Eland Cables | The latest entries in our Cable Genius Blog

Have you met your 17th Edition Guardian Cable angel?

2008-05-20 11:04:28

Hospitals fear one type of holiday over all others: the Bank Holiday. This has little to do with the number of sporting events and a lot to do with the tool kits and flat-pack shelving units that, having gathered dust for the winter months, are now top of the agenda. Thankfully, legislation such as Part P � introduced in 2004 � ensures fewer wannabe DIY experts end up in A&E as a result of previously acceptable electrical installations. But it seems that, up until now, there has been little to stop over-zealous home improvers electrocuting themselves by picking up a nail and hammering into an electrical cable. By the inevitable August home improvement wave, however, A&E departments should start to look even emptier thanks to the IET and its latest edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations. The IET plays a key role in electrical industry by setting important safety standards in terms and the 17th Edition, which comes into effect in July, looks to build on this even further. One of the key changes in the new regulations concerns Clause 522.6.6, which looks at the protection of cables from impact. From 1 July 2008, those concealing cable in a wall or partition at a depth of less than 50mm, will be required to use a more robust cable that satisfies certain standards and will pass a nail penetration test.What should I do next?Eland Cables knows just how much change can impact on a company’s business. We are here to ensure the only obstacle created by these new wiring regulations is an aluminium one � which means that in the event of nail penetration it will trip out the circuit breaker, thus minimising risk of injury to the end-user. The IDH Guardian� Cable is just that. It is a mechanically protected 600/1000V LSZH fixed wiring cable that is manufactured in accordance with the British Standard BS8436 (see pdf for more detailed information about standards). It is an aluminium screened cable that offers impact resistance, nail penetration safety features and reduced EMC. And the great thing is, by selecting a Guardian� Cable to help with your installation, you are not just satisfying certain criteria. You are choosing a user-friendly solution that is lightweight, includes the latest technology (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) and is quick and easy to fit � perfect for keeping those installation costs to a minimum.Find out more about IDH Guardian� Cable here.

H07RNF Cable and H07BN4F Cable will wire you for the sound of summer

2008-05-13 16:45:01

Longer days, the odd glimmer of sunshine � not to mention the desire to squeeze into the shorts that no longer fit � can mean only one thing, summer is finally here. It won’t be long before every patch of grass across the world is covered with a marquee, stage or ice cream van, waiting to kick-off a season of outdoor weddings, sporting events, theatrical productions and music festivals. And it certainly won’t be long before everyone � from the crowds, bands and backstage crews to the wedding DJs and over-excited guests � starts heading for the fields in the hope that, for just one day, the soundtrack to their summer is not interrupted. Behind every great event is a trail of hard-wearing cable. Choosing the right cable for your outdoor occasion can mean the difference between a great day out and a waste of time. Would Glastonbury revellers camp in a field for four days if it were just about getting caked in mud? (A festival without resilient lighting and sound systems is not really a festival.) And would the bride and groom really be as keen to take to the floor with a first dance without the cheesy music or mood lighting? I think not. Wherever you are in the world, outdoor events mean unpredictable weather, extremes of temperature, exposure to sunlight and lots of feet. For a cable to do the hard work under these conditions it needs to be robust, flexible, and resistant to sunlight, cold and excessive trampling.At Eland Cables we’ve got just the thing � heavy-duty Rubber Trailing Cables. If you’re looking for a suitable cable to supply temporary power to audio-visual and lighting systems together with on site electrical distribution equipment, we suggest H07RNF Cable. Its Ethylene Propylene Rubber insulation, Polychloroprene sheath and Class 5 flexible plain copper conductor ensures that even in the most stressful of working environments, it won’t let you down. When using cable in particular to connect pumps and generators, we can also offer H07BN4F (6381TQ) Cable in addition to HO7RNF cable. With flexible copper conductors, Ethylene Propylene Rubber insulation and an oil resistant and flame retardant sheath it’s an ideal cable to brave the elements and help you dance the night away.With so much to organise ahead of the big event, getting the right cable early on will certainly give you one less thing to worry about.Let Eland Cables help you welcome in the summer in style. To find out more about the types of rubber trailing cables call us on 020 7241 8787.

Switched on to Coaxial Cable

2008-04-29 10:43:00

A life without Coaxial Cable, is a life without entertainment. Why, you ask? Well, for many of us, it’s the reason we can watch the latest football match or simply relax with the latest episode of Lost or with the sound of Wentworth Miller planning another prison break. It’s the reason the unmissable is now unmissable � with You Tube and internet playback channels. And it’s also the reason why, wherever we are, we always seem to have some way to communicate.Whether it’s through radio, telecoms or TV, if you are looking to transmit even high-frequency data, a Coaxial Cable is the way to do it. In simple terms, the cable consists of an inner conductor (solid wire or stranded), an insulating layer, a grounded shield (usually of braided wire) and a protective outer layer, often PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). The conductor and the shield share the same axis (hence the name Coaxial) and the signal is usually carried between them. The shield is important in minimising the energy released from the signal and helping prevent interference from other electromagnetic fields.No two Coaxial Cables are the same so it is vital to note the differences. Choice of conductor, the size of the conductor, the type of insulation and shielding materials can all affect the performance of the cable (such as loss of data and signal strength). And certain types are better for some jobs than others. There is also a variation in price, so research in the early stages can make all the difference to overall project costs. We, at Eland Cables, supply three ranges to help you make the right decision. RG, URM, and Composite Cables use a variety of conductors � from TCW (Tinned Copper Wire) in the RG11, to CCS (Copper Clad Steel) in the RG59 cables. They have an impedance of between 50 and 75ohms and a capacitance of up to 100pF/m, and are useful for low loss video and video signal connections. BT3002 and RA7000 cables have been manufactured to BT specifications, and are suitable for the interconnecting of data and telecoms equipment. These white cables have a solid copper conductor (although in the case of the BT Cable a number of cores), PE (Polyethylene) insulation, two screens (or shields) of braided tinned copper wire (and bonded aluminium in the case of the RA7000) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) sheaths. With an impedance of 75ohms and a capacitance of between 57 and 70pF/m they can carry more data than standard telephone wire and are less likely to suffer from interference. Finally, the CT range of Coaxial Cable (read more about CT type Coaxial Cable here) has been designed with professional TV and CCTV systems in mind. It uses a solid copper conductor and foam or Cell Polyethylene insulation, and is wrapped in two shields of copper (one braided and one with overlapping copper tape) before being covered in a range of different materials � from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) to PE (Polyethylene) and LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen). This type of cable has a capacitance of between 52 and 58pF/m and an impedance of 75ohms.With so much to choose from, Eland is here to help you get it right. To find out more about the individual cables and what they can do for your communications visit: www.eland.co.uk/electrical-cables/coaxial

CT Cable - which cable is right for me?

2008-04-28 12:00:00

Choosing the right cable for the job is like finding the perfect partner. Make the wrong choice and it won’t take long before a fuzzy picture, interrupted broadcasts and broken conversations make the relationship start to look a little rocky.Once you’ve decided which range of coaxial cable fits the needs of your company (CT, BT/RA or RG/URM/Composite), it is worth spending the time to investigate the different types of cable available to you. For those looking to install commercial TV and CCTV systems � including digital satellite, terrestrial and Cable TV � the CT range of coaxial cable is the most suitable. If you are trying to decide between the CT100, CT125, CT167 and CT233, it is worth noting that all these cables have an impedance of 75ohms, a capacitance of around 52pF/m (up to 58pF/m for the CT167) and a velocity rating of between 80 and 82%. This would seem to suggest that there really isn’t that much to separate the cables in question. The difference, however, concerns the central conductor, which carries the signal. The size of the conductor affects the amount of DC resistance in the cable � the larger the conductor, the lower the resistance. (The CT conductors vary from 1.0mm to 2.33mm in diameter.) Cables such as the CT233 make it easier to transmit data over a longer distance � with better clarity � or carry more data across the same distance. The thicker conductor makes the cable less flexible and harder to work with, but is a cable less susceptible to interference. To discuss the options available to you, please contact our sales team on sales@eland.co.uk or 020 7241 8787.

An introduction to Harmonised Cables

2008-03-17 12:42:29

Talking in code is only ever effective when the person with whom you are communicating knows how to read it. In the field of cable, this means using a common coding system that clearly indicates � wherever you are in Europe � to what specification and standard a cable has been manufactured. Sounds simple, but before the 1980s � when cable testing and manufacturing equipment was developed in relative isolation across the world � it was anything but. Thanks to the harmonised approach of CENELEC (the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation), however, a single system of code designation for power cables enables companies to make informed decisions about their cable purchases. The system, published in harmonisation document HD 361 and DIN VDE 0292, has helped cut compliance costs and guarantee safety and consistent quality for companies fulfilling contracts across the continent. In much the same way as the standardised colour coding system introduced back in 2004, these harmonised codes have worked to eliminate trade barriers and drive the single European market. Buying the right cable for the right European contract has never been easier � one specification, one code.Cracking the cable codeThe code used to identify specific cables in the harmonised system can be broken down into three parts. The first part indicates whether or not the cable in question fully complies with the common rules laid down by CENELEC and the nominal voltage. The second part looks in more detail at the cable design � insulating and sheathing materials, design features and type of conductor. And the third and final part identifies the number of cores and the nominal cross section(s) of conductors. Here are a few examples of the code in practice:H07RN-F � Voltage Rating: 450/750V; Insulation: EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber); Sheath: PCP (Polychloroprene); Conductor form: flexible (CLASS 5) conductorH07BN4-F � Voltage Rating: 450/750V; Insulation: Ethylene-propylene rubber; Sheath: HOFR CSP (Heat & Oil Resistant & Flame Retardant Chlorosulphonated Polyethylene); Conductor form: flexible (CLASS 5) conductor H01N2-D � Voltage Rating: 100V; Insulation: Special polychloroprene compound, HOFR Conductor form: flexible conductor for use in arc welding cables H05Z-K � Voltage Rating: 300/500V; Insulation: Polyolefin-based cross-linked compound LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen); Conductor form: flexible conductor for fixed installationsH07V-R � Voltage Rating: 450/750; Insulation: PVC Conductor form: rigid, round conductor, strandedPart 1 of the Designation Symbol Relationship of Cable to Standards H Cable conforming with harmonised standards A Recognised National Type of cable listed in the relevant Supplement to harmonised standards Symbol Value, Uo/U 01 =100/100V; (<300/300V) 03 300/300V 05 300/500V 07 450/750V Part 2 of the Designation Symbol Material B Ethylene-propylene rubber G Ethylene-vinyl-acetate J Glass-fibre braid M Mineral N Polychloroprene (or equivalent material) N2 Special polychloroprene compound for covering of welding cables according to HD 22.6 N4 Chlorosulfonated polyethylene or chlorinated polyethylene N8 Special water resistant polychloroprene compound Q Polyurethane Q4 Polyamide R Ordinary ethylene propylene rubber or equivalent synthetic elastomer for a continuous operating temperature of 60�C S Silicone rubber T Textile braid, impregnated or not, on assembled cores T6 Textile braid, impregnated or not, on individual cores of a multi-core cable V Ordinary PVC V2 PVC compound for a continuous operating temperature of 90�C V3 PVC compound for cables installed at low temperature V4 Cross-linked PVC V5 Special oil resistant PVC compound Z Polyolefin-based cross-linked compound having low level of emission of corrosive gases and which is suitable for use in cables which, when burned, have low emission of smoke Z1 Polyolefin-based thermoplastic compound having low level of emission of corrosive gases and which is suitable for use in cables which, when burned, have low emission of smoke Symbol Sheath, concentric conductors and screens C Concentric copper conductor C4 Copper screen as braid over the assembled cores Symbol Sheath, concentric conductors and screens D Strain-bearing element consisting of one or more textile components, placed at the centre of a round cable or tributed inside a flat cable D5 Central heart (non strain-bearing for lift cables only) D9 Strain-bearing element consisting of one or more metallic components, placed at the centre of a round cable or distributed inside a flat cable Symbol Special construction No Symbol Circular construction of cable H Flat construction of “divisible” cables and cores, either sheathed or non-sheathed H2 Flat construction of “non-divisible” cables and cores H6 Flat cable having three or more cores, according to DH 359 or EN 50214 H7 Cable having a double layer insulation applied by extrusion H8 Extensible lead Symbol Conductor material No Symbol Copper -A Aluminium Symbol Conductor form -D Flexible conductor for use in arc welding cables to HD 22Part 6 (flexibilty different from Class 5 of HD 383) -E Highly flexible conductor for use in arc welding cables to HD22 Part 6 (flexibility different from Class 6 of HD 383) -F Flexible conductor of a flexible cable or cord (flexibility according to Class 5 of HD 383) -H Highly flexible conductor of a flexible cable or cord (flexibility according to Class 6 of HD 383) -K Flexible conductor of a cable for fixed installations (unless otherwise specified, flexibility according to Class 5 of HD 383) -R Rigid, round conductor, stranded -U Rigid round conductor, solid -Y Tinsel conductor Part 3 of the Designation Symbol Number and size of conductors (number) Number, n of cores X Times, where a green/yellow core is not included G Times, when a green/yellow core is included (number) Nominal cross-section, s, of conductor in mm� Y For a tinsel conductor where the cross-section is not specified

What is a Spike Test?

2007-11-20 14:25:55

Eland Cables recently performed this test on samples of 33kV cable at the independent CESI facility in Milan. A Spike Test is a test specifically designed to prove that the screen of a cable can withstand a full specified fault current for a period of no less than 3 seconds. It simulates the accidental “spiking” of a live cable installation and ensures that the circuit protection will operate and the circuit fails to safety.The cable was successfully tested at 3KiloAmps in 3 seconds.Further tests were carried out at 4.5KiloAmps and 6KiloAmps to investigate the limitations of the cable design. Impressively all samples also passed at these high levels of electrical current.All cables passed each test the first time.Watch Video

RoHS and WEEE defined

2007-08-20 14:30:09

RoHS stands for The Restriction of the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and is a directive which came into effect on 1st July 2006.WEEE stands for the Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive (2002/96/EC).The RoHS Regulations implement the provisions of the European Parliament and Council directive on the Restrictions of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (2002/95/EC).This is to:� protect human health and the environment� complement the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive (2002/96/EC).Eland Cables’ solutionAlthough there is no general requirement for cables to comply with the RoHS directive Eland Cables is aware that many customers are involved in the manufacture of products which need to be RoHS compliant. In view of this, we have been working with our suppliers and have identified a range of cables which meet the requirements of the directives.Download Eland Cables Declaration of RoHS Conformity as a pdfWho needs to comply?The RoHS directive places the responsibility for Electrical or Electronic Equipment compliance on the producer of the Electrical or Electronic Equipment. It is the producer who must determine whether its product is Electrical or Electronic Equipment under the directives, and, if so, ensure its compliance.Cables classed as components on their own have general requirement to comply with either WEEE or RoHS.

LAN Cables - defining Cat5, Cat5E and Cat6 Cables

2007-08-20 14:04:51

Category 5 Cable (UTP) (Unshielded Twisted Pair)A multipair (usually 4 pair) high performance cable that consists of twisted pair conductors, used mainly for data transmission. Note: The twisting of the pairs gives the cable a certain amount of immunity from the infiltration of unwanted interference. Basic cat 5 cable was designed for characteristics of up to 100 MHz. Category 5 cable is typically used for Ethernet networks running at 10 or 100 Mbps.Category 5 E Cable (enhanced)Same as Category 5, except that it is made to somewhat more stringent standards. Category 5 E is recommended for all new installations, and was designed for transmission speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gigabit Ethernet).Category 6Same as Category 5 E, except that it is made to a higher standard. Category 5 Cable (SCTP) (Screened Twisted Pair)Same as above, except that the twisted pairs are given additional protection from unwanted interference by an overall shield. There is some controversy concerning which is the better system (UTP or SCTP). Category 5 SCTP cabling systems require all components to maintain the shield, and are used almost exclusively in European countries.

Flexible Cables - why are some cables more flexible than others?

2007-08-20 14:02:01

Different applications require different amounts of flexibility, the conductors within a cable , together with the insulation/sheathing material used, will dictate how rigid or flexible the cable is. Conductors are classed to indicate the degree of flexibility:Class 1: single wire rigidClass 2: stranded rigidClass 5: flexible (fine wires)Class 6: super flexible

Tri-rated - the origin of the term

2007-08-20 14:00:46

Tri-rated cable conforms to three different standards. These standards are: 1. BS6231 Type CK Conforms2. UL Subject 758 Appliance Wiring Materials (AWM) for styles 1015 1028 1283 and 1284 as applicable and3. Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved. Complies with standard C22.2 No.127 Type TEW