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If you are about to embark on your first mission to purchase cable or even if you have purchased it
in the past, you may find the task quite daunting. After all, many cable distributors stock thousands
of wire and cable products. Your application may require ribbon cable, but which specific ribbon
cable should you buy? Wire and cable choices are important because they take varying requirements
into consideration, but with so many choices decision-making can become overwhelming at times.
Do you know what questions to ask your engineers or sales reps? Before beginning a search for any
wire or cable product, equip yourself with the right knowledge. Background information combined
with basic preparation can give you some command during the buying process and help you uncover
the best way to select a cable. In the article "Specifying High-Performance Cables: The Devil Is
In The Details," by Alpha Wire Company, they evaluate four main issues to be considered before
purchasing cable. They include cable shielding, flexibility, chemical resistance, and temperature
range.
Shielding
When purchasing cable, be sure to explore cable shielding. Shielding helps ensure that the
electrical process runs smoothly. An engineer will tell you shielding basically minimizes
problems of signal exit or entrance caused by interference. Types offered include braid,
foil, spiral, or a combination braid/foil shield. Each type has advantages and disadvantages:
- Foil Shields:
- Uses: CATV, MATV, Video, computer I/O cables
- Advantages: 100% cable coverage, low weight and low cost
- Disadvantages: High DC resistance and lower mechanical strength
- Braid Shields:
- Uses: Computers to terminate interconnect for process or control applications
- Advantages: Great structural integrity, flexibility and flex life
- Disadvantages: Does not provide full coverage, heavy
- Spiral Shield:
- Uses: Microphone, audio cables and retractile cords
- Advantages: Great flexibility and flex life
- Disadvantages: Not effective above audio frequency range
- Combination Shields:
- Uses: Video, CATV, MATV, networking, computer I/O cables
- Advantages: 100% foil coverage, strong and low resistance
- Disadvantages: Higher cost than other shields
Chemical Resistance
An engineer will tell you that electrical cables possess various levels of chemical resistance, but
there may be more to it. You should know which chemicals could present a potential problem in the
entire lifespan of your cable. Also consider that oils and corrosive chemical vapors or liquids
could potentially enter into the cable connections. Any type of chemical intrusion could lead to
cable failure. You might need to add additional sealing to prevent moisture permeation.
Temperature
Temperature range is another essential factor in the mix of things. What temperatures will your
cable need to withstand in order to be effective? You may find out that a cable possesses all
the necessary electrical features required for extreme temperatures, but will it be able to adapt
to the physical demands associated with that temperature? These are all factors you need to bear
in mind.
Flexibility & Flex
You may find yourself selecting a cable with the proper amount of flexibility and of course this is
important. A flexible cable can make installation and troubleshooting much easier. However, did
you know that "flexing" is a different issue that needs to be addressed as well? Due to the nature
of many manufacturing applications, cables may encounter constant flexing. Particular cables are
built better for this condition than others, so you should keep this in the back of your head as well.
Conclusion
There may be more to finding the ideal cable than meets the eye. Don't be intimidated by choices.
Cable experts at AWC are always available to help you along with the process. A cable exists for
just about every environment and application if you know what to look for. Spend some time asking
the right questions and consider every angle.
For more information, please see "Specifying High-Performance Cables: The Devil
Is In The Details," by Alpha Wire Company. Alpha Wire offers an intuitive online 'Selection Guide,'
a tool engineers might benefit from, that can be found on their website at
www.xtraguard.com.
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Allied Wire and Cable increases its sales team yet again with additional sales assistants and a new account representative.
Steve Moore was recently promoted from Sales Assistant to a Sales Representative. He started at Allied in March 2006 in the
warehouse. "I would like to thank the leadership in the sales office and warehouse," said Steve. "To be able to progress and
do what you're happy doing is something not all companies cater to. I'm glad to work for one that does and am
proud to be part of our dedicated sales team."
Allied also welcomes three new sales assistants, Amy Matta and Ashley Smith, to the Pennsylvania office and sales assistant
Rebecca Hughes to the Wisconsin office.
Please see our Key People page
for more information on AWC's sales team.
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It's time to play "Allied Wire & Cable Trivia" The first 5 people to correctly match these six members of
Allied's staff with their personal fact will receive an Allied Prize Pack overflowing with goodies.
Answers should be emailed to trivia@awcwire.com or faxed to 484-928-6700.
Please include your full name, company name, and shipping address along with your answers. Good luck!
- Libby Achenbach, Sales
- Chris Burke, Sales
- Susan Howard, Marketing
- Gene Evans, I.T.
- Desiree McCarty, Assistant
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- A: Is a Vegetarian
- B: Rides a Motorcycle to work
- C: Played Professional Basketball
- D: Is Expecting a baby in September
- E: Has 1-year old twins
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Look for the answers in next month's newsletter!
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