Today’s manufacturing and processing operations are largely controlled and measured by electronic circuitry. To ensure accuracy and great control, interconnecting cables have to be reliable and durable. Cable Distribution Services’ instrumentation cables are designed and manufactured to ensure ease of installation, minimum interference in transmission of signals and full compliance to recognised industrial and Australian standards.
Instrumentation Cable Applications
Instrumentation cables have very diverse applications in process control when protection from interference to the transmission signal by other electrical circuits is essential. These cables are designed for use in communication and instrumentation applications in and around processing industries like mining, oil and gas, steel, power generation and manufacturing. Cables made to specific rigid requirements are utilized in process controls, transmission of signals, computers, control systems and monitor networks as well as in intrinsically safe systems in hazardous areas like petrochemical plants and power plants. Intrinsically safe instrumentation cables are available as an option with a blue outer sheath designed to meet AS 2380.7 & AS2381.7.
Australian Standards
Instrumentation cables in Australia are designed to meet a number of standards including: Conductors to AS/NZS 1125, Insulation and Sheathing Materials to AS/NZS 3808 & Australian standard AS/ACIF S008. Additional certification is available for Intrinsically Safe circuits to AS 2380.7 & AS 2381.7 & Fire retardant to IEC 60332-3 Category A and/or IEC 60332-1.
When ordering instrumentation cables, there are a number of options to consider:
- Conductor size and number of pairs or triads
- Insulation: Standard insulation is PVC, however XLPE insulation can be made to order if required.
- Screening requirements: Overall screening (OAS) provides shielding from outside interference. Individual and Overall Screening (IOAS) offers improved signal shielding with each unit in the cable is shielded from signals on other elements within the cable, followed by an overall screen to protect from external sources. Additional screening such as a Tinned Copper Wire Braid is also available.
- Mechanical protection: Instrumentation cables are traditionally quite robust, however additional steel wire armour (SWA) can be added to protect the cable from additional mechanical stress.
- Nylon Jacketing: If the cable is being installed in an unprotected environment where termites may be present, it is advisable to add a nylon (NY) sheath to the cable for additional protection.
- Outer Sheath: The standard outer sheath is V90 rated PVC, however you may also choose additional sheathing if required: Fire rated sheathing is available for process control safety systems, fire alarms, emergency telemetry and pump and fire sprinklers. A light blue sheath can be requested for intrinsically safe installations. Low Smoke, Zero Halogen outer sheathing is also available when required.
If you require any further information about our range of Instrumentation Cables, please don’t hesitate to contact us.