Why Use VFD Cables? HELUKABEL Answers

Janaury 26, 2023

The current NFPA guidelines require RHH, RHW, RHW-2, XHH, XHHE or XHHW-2 insulation for use inside the motor’s control panel or cabinet, but the expectation is this requirement will move to include cable used in external wiring of VFD applications in the upcoming years

Why Use VFD Cables? VFD cables are a critical component to extend a motor’s life cycle within a VFD system. Three areas where VFD cables set themselves apart from traditional tray-rated power cables are:

1. Address high and low frequency noise issues with proper shielding

Shielding on cables is what prevents systems from interacting with each other. In short, a cable’s shield is its defense against noise. THHN and most generic control/tray cables are constructed using either an aluminum shield or they are unshielded. HELUKABEL’s VFD cables are constructed using either a foil (100% coverage) + tinned copper braid (85% coverage), or a triple shield comprising of a semi-conductive fleece + foil + braid shield (80% coverage). Cables with the proper shielding prevent the VFD system from radiating electrical noise that can interfere with surrounding networking, instrumentation, wireless communication, and industrial devices.

2. Ability to withstand voltage spikes/reflected wave voltage

A cable combats voltage spikes with insulation material and wall thickness. HELUKABEL’s VFD cables use XLPE insulation as its conductor insulation. XLPE has a much lower capacitance (higher corona inception voltage) than THHN and generic control/tray cable which just use PVC. This is particularly important in wet or damp environments as PVC is more susceptible to absorbing moisture, which results in less than half the insulation capability of XLPE. The wall thickness of a VFD cable tends to be thicker allowing it to withstand voltage spikes significantly better.

The current NFPA guidelines require RHH, RHW, RHW-2, XHH, XHHE or XHHW-2 insulation for use inside the motor’s control panel or cabinet, but the expectation is this requirement will move to include cable used in external wiring of VFD applications in the upcoming years.

3. High temperature resistance

A cable’s type of insulation plays a significant role in how it responds to thermal stress. Thermoset insulation won’t melt or drip in higher temperatures like the thermoplastic insulation found in THHN and generic control/tray cables. If thermoplastic insulation is used, you run the risk that it will melt, drip, or simply deform, which reduces the insulation properties, and can cause damage to critical and expensive equipment/machinery.

UL/CSA VFD Cable Products

TOPFLEX®

 TOPFLEX® 600 VFD

XLPE Insulation, EMC-preferred Type, Flexible Motor Power Supply Cable, Oil-resistant, NFPA 79 Ch. 4

 TOPFLEX® 650 VFD

XLPE Insulation, EMC-preferred Type, Flexible Motor Power Supply w/ Control Conductors, Oil-resistant, NFPA 79 Ch. 4

 TOPFLEX® 1000 VFD

XLPE Insulation, EMC-preferred Type, Flexible Motor Power Supply w/ 3 Symmetrical Ground Conductors, Oil-resistant, NFPA 79 Ch. 4

TOPSERV®

 TOPSERV® 600 VFD

XLPE Insulation, EMC-preferred Type, Highly Flexible Motor Power Supply Cable, Oil-resistant, NFPA 79 Ch. 4

 TOPSERV® 650 VFD

XLPE Insulation, EMC-preferred Type, Highly Flexible Motor Power Supply w/ Control Conductors, Oil-resistant, NFPA 79 Ch. 4

Complete Your Cable System

EMC glands improve VFD cable perfromance and protect your equipment from the harmful effects of electromagnetic interference

Further enhance your electric motor’s lifespan by using EMC glands to protect your equipment from electromagnetic interference. EMC glands perform a key function in EMC protection by deflecting electromagnetic waves over the housing surface at a critical transition point – entry into the enclosure – in order to protect the exposed cables inside.

Thanks to their enlarged contact surfaces, EMC cable glands improve conductivity between the cable shield and gland on the enclosure housing. With their copper beryllium contact system, products such as the HELUTOP®  MS-EP and  MS-EP4 ensure excellent shielding attenuation and current dissipation. Contact is made automatically when the gland is tightened, and the polyamide PA 6 insert provides perfect strain relief.

Put to the Ultimate Test Cables and wires in industrial robots and other moving machine parts are often required to withstand extreme stresses caused by torsion. Find out how HELUKABEL puts their cables to the ultimate test. Read Part 1: Torsion Tests by HELUKABEL

Related Articles

Functionality and Applications of Contactors
|

Functionality and Applications of Contactors

Contactors play a crucial role in electrical circuit systems, allowing for effective control and management of electrical power. This blog post delves into the basics of contactors, their applications, and how they operate in electrical circuits. What is a contactor? A contactor is an electrically controlled switching device, designed for repeatedly opening and closing circuits. They are predominantly used in high current-carrying applications, distinguishing them from standard relays that function similarly but in low current scenarios.

New Simulation Training Offering Helps Fill the Manufacturing Skills Gap and the Need for More Advanced CNC Machine Tool Operators

New Simulation Training Offering Helps Fill the Manufacturing Skills Gap and the Need for More Advanced CNC Machine Tool Operators

FANUC America’s popular Machining Simulation for Workforce Development provides virtual training for controls operation and part programming. To help solve the shortage of 5-axis machining operators, the new 5-axis training simulation addition allows users to learn how to setup and work with three common advanced 5-axis milling machines: mixed type, tool type and table type. A 3-axis mill and a 2-axis lathe are also provided for maximum configuration flexibility.

 

 

 

M12 Cables: Enhancing Connectivity Across Industries
| |

M12 Cables: Enhancing Connectivity Across Industries

Delivery, reliability, and selection; are three criteria that best describe Proax’s commitment to offering optimal options for in-stock connectivity. In partnership with Phoenix Contact, customers can expect a large range of solutions designed for the safe transmission of signals and power. M12 cables are a type of circular connectors commonly used in industrial automation, ethernet networking, fieldbus communications, and power transmission. With their circular shape (12mm diameter), the cables are appropriately named for their size and can be used in varying configurations, depending on the application requirements.

Consider The OEM Your Machine Tool Service and Support Specialist

Consider The OEM Your Machine Tool Service and Support Specialist

When it comes to service and support from third-party suppliers, the phrase “jack of all trades and master of none” sums up the situation in some instances. While many third-party machine service and repair companies are quite capable, they typically work on a myriad of machine types and brands and aren’t always as well versed on the nuances of a particular model/brand as are the machine’s OEM.

Changing Scene

Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.

ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More

Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More

Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More

JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More

Latest Articles

  • FANUC’s Laser Solutions: Robotic Precision Unleashed

    FANUC’s Laser Solutions: Robotic Precision Unleashed

    In the dynamic landscape of modern manufacturing, the convergence of collaborative robots (cobots), high performance industrial robots, and cutting-edge laser technology has revolutionized production processes. Among these transformative applications, laser welding stands out as a pivotal solution that seamlessly combines precision, adaptability, and safety. At the forefront of this innovation is FANUC, a global provider… Read More…

  • 7 Top Tips for Cooling IT Equipment

    7 Top Tips for Cooling IT Equipment

    As the world becomes increasingly digitalized, with a growing reliance on high-performing and reliable IT equipment, effective hardware management is essential to facilitate rapid access to large amounts of data and its analytics. The upkeep of IT infrastructure, including maintaining appropriate temperatures, ensures the reliability and security of data and minimizes the risk of system… Read More…