Cable Lab Speeds Product Development

When we create new cable technologies, testing has traditionally been one of the biggest bottlenecks in the development process. Even the most minor change to cable materials or structures require a battery of time-consuming tests to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Over the last year, we have eliminated that bottleneck by establishing a comprehensive test lab that allows us to perform Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and related tests in our Florham Park facility.

Certified under the UL Client test Data Program, the lab can handle all the required safety testing:

• Mechanical testing includes tensile tests for UL 1581 and ASTM D-412, direct burial and crush tests for UL 1277, and exposed run impact tests for UL 1277.

• Environmental testing includes air-oven aging and oil resistance tests for UL 62 and UL 1581 compliance.

• Low temperature testing equipment consists of cold impact and cold bend tests required by UL 1581, UL 1277 and UL 444.

•  Electrical testing includes insulation resistance tests for UL 83 and UL 1581 as well as DC resistance bridge testing for UL 1581 and UL 1277. 

• Flame testing chambers allow testing for UL 1581, ULVW-1 and UL Horizontal Flame standards.

More Thank UL Testing

Our testing lab goes well beyond the tests needed to satisfy UL requirements. We routinely perform additional testing to support Lapp's proprietary quality and electrical safety standards, some of which address gaps in industry standards. This extra testing requires equipment that is non-standard in cable labs in North America.

Among the unique test cells we operate is large continuous flex machine developed by the Lapp Group in Germany. Measuring 10 meters long, it tests the durability of cable within an energy chain under different duty cycles and bend radii.

Another test machine not normally seen in North American cable development labs is a video microscope that allows us to take precise measurements of the thickness, diameter and concentricity of a cable wires, insulation and jacketing. This dimensional data is used on a daily basis to validate to consistency of our manufacturing processes.

Finally, even some of our "standard" equipment is more advanced than usual. To take two examples, our low temperature impact and crush test cells feature a level of automation that sets them apart from the manual machines normally used for these tests.

Our North American testing lab, which has been operating for over a year, required a major investment. But the lab is already paying dividends for our customers. By bringing the testing in house, jest steps away from our manufacturing lines.


Click here to learn more about our testing capabilities.

Common Electrical Compliance Questions

With UL requirements and NFPA standards each holding  sway over different aspects of electrical compliance, it’s always been tough to figure out whether your cable choices  will pass regulatory muster.

The job of picking compliant cables recently became even  tougher. A new version of NFPA 79, the main standard governing the electrical safety of industrial machines,  drastically changes the compliance picture. To read more about the changes and how they’ll affect your cable  selection practices, download our new technical paper on NFPA 79 compliance. And check out the following answers to your most commonly asked compliance questions:

is  NFPA a law?

No. NFPA–79 is the key electrical safety standard accepted by machine builders, installers and buyers in the United States.

Does a machine have to comply with NFPA79?

In most  cases, yes. The need for NFPA compliance ultimately depends on the application details and whether the machine is being installed in a building. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to comply with NFPA 79 to maximize safety and avoid the potential for litigation.

Will machine builders and buyers standardize on the new edition of NFPA79?

Yes. Concerns about safety and liability issues will force compliance with the new 2012 edition of the NFPA standard. Buyers of industrial equipment are unlikely to purchase non-compliant machines that could increase the potential for litigation.

Who decides which cables can be installed in the field?

Engineers may assume that UL dictates cable choice, but the real authority falls with electrical inspectors who determine compliance with the National Electrical Code. UL, however, does control the electrical, physical and environmental testing requirements and approvals that, in practice, determine cable usage in the field

are UL listed cables always allowable for use on a machine?

Not necessarily. There are machines that use UL listed cordage incorrectly. For example, some listed cables are only intended for temporary applications. Other listed cables may not meet the minimum stranding requirements needed for NFPA 79 compliance.

What’s special about MTW approval?

Machine Tool Wire (MTW) approval requires that the cable be flexible and offer a high degree of mechanical durability. These characteristics allow it to perform under the challenging conditions surrounding industrial machines.

Are all MTW cables oil resistant?

Yes, all compliant  MTW cables minimally meet the requirements of the UL Oil Res I test. For applications requiring a more severe exposure, the more rigorous Oil Res II test is also a permitted option.

Can I run MTW cable into building infrastructure?

No, not unless it is dual marked with the appropriate UL Listing. Cables marked “TC” offer the high flammability

rating needed for installation in building infrastructure. The MTW requirements alone mandate that a cable only meet a minimal flame test known as VW–1.

Can cables be left exposed when going from the machine to the cable tray?

In most cases, no. Cables designed for exposed runs must have a “TC-ER” approval

Call us today for all your wire & cable project needs

Toll free: 800-774-3539

Web: http://lappusa.lappgroup.com

Email: sales@lappusa.com

Communication & Control Cables suited for stationary wiring applications.

Communication & Control Cables suited for stationary wiring applications. 

The C304 and D304 Series cables feature flame resistance and UL & CSA, CMG, and AWM approvals to route the cable from the machine through the industrial infrastructure directly to the control panel. Shielded versions are available for EMI sensitive signal, audio, instrumentation, and broadcast applications. 

C 304 - Unshielded

C 304 S - Shielded

D 304 IS

D 304 OS

In the right application, the 304 Series will cost about 30% less than a premium signal and control cable—such as our Unitronic 300. Keep in mind, however, that the cost savings applies only to the price of the cable itself. Higher performing wire products, such as Unitronic 300, will provide a lower installed cost whenever the application calls for oil resistance, high flex cycles or exposed run installation.

Try our comparison tool

http://www.lappusa.com/cable_comparison_tool/

Call 800-774-3539 or email us sales(at)lappusa.com for more information about this product or to order a sample.