White Paper

Recommendations for Industrial Ethernet Cables

In industrial Ethernet applications, components must be more durable and resistant to environmental effects than standard commercial components. The wide diversity that exists among industrial environments has necessitated the development of products that are customized to ensure performance in very specific conditions. Rather than being designed for all possible stressors, the products are designed to perform very well against those expected to be present.

This paper will explore the stressors that make up the environmental levels in MICE and how they apply to copper Industrial Ethernet cables. It will also present test results and make recommendations for solutions in each of these environments.

EXCERPT: Mechanical Stressors

Mechanical stressors predominantly revolve around motion and durability. Stronger, tougher, and more durable cables are not necessarily best for motion and flexibility. Durability requirements encourage a rigid design, while flexibility requirements encourage a soft design. It is important to evaluate each mechanical stressor as it relates to your specific installation environment.

Bending, Flexing, and Torsion
In comparison to commercial cables, which are rarely moved after installation, industrial cables may be attached to equipment that must move frequently. High-flex-life cables are designed with key features for survival. Conductors are formed from stranding together smaller, more flexible wires. The stranding allows for bending and turning without putting stress and strain on the copper. The insulation and jacket materials are specifically chosen for flexibility. More rigid materials would wear out, crack, and crumble under repeated stress. High-flex-life materials maintain their consistency throughout millions of flex cycles.

There are several tests designed for flexibility and flexing lifetime of products. Drag chain, tick tock, and similar tests can determine the expected survival time of a product put under motion stress.