricity can travel. It is also considered a type of tubing utilized in creating or assembling machines. It is popularly known to be employed for the distribution and protection of electrical wire. It is also useful in hydraulics schemes such as plumbing and sewage. There are specific kinds of electrical conduits invented and assembled for every special purpose or function. Electrical conduits come in various styles which are mainly used for electrical wiring within places that are out in the open. These conduits can also be made use of in locations that may be found in any part of a person’s house such as the laundry area, the basement and even the garage. These things can even be utilized within the walls.

As mentioned above, most of these electrical conduits are employed for outdoor wiring and the most recommended for such purpose is the PVC conduit oftentimes utilized to be applied in undergrounds or damp settings. This specific type of conduit has connectors, elbows, couplings and PVC fittings. So, why use PVC electronic wire? One reason is because PVC comes in various forms such as semi-rigid, rigid and flexible. A semi-rigid PVC conduit can be bended therefore can be useful in thin walls. Rigid PVC, on the other hand, usually comes in 10-foot span and in standard thickness but it cannot be curved or twisted. While flexible PVC can be utilized for paths that are coiled or entwined.

So, why use PVC electronic wire? PVC electronic wires are very simple to put together by means of PVC glue and a cleaner. PVC electrical wires can also serve for safety and regulation intentions of the wiring route. There are some properties of PVC that make it more reasonable for using PVC wire for outdoor locations. First on the list is that these wires are light in weight and not too pricey. Second reason is that these are available in various thicknesses which make them more useful for a specific purpose depending on the conditions for installation. Third reason is that these wires do not easily fracture for being exposed to sunlight mainly because these are UV stable. The fourth reason is that PVC is resistant to corrosion which means that these wires can be used for works above or under the ground. Fifth reason for using PVC is that these conduits are resistant to abrasion making it avoid cracks and scratches. And the last reason is that PVC is water and moisture resistant which lead to a prolonged life for the PVC to function.

Why use PVC electronic wire for outdoor installations? There is one perfect answer for this question. And this is because PVC electronic wires are weather resistant. This, of course, is based on the properties presented above. This is also one popular reason for most people who choose to make use of these conduits because of the fact that these wires can stand any temperature. This is why PVC electronic wire became a popular choice for cable protection.                          

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Pros and Cons of Using the Teflon 18 AWG Wire

For those who love fixing things or simply want to have things done on their own, knowledge about different types of hookup wires is very valuable. Not being able to use the most appropriate type of wire for each job will not only lead to waste of time and money. It can also be very dangerous and can pose a threat to one’s life and the safety of his family or workplace. For instance, it is important to know that for projects requiring high temperature wire, the best option is the Teflon 18 AWG wire. Let us take a closer look at its characteristics, as well as the pros and cons of using this type of wire.

There are different types of Teflon wire. The most typical types are Type E, Type EE, Type ET and the STJ or shielded tape jacket version. The difference between these types is dictated by the following: voltage, ampacity and appearance. In terms of voltage, STJ and Type E can accommodate 600 volts. Type EE is best for 1,000 volts, while Type ET is suited for 250 volts. The next point for comparison is ampacity, or the amount of current that the wires can conduct. Usually, this is directly proportional to the voltage, so higher currents would requires a wire that can also accommodate high voltage. The last identifier among these types is appearance. For instance, the STJ cables have two sub-types – shielded and unshielded. Choosing between these two types would be based on additional factors such as the probability of the equipment incurring a temperature higher than 200 degrees Celsius, thus needing more insulation for safety reasons.

The Teflon 18 AWG wire is a good buy because it is available in the different types mentioned above. In addition, it has a stranding of 19/30 or 19 strands of 30 AWG wires. The diameter is also good at 0.07 inches. It also has several approvals such as the UL 1213, VW-1 Flame Test, and Mil Spec M16878/4. It is also RoHS Compliant so there is no need to worry about any hazardous risks coming from using the wire.

The only downside of using this wire is the price. Teflon wires already cost more than other types of electrical or hook up wire, because of the need for a better insulation for the high temperature. This type of wire, however, is one of the priciest types of Teflon wire that is currently in the market. Thus, some people would opt for other Teflon cables that are less expensive, unless of course the particular job or equipment they are working on specifically requires the stranding and wire gauge that this wire offers.

Overall, the Teflon 18 AWG Wire is a nice catch and a wonderful option among the different types of high temperature wires. Its quality and durability can be helpful in completing work around the house or even in commercial locations. The only setback in using this type is its price. However, if you cannot compromise quality and safety over expenses, then this is the best option.

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PVC 14 AWG Hook Up Wire Information

You go to an online site or you went to your nearest electrical store looking for a PVC 14 AWG wire. You get there and saw that the wires are available but before you could make yourself purchase the wire, you can’t help but have a nagging feeling that you want to know just what the difference between all these wires are. You’re no professional electrician. You just followed your friend’s advice on buying that type of lead wire and you never bothered to ask the difference of these wires. You look around and see that they have other wires like the PVC 36 AWG wire and it’s on sale. You think to yourself why don’t I get that wire? It’s cheaper and they all look the same anyway.  Before you start reaching for that other wire why don’t you stop and try to find out just what the difference these wires have to offer.

PVC wire is made of tinned copper, copper or lead. These metal wires are then coated and covered with PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) to provide insulation to the wires. The truth is there can be huge difference between the PVC 10 AWG wire to the PVC 14 AWG wire or even that 36 AWG wire. The number indicates the size of the wire’s diameter; the bigger the number, the smaller the diameter of the wire. And the smaller the diameter of the wire, the smaller is its capacity to let electrical current flow in it. The 36 AWG wire that was on sale in our example can only usually carry up to 300 volts and if the wire you needed required a higher volts, you just wasted your money on a wire that you didn’t need.

Wires that carry electricity currents up to 600 volts usually range from 10 AWG to 16 AWG. If you want a better flow of electricity you should get the one with the smaller AWG. Another thing you should check for your wire is its flexibility. Depending on where you’re going to use your wire for, you should check out the flexibility of the wire.

You should also consider the insulation capacity of the wire jacket in making your purchase. Remember, there is always resistance in the flow of electric current to your wire. You’re not using superconductors that don’t have any problems with resistance. If the covering of your wire cannot take the amount of heat the metal is producing because of resistance, it will melt and damage your wire and the unit that it was providing electricity for.

PVC coated wires can only usually take up to 105 degree Celsius before it gives in and melts. So the PVC wires are only meant for low current movements like those in your simple household appliances. Don’t expect your simple PVC wire to handle heavy current flow in your science experiment. You can ask the friendly employees in the electrical store if you have more questions about wires and you can find out why your friend suggested that PVC 14 AWG wire in the first place.

Comparing Solid and Stranded Copper Wires

Copper wires are generally manufactured into two forms: the solid copper wire and the stranded copper wires. If manufacturing two different versions of copper wires will not make any difference at all, then none would have done so. As expected, both versions will actually have their own advantages and disadvantages. Read on to discover comparisons of uses and strength of solid copper wire vs. stranded wires. However, you must not expect the following comparisons to have a winner since the properties of either version are actually meant for very different purposes.

The first issue is the physical properties of solid copper wire vs. stranded copper wires. Both the names of solid copper wires and the stranded version imply how they were made; a solid copper wire is made of solid, undivided, uncut piece of copper wire. On the other hand, a stranded copper wire is obviously a set of separate copper wires coiled together in order to make one strand. In order to make stranded copper wires have the same gauge as a solid one, several thinner copper wires (strands) have to be woven together, usually counting from a dozen strands up to 19 strands of thinner wires. This makes the biggest and most noticeable difference between solid copper wires and stranded copper wires.

Since solid copper wire is just a single thick wire, a given gauge of a solid copper wire is much more rigid when compared to stranded wire of the same gauge. If you are going to need a tough wire that cannot be easily bent, then go for solid copper wires. This version of copper wire is best for circuits that does not need to be moved a lot and would rather be tough than flexible. You must not use solid copper wires for small circuit boards; leave it to the stranded wires.

At the same time, the rigidity of solid copper wires over stranded wires imply that the stranded version is much more flexible compared to the other. Since flexibility is much more often required than toughness, you are going to find this type used more often. Examples of its use include the wires in the cable of your computer mouse, the cable in your plugs and extensions, and on almost any cable that you can twist and turn. If you are going to need thin and flexible wires, stranded wires are what you need.

There is also a comparison in the conductivity of solid copper wire vs. stranded types. Solid copper wires have a little discrepancy when it comes to conductivity because of the skin effect. Because electricity travels more on the surface than on the core, the conducted electricity might decrease as it passes through the insulators covering the solid wire. Yet, this does not mean that stranded wires are much more conductive. Coiling together several strands of wire will cause them to have inevitable gaps (think of circles within circles). This is what contributes to its decreased conductivity. In order to offset the loss in the conductivity of stranded copper wires, Litz wires have been developed which insulates each strand separately.

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PTFE High Temperature Teflon Wires

Are you looking for high temperature wire? If you are, then PTFE is here to provide it for you. Nowadays, you should be practical at choosing high temperature wire by basing not just on its temperature rating but also on its quality features. To help you select the high temperature wire that will suit your project, scan every detail of the five PTFE high temperature wires below:

The first set of wire from PTFE high temperature wires is MIL-W-16878/4 TYPE E 600 Volt UL 1213. This joined wire (MIL-W-16878 and UL 1213) is stranded silver plated copper with temperature rating of MIL-W-16878: -60°C to +200°C and UL 1213: + 105°C. Fortunately, it passed the UL VW-FLAME TEST, and is extruded PTFE insulation. The wires, MIL-W-16878 and UL 1213 have impressive resistance to thermal aging, flame, moisture and solder iron damage. Besides, these wires have firm electrical features with low power use, which makes it very accurate for high-rate applications.

The second PTFE high temperature wire is MIL-W-16878/5 TYPE EE 1000 Volts UL 1180. Just like MIL-W-16878/4 TYPE E 600V UL 1213, this high temperature wire is also stranded silver plated copper and extruded PTFE insulation. Its temperature rating is MIL-W-16878: -60°C to +200°C UL 1180: + 200°C, which is high enough to resist moisture, solder iron damage, thermal aging and flame. These wires, both MIL-W-16878 and UL 1180, are actually hassle-free to install because of their greasy surface and small size. Furthermore, it also passed the UL VW-FLAME TEST.

The third PTFE non-stick coated wire is MIL-W-16878/6 TYPE ET 250V UL 1371. Its temperature rating is MIL-W-16878: -60°C to +200°C UL 1371: + 150°C, and also passed the UL VW-FLAME TEST. It’s cut off silver covered copper, which is strong enough to survive greases, solvents, ozone and other chemicals. Similar to MIL-W-16878/5 TYPE EE 1000 Volts UL 1180, this PTFE high temperature wire is easy to set up due to its slimy surface and small size. In addition, it also has sufficient temperature rating to withstand solder iron damage, flame, thermal aging and moisture.

The fourth one is STJ Teflon Unshielded Cable 600 Volts. It is stranded silver plated copper, and its PTFE jacket is wrapped with white tape. Its non-stick coating helps it to resist solvents, greases and other elements. It has temperature rating of -60°C to +200°C which is great enough to prevent thermal aging, and solder iron damage. You can easily put it in because it has small size and smooth exterior. Moreover, you can often see it color coded with White, Black, Red, Green, Yellow, Blue in order.

The fifth in the list is STJ Teflon Shielded Cable 600 Volts. Its PTFE jacket is also covered with white tape. Like other high temperature wires, it’s also stranded silver wrapped copper. The best thing on this cable is it has overall braid shield which adds protection from solvents and oils. Similar to STJ Teflon Unshielded Cable 600 Volts, its temperature rating ranges from -60°C to +200°C which is adequate to endure solder iron damage, thermal aging, and moisture. Most importantly, it can also be straightforwardly installed due to its smallness and surface’s greasiness.

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How the Bare Copper Ground Wire Promotes Safety

Wires serve one general purpose: as pathways for electrical current. There have been several wires that were made to fit this purpose and in different settings. However, wires can also serve as a form of protection from accidents. Accidents range from having a short circuit, touching of exposed electric parts and circuit overload. To minimize the risk of these accidents, a ground must be established in the electrical circuit. The ideal wire to use for this concept is the bare copper ground wire, which has saved a lot of households and other industries from damage.

A ground is simply a return path for the flow of electricity in cases that the normal circuit does not work. It is connected to the service neutral, which is in turn connected to the earth. It is not part of the normal flow of current, so even if someone touches it while the device is operating, he will not be electrocuted. When the circuit is running smoothly, the ground has no significance. But, if there is a presence of a shock hazard, the ground sets into action. For example, if there is a faulty current, it will flow into the ground and into the circuit breaker, tripping it. When the circuit breaker has been tripped, the whole current into the circuit will be disrupted, preventing damage.

The ground in the circuit can be seen as the third hole in the receptacle, below the neutral and hot prongs. In the electrical circuit, a bare copper ground wire acts as a ground. It does not have insulation because there is no electricity that flows in it in the first place. A part of the electrical circuit that works closely with the ground is the circuit breaker. As stated before, the circuit breaker is connected to the ground. In a household, for example, all the ground points are connected to one another, leading to the circuit breaker. Its function is to cut the flow of electricity when there is faulty wiring. This is different from a fuse, which burns when there is an overload. It can be reset manually or automatically, whatever the situation demands.

It may seem that a ground can be only used in indoor circuitry. There are types of wires that are manufactured to function as ground wires for those who are working outside. It can be in the form of a THHN  wire or Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated wire. It is covered with insulation, usually in a green color. This insulation or jacket protects the wires from the moisture, heat and physical damages. Another form of wire that can be used as ground is THWN or Thermoplastic High Water-resistant Nylon-coated wire which is similar to THHN, only that it is used commonly in wet areas.

Whether it is a bare copper ground wire, or a THHN/THWN wire, a ground is established to promote and secure the safety of the people working with the electrical circuit. Without the ground, there could have been more accidents and casualties caused by faulty electrical wirings today.

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Things to Remember about PVC Jacket Cables

The strength or robustness of the cable covering is very important and this is the main reason why it is vital that you learn more about PVC jacket cables. By placing a polyvinyl chloride casing over your fiber optical and copper materials, a mechanically powerful and well built construction is acquired. Several upgrades in PVC jacket technology have been done in the past and this resulted in the development of various coating materials that are flexible and thermoplastic.

There are a lot of PVC jacket information and other relevant data about cable sheaths that you can find online. PVC coating is one of the most ideal plastics that are being marketed today. In fact, the cables that are being used in various building construction projects are especially covered with quality polyvinyl chloride. PVC sheaths as well as PVC insulated wirings actually come with huge benefits because it can prevent exposure to the perils that are caused by fire.

Always remember that dealing with electricity can be a very dangerous task. You have to make sure that the entire electrical wiring system is working properly. The danger that fire will completely consume the structure cannot be eliminated. Wirings which are coated with PVC can emit the monoprotic acid hydrogen chloride. These chemicals assist in getting rid of or eradicating free radicals that causes fire to blaze rapidly. In only shows that PVC coating works to cause fire to slow down.

Using coated or insulated power cables is a must if you want to prevent fire hazards from happening. Another advantage of using PVC jacket is that it can protect the wirings from humidity and water. There is always a possibility of leaking especially when the water connections have become lose due to ordinary wear and tear. Because of the robustness of the PVC jacket, it will not allow water to sip into the structure and cause trouble to the twisted wires. More and more building electricians shift to PVC because of its superior quality and effectiveness.   

PVC coats are actually one of the cheapest sheaths that are compatible with all types of twisted or coiled wires and if you are planning to construct a building, this kind of materials are just the perfect sets that you should utilize. Powerful PVC coats will be very beneficial and you will see that these materials are suitable no matter what type of building you are working on. When it comes to fire hazards, the PVC is highly resistant to it because of the fact that the chemical composition of the cable coats can reject fire. It will take a longer period of time before the item will be totally consumed by fire.

It is imperative that you properly plan all the steps that you are going to take from selecting the most suitable materials up to the point of installing the power cable. PVC components are widely used because it can also remain resistant to moist as well as water. To learn more about PVC jacket information, it is a must that you log on to the right web page and study all your options.

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Olflex VFD Symmetrical Drive Cable – For Large HP VFD Drives

Olflex® VFD Symmetrical Drive Cable is a large AWG VFD (variable frequency drive) cable constructed with three symmetrical grounds and longitudinal copper tape shield. A VFD is combined to motor driven systems to be able to save energy. When you connect the motor-driven system to the VFD, you are now allowed to control the speed by altering the frequency of the motor supply voltage. The construction of this VFD drive cable is 3 power + symmetrical grounds. Conductors are designed with finely stranded tinned copper with black number conductors and green or yellow ground wire. It is also constructed with a longitudinal copper tape shield.

This symmetrical drive cable has a minimum bend radius of 15 x cable diameter for flexible use. Its temperature range is from -20°C to +90°C and a nominal voltage of 600V while the conductor stranding is Class B. It passed approvals such as UL Type TC-ER, UL Standard 1277 and 44, IEEE 1202 (70,000 BTU/HR) flame test and CSA: c (UL) CIC/TC FT4

 This cable is sunlight resistant and it is also ideal for direct burial cable applications. It also conforms to CE low voltage directive. This cable is available from 1 awg through 500 MCM for 75 HP and larger VFD drives. Most versions of this cable are constructed with a foil tape and tinned copper shield with jacket insulation which could either be PVC, Elastomer Alloy or TPE. The copper tape shield is used to 100% protect against RFI and EMI interference.

Finding a good cable suited for your cable connections is a must. It should be made of high quality materials and should be highly flexible and functional. VFD cables are very durable and they are reinforced with more security. When looking for Olflex® cables, you need to check the company logo and make sure that you are buying a genuine product. When you are purchasing online, it is best to buy from a reliable online store that has been known in the industry with a good reputation.

VFD drive cable is recommended for use in large HP applications, large presses, HVAC and on/off applications using VFD drive and motor. VFD cables has black PVC jacket with XLPE insulation. This kind of cable does not come in cheap, so you have to be very careful with the brand that you are buying. It also takes time to look for cables such as this one, so knowing the right company to turn to when you need to replace your cables will you a lot of time without the hassle.

Olflex® VFD Symmetrical Drive Cable is the most suitable cable for motors, drives and assemblies. This type of cable is more flexible than corrugated armor cables and metal clad. It is 100% protected from EMI/RFI due to its copper tape shield. Standard put-ups for this cable are 100ft, 250ft and 500 ft. WesBell Electonics offers a wide range of Olflex® VFD cables. You may discuss your needs with their knowledgeable sales staff that are more than willing to assist you.

WesBell Electronics Inc
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Teflon Wires and Choosing the Right Wire for Your Projects

Teflon wires are very handy when electrical work needs to be done. As opposed to common wires, Teflon provides insulation against very high temperatures. This property has made it an ideal equipment to use in heavy duty electrical wiring. If you are interested in installing Teflon wires, you must first have an idea on the basic concepts behind it. This will help you choose the ideal Teflon wire required for your project. Generally, you have three types to choose from: the type E, type EE and the Type ET Teflon Wire. Here, you will know how these types differ from one another plus some other things you need to know about Teflon wires.

Teflon wires are also known as Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE. It is a product used in non-stick pans because of its low friction coefficient. This property also makes them useful for equipment with moving parts such as gears and bearings. PTFE is used in several other products such as armor piercing bullets, plumbing equipment, and even as treatment for aortic stenosis. It is also known to have a thermal decomposition of 200 degrees Celsius. This makes them very useful in electronics, especially when the wires are frequently subjected to high temperatures. Another property of PTFE that makes it a very versatile material is its ability to withstand chemical changes, wearing and even ultra-violet light. Most wire cables would deteriorate when subjected to these conditions, whereas Teflon can handle with no problems at all.

As said before, you can choose between three types of Teflon wire depending on the purpose of your work. The most common Teflon wire sold in markets today is the type E Teflon wire. It can withstand a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius and a voltage of 600 volts. It is useful in many electrical wiring projects such as a transformer with a high voltage or logging electronics. If you need a wire that has a higher voltage rating, then you might want to get a type EE Teflon wire, with a voltage rating of 1000 volts. Conversely, if you are only working on a small-scale project, you can go for a Type ET Teflon Wire, which has a voltage rating of 250 volts. The temperature rate is the same at 200 volts for all types of Teflon wires. These wires are also silver-plated, meaning that they do not dissolve easily when being soldered.

Unlike the common wires such as PVC cables, Teflon wires are difficult to strip, oftentimes requiring you to purchase a stripping tool. Once you get this procedure done correctly though, you can establish effective connections anytime. Another problem with Teflon wires is its cost. It is one of the most expensive wires you can see in the market, at least eight to ten times more than common wires. The features of this type of wire are worth its cost though.

Teflon wires have increased their popularity because more people are switching from PVC wires to PTFE. Whether it is type E, type EE or Type ET Teflon Wire, Teflon wires will not disappoint you.

WesBell Electronics Inc
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