Press releasePM 2311-EU
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The green card for cables
650 different NFPA 79-2012 compliant cables for moving applications
igus GmbH, Cologne, offers a complete NFPA compliant program of control, bus, motor, servo and measuring system cables with more than 650 versions from stock. The cables from the “chainflex“ product family completely conforms to the 79-2012 standard (Chapter 12.9) of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). With this, mechanical engineers and users can, in particular for energy chains and the North American market- use these specifically designed cables for moving applications without the need to make a compromise in relation to durability or certifications.
Cables that can be used without restriction
The NFPA standard defines which „special cables and conductors“ can be used in an industrial environment. Before the update in 2012 AWM cables (Appliance Wiring Material) were not allowed according to the NFPA 79-2007 standard. Nevertheless AWM cables have been used for years in many different applications in the industry. Especially in high-dynamic applications, for example in energy chains, NFPA 79-2007 compliant cables did not correspond with the demands in relation to duration and safety – thus the need for action. The technical committee of the NFPA realized the necessity for an approval of AWM cables under specific conditions and the compliance with the fire classification VW-1 or FT-2. The result is the update NFPA 79-2012 which gives mechanical engineers more freedom regarding use of cables that are specifically designed for continuously dynamic applications.
UL 758 standard for the safety of AWM
The Underwriters Laboratory publishes the AWM standard. The UL originally published the AWM standard to be able to check and standardize cables that are listed in UL systems. To manufacture cables and wires conforming to standards, such specifications need to be fulfilled. More importantly, there are specific regulations for the type of shielding, temperature ranges, tension, build-up, material class, section thickness and the general architecture of a cable. Even the allowed field of application is defined. The different defined norms on the so-called “specification sheets” allow designers to properly plan the entire cable spectrum – from small single conductors up to large power and control cables.
Two billion test cycles per year
In the company-owned technical centre of more than 1,000 m2, igus puts its “chainflex” cables designed for a moving application in energy chains through a tough life test program. of around two billion test cycles annually. This guarantees that the cables aren’t only perfect for the respective application; they also comply with international standards such as NFPA 79-2012 and UL 758 without problems.
Picture PM2311-01: igus GmbH, Cologne
In “case of emergency” when exporting to North America: more than 650 different NFPA 79-2012 conformable “chainflex” control, bus, motor, servo and measuring system cables - from stock.
Picture PM2311-02: igus GmbH, Cologne
Tested, tested, tested: “chainflex” cables annually run through two billion test cycles on the igus technical centre with more than 1,000 m2 laboratory area.
CONTACT:igus® GmbH
Spicher Str. 1a
D-51147 Köln
Phone+49-22 03 / 96 49-0
Fax+49-22 03 / 96 49-222
/ The terms “igus, chainflex, readycable, easychain, e-chain, e-chainsystems, energy chain, energy chain system, flizz, readychain, triflex, twisterchain, invis, drylin, iglidur, igubal, xiros, xirodur, plastics for longer life, manus, vector“ are legally protected trademarks in the Federal Republic of Germany and, where applicable, in some foreign countries.
PRESS CONTACT:
Jörg Landgraf
Corporate Communication
igus GmbH
Spicher Str. 1a
D-51147 Köln
Phone +49 (0) 22 03 / 96 49 - 459
Fax+49 (0) 22 03 / 96 49 - 631
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