Trailing cables serve an important function in operating the mobile machine. We often find them in industrial settings where flexibility and durability are essential. Trailing cables are more resistant to longitudinal bending as well as pulling and abrasion than the ordinary cables. We will also give basic definitions of these trailing cables, as well as their structural features and different fields of application.
what is trailing cable means?
Trailing cables, also known as reel cables, are highly flexible specialty cables designed for use with mobile or frequently moving equipment in industrial and construction environments. The flexible and dependable connection between the power source and mobile equipment is guaranteed by these cables, which are made to resist the mechanical strains of frequent bending, stretching, and coiling. Integrity is maintained even under high acceleration, winding speeds and loads.
Applicable Scenarios
Trailing cables are used in a wide range of industrial applications. They are particularly suitable for installation environments under continuous reciprocating motion. Including automated control systems in production lines, warehousing and logistics equipment, robots, fire-fighting systems, cranes, metallurgical industry and mining and many other industries.
Construction and design of trailing cables
The construction and design of trailing cables are meticulously engineered to withstand the rigorous demands of dynamic applications. Focusing on the structural aspects first:
- Conductor and Strand Configuration: Trailing cables prioritize flexibility and conductivity by using stranded copper conductors that can resist repeated bending fatigue. The number and arrangement of strands are optimized for both electrical efficiency and mechanical resilience.
- Insulation and Shielding: High-quality insulation materials like XLPE or EPR ensure minimal signal loss and protection against electrical interference. Shielding, often metallic, guards against EMI and ensures data integrity, vital in industrial automation and control systems.
- Outer Sheath: A rugged outer jacket, typically made of materials such as PUR or specialized compounds, provides abrasion resistance and environmental protection. This layer is designed to withstand harsh conditions, including chemicals, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical stress.
- Filler: Depending on the number of conductors inside the cable, filler material is configured in the center as well as on both sides to ensure optimal filling in the spaces where each core wire intersects with each other. This design increases the tensile strength of the cable with additional reinforcement.
- Electrical Safety Features: Trailing cables are designed with grounding and safety features to protect against electrical hazards and comply with industry safety standards, such as the Mining WHS Code. Specialized cables may be flame retardant to limit the spread of fire in industrial environments.
What Makes Trailing Cables Essential for Mobile Equipment?
Good flexibility: the trailing chain cable has excellent flexibility and can adapt to various bending and twisting environments.
Strong bending resistance: It is able to withstand frequent bending and movement without being easily damaged.
Wear-resistant: It is made of special materials, with excellent wear-resistant performance.
Anti-stretching: It can withstand a certain degree of tension, not easy to be pulled off.
Enhanced safety: The use of trailing cables avoids loose and tangled cables and reduces safety hazards in the production process.
Note on use and maintenance
Proper maintenance and care of trailing cables ensures long life and safe operation. So which are our primary concerns?
Arrangement
The cables should be loosely laid side by side in the drag chain, as far as possible, arranged separately to avoid mutual contact or trapped together.
Regular Inspections
We need to detect any signs of wear as early as possible to prevent potential failures. Check for visible damage such as cuts, frayed or exposed wires. Check for any unusual stiffness or brittleness in the cable. These are signs that the cable may need to be repaired or replaced.
Bending radius
It is important to pay attention to the minimum bending radius of the cable to avoid damage caused by excessive bending.
Preventive Measures
Take precautions to maintain the integrity of your cables. Use protective covers in high-traffic areas to minimize wear and tear. Ensure that cables are not twisted or kinked during operation.
Proper storage
It is important to store trailing cables properly when not in use. This practice helps avoid unnecessary damage. Store cables in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of the cable. These precautions will prevent physical damage and performance degradation of the cable over time. Coil cables neatly without bending them. Use cable reels or hooks to keep cables neat. Label each cable for easy identification. These best practices increase storage efficiency and reduce the risk of damage.
As a highly flexible, abrasion-resistant and bend-resistant special cable, trailing cable plays an important role in industrial automation and mechanical equipment. Proper selection and management prevent hazards and enhance operational efficiency. Always follow the above guidelines to maintain safety standards. We need to select the appropriate cable type and material according to the actual use of the environment, ZW cable can be customized according to customer requirements of the trailing cable. For trailing cable specifications and sizes, please feel free to contact our representatives!
