Blog
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Posted: May 30, 2023
Source: ShowMeCables
Regarding electrical cables, temperature resistance is a key factor that can make or break their performance. Aerospace, manufacturing, and automotive engineering industries all require cables capable of withstanding high temperatures without compromising integrity. To meet this requirement, 600V high-temperature cables are the answer.
These advanced wires are designed to endure temperatures from 150-500°C and boast specialized materials. Today, we'll cover every detail you need to know about 600V high-temperature cables – from properties and applications to benefits, types, and how to select the correct one for your project.
600V High-Temperature Cable Properties
The 600V high-temperature cables are insulated and jacketed wires designed to resist fire, heat, abrasion, moisture, aging, and chemical resistance. The insulation material can range from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to MICA-Transparent Silicate Insulation. Meanwhile, the jacket is made of a glass braid or K-Fiber Kevlar Braid for maximum protection against the elements.
For example, the RADIX Sil-A-Blend® 200C/600V cable is designed to withstand extreme conditions, with a 200°C high-temperature rating and 4 AWG conductor. Its insulation and jacket are made of silicon rubber, making it ideal for use in harsh environments.
600V High-Temperature Cables - Applications and Benefits
Due to their extreme temperature resistance, 600V high-temperature cables are suitable for a range demanding of applications, such as:
- Automotive and military applications such as engine systems and aircraft;
- Utility powe
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Posted: May 24, 2023
Source: ShowMeCables
From small electronics to heavy-duty machinery, power electrical connectors are vital in keeping our devices running smoothly. Knowing which connector is ideal for you can be complex, with many types and classifications available.
This article will explore power electrical connectors, examining their various types and applications. We'll also discuss the factors you should consider before making a purchase.
What Are Power Electrical Connectors?
Power electrical connectors permit a secure connection between two or more mechanisms.
They are usually used to transfer power from one device to another but can also be used for other purposes, such as data transmission. Power connectors come in many forms, including plugs and sockets, plug-in modules, and terminal blocks.
Electrical connectors are found in small consumer electronics such as cell phones and laptops and larger industrial machinery like construction equipment and aerospace systems. Regardless of the application, these connectors are invaluable in ensuring safe and efficient operation within many industries.
Why Choose the Right Connector and How?
Choosing the wrong power connector can be dangerous and could cause an electrical hazard. You must select a connector that meets the specific requirements of your application. Factors to consider include:
- Type of device
- Voltage and amperage ratings
- Any safety standards or regulations which may apply in your region
Ensuring Compatibility
If you're connecting two devices with different voltage ratings, ensure both connectors match up correctly – otherwise, you risk damaging them!
Also, these components consist of a male connector (typically a protruding metal pin or blade) and a female receptacle that houses the male connector. P
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Posted: May 17, 2023
Source: ShowMeCables
When powering up your electronic devices, the type of power cord you use might seem like a minor detail. However, choosing the correct power cord can significantly affect space, safety, and overall performance. Enter the world of right/left angle AC power cords – a game-changer for those looking for flexible and efficient solutions to power their equipment.
In this article, we'll dive into the benefits of using angled power cords, the common types available, and what you should consider when choosing one for your equipment.
What Are Right/Left Angle AC Power Cords?
Right/left angle AC cables are power cords that feature a bend or angle at the plug end of the cable. This angle is typically 90 degrees, although others may also be available.
The angle can be either a right-angle or left-angle connection, depending on the orientation of your device's power port and other factors like ease of access and cable management.
Check out the ShowMeCables’ NEMA 5-15P to C13 Right Angle Power Cord that supports up to 15 Amps and features an SJT jacket with thick insulation. The universal replacement power cord suits many devices, including CPUs, monitors, scanners, and printers.
5 Benefits of Using Right/Left Angle AC Power Cords
While it may seem the same as using a straight power cord, angled AC cables have several advantages, such as:
- Space-saving: An angled power cord is a great space-saving solution, especially in crowded areas where equipment needs to be close to walls or other objects.
- Better cable management: By using angled power cords, you can keep cables organized and tangle-free, which mak
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Posted: May 10, 2023
Reliable networking is a must for the majority of industrial processes. Unfortunately, harsh environments can make maintaining stable and secure connections difficult. That's where M12 Ethernet cables come in – offering a robust, efficient solution for industrial networking even in extreme conditions.
In this article, we'll explain what M12 Ethernet cables are and their top benefits before outlining how to choose the right one for your application.
What are M12 Ethernet Cables?
M12 Ethernet cables are specialized data transmission cables developed to provide a secure and reliable connection in harsh environments. They use advanced materials, such as stainless steel or polyamide sheathing, to protect the cable from extreme temperatures, mechanical stressors like vibration or pressure, and corrosive liquids.
ShowMeCables’ premium TRG501-T4T-15M is an L-com D-coded Cat5e industrial cable, available up to 15 meters in length. The cable is suitable for PowerOverEthernet (PoE) connectivity and helps eliminate the need for an external power source.
Common Applications of M12 Ethernet Cables
M12 cables are used in several industrial settings. Common applications include:
- Manufacturing: To connect machines, sensors, and actuators in automated production lines.
- Transportation: To transmit data between the server and train or bus and within the onboard systems.
- Oil & gas: To connect equipment to remote locations such as an offshore oil rig.
- Other Industrial Environments: To ensure a safe connection between processing machinery and the con
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Posted: May 03, 2023
We have all known the frustration of being in a room that does not have enough electrical outlets. You have to either find a long extension cord to run outside the room or hunt down a power strip or an adapter plug that splits one receptacle in the outlet to two or more.
The problem is, plugging multiple devices into one outlet using a splitter adapter you bought at a hardware store might overload the outlet. You might trip a circuit breaker, damage your electrical equipment, or even cause a fire. Overloaded circuits and outlets cause more than 5,000 fires annually, says the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Power Splitter Cords to the Rescue
A smarter alternative – certainly cheaper than installing more outlets − is to buy some power splitter cords. A power splitter has one male end for plugging into an outlet and enough female ends to power either two or three components. They allow you to fully utilize rooms that don’t have enough outlets, as well as declutter rooms that already have a lot of cables and cords. Also, the male end is a regular three-prong size, smaller than a space-hogging power adapter.
Power splitter cables are perfect for use with most types of 125-volt and 250-volt devices, such as computers, printers, scanners, monitors, TVs and audiovisual equipment, and server rack devices such as network switches and routers.
Power Splitter Cords Made for Your Equipment
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Posted: April 26, 2023
The popularity of Power over Ethernet (PoE) is growing. Since it was introduced in 2003 as a way to both transmit data and deliver power on a computer network, the PoE market has reached $2 billion. It is expected to hit $3.2 billion by 2030, according to market analysis firm Market Research Future.
Two key devices on a PoE network are splitters and injectors. A PoE splitter allows a PoE-enabled Ethernet cable to be split into separate power and data cables. A PoE injector injects electricity onto an Ethernet cable to supply power to PoE-enabled devices.
This blog post explains what splitters and injectors can do for your PoE deployment. It also covers some terms you will encounter while shopping for splitters and injectors − such as the difference between “mid-span” and “end-span” devices, and the significance of a few key standards that regulate the design of these products.
But first, in case you are new to the world of Power over Ethernet, let’s start with a summary of what it can do for you.
Power + Data = PoE
Power over Ethernet is a technology that allows network cables to carry electrical power along with data, enabling a single Ethernet cable to provide both to a device. It is commonly used to power devices such as wireless access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones without the need for a separate power supply.
PoE works by injecting DC power into the Ethernet cable in a way th
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Posted: April 20, 2023
RJ45 Color Codes Explained
An RJ45 connector is a modular, eight-position, eight-pin connector used for terminating Cat5e or Cat6 twisted-pair cable. An RJ45 color code or “pinout” is a specific arrangement of wires that dictate how the connector is terminated. Since the color code specifies the order in which the individual wires within the cable should be connected to the pins on the RJ45 connector, knowing the color code is essential when you need to make or repair Ethernet cables.
There are multiple pinouts for RJ45 connectors, including:
- Straight-through (T568A or T568B)
- Crossover
- Rolled
- T1
- Loopback
Straight-through is the most common type of cable and is used for connecting your computer to your network. The other RJ45 color codes are for specialty cables that are used for unique network applications.
Within the family of straight-through R45 color codes, there are two standards recognized by ANSI, TIA, and EIA:
- The T568B wiring standard is seen as the default wiring scheme for twisted-pair structured cabling in the U.S. It uses four pairs of wires, with each pair being a different color.
- The T568A wiring standard differs from T568B only in the order of the green and orange pairs. However, it has been surpassed by T568B – if you are unsure of which standard to use, choose T568B.
We recommend using the same wiring scheme on both ends of a cable to ensure proper connectivity.
T-568A RJ45 Color Code
T-568B RJ45 Color Code
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Posted: April 20, 2023
Think about the types of cables you use to connect your electronic devices. How many of those cable formats were being used 20, 30 or 40 years ago?
If you come up empty here, let us jog your memory and call attention to the humble but still-relevant composite audio/video RCA cable. These cables with their familiar red, white and yellow connectors continue to provide dependable, cost-effective connections for audio and video devices.
RCA audio and video cables are not quite as popular as they used to be. In many cases they have been edged out by non-RCA formats, such as HDMI cables. However, RCA remains alive and well. This blog post examines six reasons why they still make sense for many consumers. But first, a little background …
Composite RCA vs. Component RCA
The most common composite RCA cables contain either two or three lines. The red and white connectors of a two-line model carry the right and left audio channels of a stereo signal. The added yellow connector of three-line models transmits the video signal.
A second type of three-line RCA cable has red, green and blue (RGB) connectors on each end. This RGB component RCA cable carries a premium “component video” signal, which does not include audio. It divides the video into three parts: two for color information and one for luma (brightness).
Now for the six reasons why RCA is still popular.
- RCA Cables Are Versatile
RCA cables transmit audio and/or video signals for a wide variety of equipment.
- They are used for video signage and video surveillance.
- They connect laptop and desktop computers to home theater systems.
- They link some televisions to DV
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Posted: April 12, 2023
Rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on your networking and electrical equipment, causing costly downtime and repair bills. That's where weatherproof NEMA enclosures come in. These sturdy, protective boxes shield your equipment from external hazards, ensuring that your network stays up and running, no matter the weather.
So, how do these NEMA enclosures work, and what are their benefits? Today, we'll discuss the role of weatherproof enclosures in protecting your network infrastructure from environmental hazards.
Understanding Weatherproof NEMA Enclosures
NEMA enclosures are specially designed protective boxes that house networking and electrical equipment, protecting it from exposure to the elements. They are made of durable materials, such as metal, plastic, or fiberglass, that can withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures.
Weatherproof enclosures come in various sizes and styles, such as NEMA or IP-rated boxes. For instance, you can check the 24-inch SMC-NEIA-FL-6609 outdoor network cabinet, which is IP66-rated and contains 120VAC 10A fans to prevent overheating due to extreme temperature and operational workloads.
Industry-standard Ratings for Weatherproof NEMA Enclosures
To ensure that weatherproof enclosures meet specific requirements, manufacturers use industry-standard ratings such as NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) and IP (Ingress Protection).
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Posted: April 05, 2023
The RJ45 connector is a small but powerful device at the core of Ethernet networking, which has become an essential part of our lives – from streaming movies to video conferencing. It's what enables us to access the digital world.
This article will explore this vital component and unravel the mystery behind its role in Ethernet networking. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a curious beginner, read on to discover how it keeps us connected and how to find the right RJ45 connector for your needs.
What are RJ45 Connectors?
RJ45 connectors are small, modular plugs used to interconnect devices in Ethernet networks. The name is derived from the 8P8C design of these connectors, which has become a standard for connecting computers and other peripherals such as routers and switches.
An RJ45 connector consists of a plastic body with metal contacts on either side that connect two electrical circuits; its PoE (Power over Ethernet) version can even power up devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and access points.
4 Reasons to Use RJ45 for Ethernet Networking
- Cost-effectiveness: RJ45 connectors are relatively inexpensive and easy to install such as an EZ-RJ45 Cat5e feed-through connector for solid & standard cables.
- Pinout verification: Before you crimp an RJ45 connector, verify your pinout to reduce any possible damages.
- High-speed data communication: RJ45 connectors transfer data at lightning speed, depending on your network cable. The Cat8 RJ45 Field Termination Plug, a shielded RJ45 plug supporting PoE++ applications, can comfortably handle network connections with speeds up to 10, 25, or even 40 Gbps.
- Universal acceptance: The 8P8C design of the RJ45 connector is widely accepted by many networking devices across different vendors. This makes connecting your computer or peripheral to any Ethernet network easier, regardless of where they come from.
RJ45 vs RJ11: How are They Different?
When talking about RJ45 connectors, it is important to consider their counterpart – the RJ11 connector. Even though they may appear similar, these two types have distinct applications.
The RJ45 connector has eight pins and eight wires and is 6mm by 11mm in size – primarily used to enable high–speed data transfer between computers, Wi–Fi routers, fiber modems, and NBN boxes.
In contrast, the RJ11 connector has four wires and four pins; it's smaller than its sibling at 6mm by 9.5mm and is mainly used for ADSL/VDSL connections or telephone networks. RJ12 connectors are the newer version of RJ11.
Common Classifications of RJ45 Connectors
RJ45 connectors are classified based on the type of wiring used. The most common types of RJ45 connectors include Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7.
Cat5e is the go–to Ethernet cable, utilizing an RJ45 Cat5e connector and perfect for home networks where data transmission speeds rarely exceed 100 Mbps.
For more demanding applications such as data centers and cloud computing networks, Cat6, Cat7 and Cat8 standards are used.
RJ45 Connector Accessories
RJ45 facilitates a wide selection of accessories, making Ethernet networking more convenient and productive. These include crimping tools, patch panels, couplers, adapters, and cable tester kits.
For example, the RJ45 Field Termination Jack is a breakout board with a metal housing that supports screw–down installation. You will also find various couplers with durable waterproof dust caps, su