Monthly Archives: August 2018

What are Tray Cables?

Tray cables are power cables used in industrial settings such as factories, utility substations, and more. Along with power, tray cables can also be used for communications. Tray cables were first invented to replace smaller cables that had issues with power and communications failure. Today, tray cables are required for many industrial applications in accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC).

As the name implies, tray cables are meant to be used in trays or other conduit like raceway or wiring ducts. The NEC requires that tray cable is supported every six feet. Tray cable must also meet the exposed run requirement for the property it is on.

The most valuable aspect of tray cable is its versatility. They are designed to be used in many rough environments and are built to be waterproof, UV resistant, and resistant to high temperatures. Whether for a light residential project or heavy machinery on a construction site, tray cable is built to get the job done.

Types of Tray Cables

There are a few different varieties of tray cables but they all share a few things in common. Tray cable is usable in Class 1 and 2, Division 2 hazardous locations as defined by the NEC. The most common variant of tray cable is VNTC.

VNTC (Vinyl Nylon Tray Cable) uses nylon insulation and a PVC jacket. Rated for 600V and 90° Celsius (194° Fahrenheit), VNTC is available from 10-18 AWG with 2-50 conductors (the number of available conductors depends on the AWG of the cable). Both shielded and unshielded versions of VNTC cable are available. VNTC is most commonly used in industrial or commercial a

What are Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Cables?

To understand Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) cables, the first step is to look at VFDs themselves. VFDs (also called Adjustable Frequency Drives and Variable Voltage/Variable Frequency Drives) are adjustable speed drives utilized in electro-mechanical systems. A VFD allows users to control voltage and input frequency to adjust torque and AC motor speed.

It is true that VFDs and VFD cables are not the only option for powering industrial equipment. However, they have a number of advantages over their competitors. The precision control enabled by a VFD stops energy from being wasted. The efficiency of using a VFD allows machinery work smarter instead of harder, reducing wear and tear so motors last longer. This also makes the equipment more reliable overall and reduces the amount of maintenance and downtime users will have to deal with.

VFDs can be used in a wide range of applications, from mid-sized machinery to large-scale equipment in industrial environments. Machines that utilize VFDs require high voltage lines to maintain their energy usage and meeting those extreme requirements is where VFD cables come in.

Why use VFD Cables?

Being made for industrial use, VFD cables are very heavy-duty and built to stand up to harsh conditions. VFD systems are prone to voltage spikes that VFD cables are designed to withstand. High voltage spikes can exceed the voltage rating of a cable, potentially damaging the cable as well as the equipment if using a non-VFD cable. Additionally, voltage spikes are more common on longer cables and can cause electrical interference with other nearby equipment. VFD cables are specifically built to counteract these issues and stop the problems

What is Digital Lighting Management?

Digital Lighting Management (DLM) is a new, innovative system designed to maximize energy savings in each and every room of any building. In the state of California, DLM is now required to keep buildings up to code. This system will not only meet state codes but exceed their requirements to save energy costs on any electrically powered equipment.

The cables used for DLM, called Lighting Control Cables, are compatible with a variety of devices, from wall switches to occupancy sensors, to ensure the individuals using the devices are contributing towards your energy savings just as much as your new lighting control cables and DLM system. Even in areas where state codes have not implemented this requirement yet, installing this system now will optimize your energy savings even sooner.

How does Digital Lighting Management work?

DLM utilizes ethernet cables with RJ45 jacks, similar to a line used between a modem and computer. Designed for easy installation, just plug the cable in and it will be ready to go. Alongside these crucial cables, you will also need a few other pieces of equipment.

Room controllers are the backbone of any digital lighting management system. Each controller automatically configures your DLM network for top-of-the-line energy efficiency. From there, users can run Lighting Control Cables to other electrical equipment in the building. Some devices are used for direct control, such