History and Development of Cable Entry Systems
– Machines and switch cabinets were wired using heavy-duty industrial connectors in the 50s.
– Cost pressure led engineers to search for cost-effective solutions and reduce miswiring risks.
– In the 90s, cable entry systems were developed as an alternative to heavy-duty industrial connectors and cable glands.
– Cable entry systems allowed for routing cables through machine, panel, or enclosure walls.
– They protected the inside of enclosures or machines from dirt, dust, or liquids.
Cable Entry Systems for Cables without Connectors
– Cable glands, self-sealing grommets, or gland plates can be used to seal cut-outs for passing cables through.
– They protect enclosures or machines from dirt, dust, or liquids.
– Gland plates allow for routing multiple cables with different diameters.
– High cable densities and ingress protection classes up to IP66/IP68 can be achieved.
– Membrane-based cable entry plates are available for hygiene critical environments, with smooth surfaces and FDA compliant material.
Split Cable Entry Systems for Cables with Connectors
– Split cable entry systems were developed for routing cables with pre-assembled connectors.
– The divisibility of these systems preserves the warranty on pre-terminated cables.
– Assembly can be done subsequently as the split cable entries are built around existing lines.
– Split cable entry systems consist of a split hard frame and one or several split sealing grommets.
– They provide strain relief and ingress protection up to IP66/IP68.
Frame Sizes and Standards
– Cable entries are offered in different sizes, often based on cut-out dimensions and drilling templates for standard industrial connectors.
– Round cable entry plates are produced in metric standard sizes (M16 – M63).
– Compliance with standards like IP rating, UL recognition, DNV-GL listing, railway standards, or ATEX certifications is crucial.
– Cable entry systems are used in various applications.
– Compliance with standards enables their use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
References and External Links
– Understanding the IP (Ingress Protection) Ratings
– BS EN 50262:1999 Cable glands for electrical installations
– Licensed Master Electrician (Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cable_entry_system&oldid=1162952695)
– Category: Electrical systems Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_entry_system
Cable entry systems are used for routing electrical cables, corrugated conduits or pneumatic and hydraulic hoses into switch cabinets, electrical enclosures, control panels and machines or in large heavy-duty vehicles, rolling stock and ships. Possible requirements can be high ingress protection rates or integrated strain relief.
It is being differentiated between entry systems for routeing standard cables (without connectors) with a high packing density and split cable entry systems which enable routeing of pre-terminated cables (with connectors) or complete cable harnesses.
