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The Right Cable Strain Relief Solution for Different Environments

PG-M-Type-Nylon-Cable-Glands-with-Strain-ReliefThis world is getting smaller all the time, and cables happen to play a great role in making everything more connected. Don’t kid yourself about going wireless. The implements may seem wireless, but their usability still depends on base units that, of course, utilize cables to be hooked up to the grid. Unless you live a life that’s completely unplugged, chances are you have cables coiled or snaking about in various areas of your home.

Now, all these wires are prone to the usual bending, twisting, stretching, tangling, chafing, etc. due to the repeated movements they are subjected to. All that strain can definitely compromise their integrity, so it’s important that your cables be protected in order for them to preserve their form and function as well as overall safety.

There are various cable strain relief solutions out there. You need to understand that they come in various sizes and materials, so you have to know which ones are suitable for which conditions. In ordinary or domestic applications, tough plastic or polyethylene bushings do the job, but cables also abound in harsher environments, so here’s a simple guide for choosing the right cable strain relief connectors for different setups:

Wet – When cables come in contact with water or other forms of liquid, such as those used in paper production, food processing, and water treatment, the ideal materials for waterproof cable grips are stainless steel, nylon, valox, nickel-plated aluminum, and nickel-plated brass.

Hot – For environments that expose cables to high or fluctuating temperatures and even direct heat, such as in welding, paper production, and food processing, connectors should be made of stainless steel, valox, silicone, or nickel-plated aluminum.

Cold – For applications that necessitate or are subjected to sustained freezing temperatures, either indoors or outdoors, such as in the case of refrigeration and freezer storage, cable connectors should be made of silicone, viton, neoprene, or stainless steel.

Chemical–In areas where cables are routinely exposed to chemicals and other abrasive elements, such as in water treatment and different manufacturing processes, the recommended materials are PVC, valox, silicone, stainless steel, and viton.

Mechanical – For situations that subject cables and their connectors to frequent bending and flexing, such as in robotics or automation, industrial strength cable grips are necessary. They are typically made of stainless steel, steel, aluminum, nickel-plated aluminum, or nickel-plated brass.

These cable strain relief solutions definitely come in all types, so make sure you order accordingly.

How Strain Relief Bushing Makes Life Easier

PH-65-1060B-1Unless you live completely off the grid, your home is probably prone to what can be considered a universal malady: out of control cabling. You see different cables in ugly snarls on the floor or hanging behind expensive electronic appliances and equipment. Not only are they an eye sore; they can also be damaging and downright dangerous.

Cables typically undergo a lot of stretching, twisting, and bending, which effectively put them through a lot of strain. You’ve probably seen cables sporting torn, split, or cracked casing, which would have probably been caused by much flexing and abrasion. That’s just the way things are. The frequent movement, usually the repeated plugging and unplugging, issues the usual wear and tear on the wires. Such damage could ruin the item the cable is connected to, pose electrocution hazard, or cause a fire. If this is the case, then getting those cables sorted out and maintained is absolutely paramount.

Those who are compulsive about order ordinarily apply the right solutions to avoid the chaos of tangled wires. They have ways to organize, label, and even hide these unsightly cables. More importantly, they also make sure that each one is protected from the expected strain by using strain relief bushing. This practice is something that we should all observe for the protection of our property and for our own safety.

Most of the time, the point of highest strain is right where the cable meets the connector, which is why strain relief bushing is normally sighted along this spot. This small but essential implement is typically made of tough plastic or polyethylene material that is heat- and strain-resistant. It works to absorb the strain placed on the connecting point, allowing your cable to remain flexible and efficient, whether you have round wires or flat ones.

The bushing protects the wire by holding it securely in place, enabling it to withstand the usual bending, knotting, and twisting it is usually subjected to without letting the strain travel all the way to the connector where the break then usually occurs. Strain relief bushings usually have a locking mechanism that allows them to keep the wire in position.

Cables, as you know, come in a variety of diameters, which is why a typical kit holds a selection of bushes that also come with a list of specs and a pair of pliers for easier assembly. These kits are also often used for prototype designing as well as research and testing in the field of electronics. Small though these bushings may be, but they clearly serve a very important purpose.

Hole Plugs – To Seal And To Conceal

Plug_3244There are different kinds of holes. Some are accidental and others, intentional. Whatever kind a hole may be, it needs to be covered as soon as it has achieved its purpose. Of course, there are cases when holes are really meant to be exposed, but in many instances, they have to be covered and disguised for the entire panel to achieve structural and superficial integrity.

To make holes seemingly disappear, you need to use hole plugs. As widely varied as holes may be, so are the plugs used to seal and conceal them. When you are particularly interested in a smooth finish, you’ll want to use a plug that is of the exact same material and color as the rest of the panel. Its top has to be flat, not mounted, and fitted exactly, so you can’t detect gaps or lines that indicate the presence of a hole.

If you’re not certain what plug to get, you can consult a hole plug selector that’s available in some online hardware retail sites. You usually have to simply enter the panel’s thickness in the unit indicated and then choose from the recommendations generated.

What are some of the most commonly used hole plugs available?

  • Liquid tight plugs–These are usually oil-tight, rain-tight, and submersible. If you want no seepage or leakage from the hole, these are the plugs to choose from. The break-through variety is often used to insulate and mechanically protect different electrical and telecommunication lines.
  • Finishing dome plugs – These come in multiple sizes, colors, and materials, but are mainly used to close no-longer-needed panel holes and actual electrical knockouts.
  • D-subminiature plugs – Used for D-subminiature cutouts, they mainly provide aesthetic improvement for unused connector holes as well as dust protection for various like-sized ports.
  • Threaded plugs – These are used specifically for no-longer or not-yet-needed PG and metric threaded holes. They may function as temporary plugs in cases where other threaded accessories may eventually be added.
  • Sheet metal plugs – These are typically used to close unneeded holes on automobile bodies, refrigeration units, tanks, and other items made with sheet metal.
  • Tubing plugs – Round or square, these are used to plug raw tubing ends. They are fit flush to provide a clean finish.

There are other types as well, such as glossy, pry-out, double-D, shorty, blanking, window, etc. With so many choices, it’s important to go through the different specs to know which plug will work best for the hole you need to close.

What You Can Get From Heyco Strain Relief

SRradi_4kWhen you are looking to get tools and components for your equipment, you naturally want to get the best quality — especially for small parts, like a strain relief. Small parts, in particular, tend to carry significant roles in the longevity and performance of your equipment. So good quality parts, however small, matter a lot. And it all boils down to your choice of supplier.

 

How will Heyco strain relief fare as your choice?

 

Let’s take a look at the brand, first. Heyco has been a family owned business since 1929, so it has solid roots. It designs and manufactures molded wire protection products as well as stamped electrical components. Heyco not only uses the technologically advanced equipment but also employs the industry’s top professionals and is deeply committed to providing what customers need for specific applications.

 

Right off the bat, you know you will be getting high quality products from Heyco, and in this case, good quality strain relief. You will not have to worry about buying a heavy volume of products and then be faced with the prospect of having to return or get new ones because some are defective or just not the exact kind of strain relief you need.

 

In addition to getting good quality products, Heyco also provides numerous resources to help you make the right decision on which strain relief to buy. The established company offers step-by-step guidance on choosing the right product through a data sheet.

 

You will go through a list of questions that will help you zero in on the right diameter and dimensions; you will also learn which strain relief works with different panel thicknesses, and you will know which product will be appropriate for your specific requirement on assembly method and functionality.

 

All in all, you will come up with an informed choice on whether you need nylon strain relief for round cables or snap-in cordgrip strain relief — or even specialty strain relief, like for liquid tight protection.

 

Heyco also provides a wide range of accessories so you will not have to go to other sources to complete your components. From back up washers to strain relief mounting plugs, you can get everything you will need in one place.

 

Should you still be unable to decide which strain relief to get, after reading the online guides and brochures on assembly, you can request for more brochures on the product or even get a sample.

 

 

How To Find The Right Supplier For Rubber Plugs

FAR8780__81829_zoomErgonomic plugs. Liquid tight plugs. Mounting hole plugs. There are specific plugs designed and made for every kind of application. It can be a lot of work and takes a lot of patience to choose the right component. From the dimension to the material to the flammability and temperature rating, there are plenty of factors to consider when you need plugs.

But aside from thinking about whether to go with rubber plugs that resist high temperature or to choose thick panel glossy plugs, you will need to consider one other critical aspect: the supplier.

As you know, the reliability of any supplier will determine the success of your purchase. Even for small parts, like plugs, you still need to be sure that you have made the right choice where your supplier is concerned.

Let’s examine briefly what it would be like if you were to choose the wrong one.

For starters, unreliable suppliers are likely to be delayed with their deliveries. Some of the worst ones even get your products mixed up with another client. This kind of confusion is not just stressful but it could also cost your operations to slow down. If the particular plugs you need delivered require immediate installation and the supplier delivered the wrong ones, the result is downtime for your production.

One other scenario that is bound to happen with an ill-chosen supplier is the quality of customer service. You may, in the beginning, get the kind of attention every customer will need. But a supplier that does not have the right system set up for addressing inquiries, complaints, and the like, might falter in delivering good customer service in the long run. The worst ones let you know instantly that they are not too concerned about your concerns.

So how can you tell the good from the bad, apart from recognizing red flags when screening a supplier?

You consider its reputation and the years it has been in business. The best suppliers for electrical components and wire protection products will be recognized by various industrial businesses for its high quality products and efficient service. It will also have been in business for quite some time, indicating its expertise in the very products you require.

Aside from reputation and longevity, it is worth choosing a supplier that can offer you as much guidance as possible when choosing your plugs—or any other component. From dimension to ratings, it helps to get an expert’s input on the appropriate product because this will help you get more out of your purchase.

How To Buy The Best Liquid Tight Products

web_0000013Every little thing counts — especially when you look at machines and equipment. You may find them wherever you are and you may even be using them everyday; the average person might not even consider how every small part plays a big role in the overall function of machines and equipment.

 

But if you run a brewery, a paper mill, a petroleum refinery, a food processing plant, a manufacturing factory, or any other industrial business, you will need to consider such things. Why? Because most of your machines and equipment will require liquid tight products, such as fittings and conduits.

 

When looking for your fittings and conduits, you’ll need to do more than just consider its applications. Are these products meant for food processing equipment? Do you need them for machine tools and transformers? Maybe the conduits and fittings are intended for much more sophisticated applications, like robotics?

 

Once you’ve determined the application, then you can move on to figuring out the potential exposure to certain elements. For example, metallic fittings and conduits have the capability to protect your conductors from coolants, dust, water, and cutting oils. Incidentally, the same type of material can prevent the same conductors from getting mechanical damage that occurs due to vibration and movement.

 

Of course, conduits and fittings are made for tough and industrial applications. It should be noted though that not all industrial environments would have the same type of conditions; some will have more hazardous conditions than others, owing to its location or the processes involved. And not all conduits and fitting are approved for both exposed and concealed locations.

 

So it pays to consider your unique conditions when choosing your conduits and fittings. This should help you figure out whether you need galvanized steel or flexible PVC.

 

The next step is to find out the certification of the products. All industrial components need to come with the standard certification. The certification guarantees that your products are well suited for particularly hazardous locations, as prescribed by NEC (National Electrical Code). These certifications will include Class I, Division 2, Class II, Division 1 and 2, and Class III Division 1 and 2.

 

The last step is two-fold: ease in installation and credibility of supplier.

 

You may not be involved in the installation of the conduits and fittings but the ease and speed in which these products are placed will mean less downtime. Meanwhile, the reliability of your supplier for industrial products will ensure that you consistently get high-quality items at good rates, and excellent service when you need it.

Essential Considerations To Keep In Mind When Buying Rubber Grommets Online

WALD-HD4210Many individuals, manufacturing companies and business owners are now choosing to order all their supplies online. This is because there are many advantages to be gained when they shop for products on the Internet. For one, buyers can look at and choose from different brands, types, makes and sizes of different products they need or want without having to spend hours and money on gas to source the supplies they are searching for. There is a wide range of items they can look at in a short amount of time,and they don’t have to leave the convenience and comfort of their home or office to look for and buy all their required supplies.

When it comes to rubber grommets, an essential item that is used in various projects for construction, manufacturing or production and other related industries, consumers will also find it more convenient to purchase these products via the Internet. Grommets are used to cover the rough and sharp edges of a hole in metal. They are used as an additional shield to protect another material as it is passed through the hole.

Business owners and individuals who will be purchasing rubber grommets from an online shop for the first time will have to keep certain important considerations in mind to make sure that they will be getting the best value for their investment. The following are some of these important considerations:

  • The wide range of grommet sizes the online shop offers.The grommet size you will need will depend on the purpose it will be used for. It would be less time consuming and practical for any buyer to choose a Web-based store where you can get various sizes of grommets from just one supplier since you may be able to avail of some discounts.
  • The supplier’s delivery time. You need to know how many days it would take for you to get your order. If you need the rubber grommets immediately, you have to choose a supplier that guarantees delivery on the day after you make the purchase.
  • Find out if the supplier offers discounts.It is normal for every consumer to be always on the lookout for ways to save money. As such, you have to ask the supplier if they give out discounts, especially if you will be ordering grommets in bulk. Most suppliers do give discounts if you buy them in bulk orders, but there are some that offer discounted rates even if you only get the minimum order.
  • Lastly, find out if there are credit card and delivery charges as well.A lot of online shops deliver your order for free and if you pay them through credit card, there won’t be any additional charges. This is another opportunity for you to save some money, so you have to ask the supplier if there are credit card and delivery charges you have to pay for when you order from them.

 

When To Use A Liquid Tight Conduit

PVC Coated Steel Liquid Tight ConduitConduits are used in order to make the installation of electrical cables easier. But in order to reap the added advantage of protection for wires and cables, it is imperative to know which conduit to use for a specific application. In some cases, the manufacturer issues recommendations for installation. For any of the following applications/situations listed below or in the absence of manufacturer’s recommendations, it will serve you well to use a liquid tight conduit.

 

Liquid tight conduits are perfect for use in environments that are most likely to get moist or wet. Used in conjunction with liquid tight fittings, this conduit can keep moisture at bay.If the application requires the use of liquid tight fittings with these conduits, make sure that the fittings are threaded onto the connection or, alternatively, use a junction box.

 

This type of conduit can also be used in applications wherein the wires/cables may be exposed to corrosive elements. One example of such an application is using this conduit for condensers of air conditioning units.

 

Use this type of conduit if you are installing wires or cables for external applications. Specifically, you should use a metal version of this conduit which has a PVC outer sheathing as well as stabilizers that give added protection against the elements, including the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

 

This type of conduit is also suitable for applications that require bending as well as applications wherein vibration is expected. This type of conduit has an inner core made out of electro-galvanized steel that offers a substantial amount of resistance to both bending and vibration. The conduit’s core also has a plasticized PVC coat which offers the benefits of oil resistance as well as optimal performance in high temperature applications.

 

Liquid tight conduits also offer ample protection against dust and some types of liquids. On top of that, these conduits have a high amount of mechanical strength, making them the better option when making a secure connection is essential.

 

Use these conduits if your application requires burying cables beneath the ground. Liquid tight conduits can provide adequate protection against moisture as well as crushing, even when buried underground. However, it is crucial to note that the conduit you should choose to use must have a diameter not exceeding an inch. Conduits with a larger diameter are not suitable for concrete encasement.

 

Finally, these conduits may be used for low heat applications – dry heat temperature not exceeding 80 degrees Celsius and damp heat not exceeding 60 degrees Celsius.

Strain Relief : An Indispensable Item For Complete Cable Protection

Different equipment and electronic appliances rely on different cables for their optimal operation. These cables are found both inside and outside the equipment or appliance. In order for a cable to continue functioning even under the most stressful circumstances,a strain relief is usually placed around it.

A strain relief, also called a bend relief, is a useful item that helps improve the electrical and mechanical integrity of a cable as well as its general performance by providing a shift from a flexible cable to a rigid connector or connection point. A suitably designed strain relief prevents mechanical or physical forces from being applied to the cable while it transfers electrical terminations within the connector and the device.

Strain reliefs come in two basic designs: solid or segmented. A solid bend relief has no grooves or segments; it comes in a simple smooth and concrete design and is less flexible. A segmented strain relief, on the other hand, has walls and spaces which permit the bend radius to be increased at greater distance from the connector or connection point.This is a more flexible type, but compared to a relief that has a solid design, it is harder to clean.

Strain reliefs can be bought pre-made, but you can also have them custom-designed and manufactured for a specific application or purpose. When buying an off-the-shelf one, it is important to keep in mind that the length of the bend relief also affects its overall performance. In general, a longer strain relief is more effective than a shorter one. Off-the-shelf strain reliefs are simply slipped over the cable before the connector is terminated. When the cable conductors are terminated to the connector, the bend relief is simply screwed on or glued to the connector assembly.

In certain industries or businesses, having strain reliefs custom designed and produced offers more advantages than investing in ones that are store-bought.

First, specially designed strain reliefs offer better flex life. They are more flexible and no matter how many times you bend them, they retain their litheness.

Second, they have better tensile strength. Aside from being more flexible, custom designed and manufactured bend reliefs are more durable and can withstand the usual types of manual or physical handling.

Finally, custom designed strain reliefs have a higher level of moisture resistance. This is due to the fact that an over mold is physically and chemically bonded to the cable jacket and connector. This is an important quality to consider if the cables will be cleaned frequently or if it will be subjected to regular contact with liquids.

 

Four Types Of Flexible Conduit And Their Uses

201071621443370555Conduits are tubings used to enclose and protect electrical wires that supply power to a home or a building. Conduits may either be flexible or rigid and are made out of various materials. Many homeowners who prefer to go the DIY route with the installation of wires in their home prefer using a flexible conduit over metal and plastic conduits because this type of conduit eliminates the need for bending. However, when it comes to protection, a rigid conduit will fare better than a flexible conduit.

If you are installing wires in your home and if you are considering the use of flexible conduits, it is worthwhile to know the different types you can choose from.

Flexible metallic conduits or FMCs are often used in commercial buildings. This conduit is specifically used in areas where it is not possible to use a rigid conduit. It can provide ample strength and protection with the added benefit of flexibility. However, this conduit is not waterproof and requires the use of a specialized tool in order to cut through it.

Liquid tight flexible metal conduits or LFMCs are used to cover cables which need both flexibility and protection from moisture. This conduit has a waterproof jacket which means that it can be used in a variety of applications, including those that involve exposure to hazardous areas.

Flexible metallic tubings or FMTs are probably the most popular flexible conduits among DIYers because these can be easily bent and can pass through walls effortlessly. However, due to their lack of waterproof protecting jackets, they are not suitable for areas which are prone to moisture.

The final type of flexible conduit that you need to know about is the liquid tight flexible non-metallic conduit or LNFC. This type of conduit is available in several varieties, including those that have waterproof jackets and those that are flame-resistant.

But before you purchase any of these conduits, you should perform the necessary research in order to know the appropriate conduit to your specific application. This will help ensure safety and eliminate the need to re-do your work. After that, make sure to check the building and electrical codes enforced in your area. These codes specify the appropriate type of conduit to use in a specific application. You may also want a building inspector to check on your project before beginning it. Upon completion of your project, enlist the aid of experts to check whether your final output complies with local regulations and recognized safety standards.