The selection of the right cable or line for transmitting signals on your own machine has essential influence on the device availability. Usually, when determining the instruments of machines and plants, a profound amount of attention is given to deciding on the best sensors.
For example, the user determines which measuring principles are employed for level measurement, which power supply should be provided to the device and which kind of signal transmission should be used. Usually, the cables shown in the wiring schemes as simple connection lines between sensor and SPS are problematic. This poses an interesting paradox in the automation technology ? a sensor is tested for highest demands to make sure it meets certain requirements of the application, whereas a cable is merely seen as a component which supposedly guarantees a reliable connection under all circumstances.
However, cables and connectors pose the most frequent resources of error. This is often where unforeseen prospect of increasing machine availability can be found. During Genuine of research I learned that in a higher two-digit percentage of most cases, renowned cable manufacturers traced back sensor failure on machines to mechanical failure of the cable due to faulty installation, handling and especially because of the choice of an unsuited cable for the specific application. Principally, there is absolutely no patent remedy for determining which cable and which plug connector is best suitable for the application.
For example, flexibility demands for cables found in level probes for level measurement in deep wells aren?t high, whereas the demands on tensile strength and high longitudinal and transverse water tightness are. In level probes, plug connectors are barely ever applied due to the lack of permanent leak tightness. For machine tools which are create in factory buildings, the simplest cable materials with a simple M12 connector are used. In this instance, however, the usage of a suitable cable that permanently withstands ambient conditions such as for example temperature fluctuations and that has resistance against oils and fats can significantly increase the option of your machine.
The usage of cable assemblies with factory pre-assembled connectors also prevents failure risk through improper on-site assembly. It is therefore a fallacy that cables are the same and that any given cable with the sufficient number of wires would work for an application.
In one of my previous articles, I drew up a short overview of the most relevant criteria for choosing cables and connectors. Invest some time in specifying the right cable for the application. Think about the demands your plug link with sensors and PLC must meet. An individually matched wiring concept supplies a measurable increase of the machine availability and higher safety during operation.
Should you need assistance or consulting for specifying the right pressure sensor and associated cable / connector, feel free to contact us.