Category 5 cable

Category 5 cable
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cat5 patch cable

Category 5 cable, commonly known as Cat 5 or "Cable and Telephone", is a twisted pair cable type designed for high signal integrity. Many such cables are unshielded but some are shielded. Category 5 has been superseded by the Category 5e specification. This type of cable is often used in structured cabling for computer networks such as Ethernet, and is also used to carry many other signals such as basic voice services, token ring, and ATM (at up to 155 Mbit/s, over short distances).

Usage and wiring methods

Category 5

The specification for category 5 cable was defined in ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A, with clarification in TSB-95. These documents specified performance characteristics and test requirements for frequencies of up to 100 MHz.
Category 5 cable includes four twisted pairs in a single cable jacket. This use of balanced lines helps preserve a high signal-to-noise ratio despite interference from both external sources and other pairs (this latter form of interference is called crosstalk). It is most commonly used for 100 Mbit/s networks, such as 100BASE-TX Ethernet, although IEEE 802.3ab defines standards for 1000BASE-T - Gigabit Ethernet over category 5 cable. Cat 5 cable typically has three twists per inch of each twisted pair of 24 gauge copper wires within the cable.

Category 5e

Cat 5 e cable is an enhanced version of Cat 5 that adds specifications for far end crosstalk. It was formally defined in 2001 as the TIA/EIA-568-B standard, which no longer recognizes the original Cat 5 specification. Although 1000BASE-T was designed for use with Cat 5 cable, the tighter specifications associated with Cat 5e cable and connectors make it an excellent choice for use with 1000BASE-T. Despite the stricter performance specifications, Cat 5e cable does not enable longer cable distances for Ethernet networks: cables are still limited to a maximum of 100 m (328 ft) in length (normal practice is to limit fixed ("horizontal") cables to 90 m to allow for up to 5 m of patch cable at each end). Cat 5e cable performance characteristics and test methods are defined in TIA/EIA-568-B.2-2001.

Connectors and other information

The cable exists in both stranded and solid conductor forms. The stranded form is more flexible and withstands more bending without breaking and is suited for reliable connections with modular connectors, but makes unreliable connections in insulation-displacement connectors. The solid form is less expensive and makes reliable connections into insulation displacement connectors, but makes unreliable connections in modular connectors. Taking these things into account, building wiring (for example, the wiring inside the wall that connects a wall socket to a central patch panel) is solid core, while patch cables (for example, the movable cable that plugs into the wall socket on one end and a computer on the other) are stranded. Outer insulation is typically PVC or LSOH.
Cable types, connector types and cabling topologies are defined by TIA/EIA-568-B. Nearly always, 8P8C modular connectors, often incorrectly referred to as "RJ-45", are used for connecting category 5 cable. The specific category of cable in use can be identified by the printing on the side of the cable.
The cable is terminated in either the T568A scheme or the T568B scheme. It doesn't make any difference which is used as they are both straight through (pin 1 to 1, pin 2 to 2, etc); however mixed cable types should not be connected in series as the impedance per pair differs slightly and could cause signal degradation. The article Ethernet over twisted pair describes how the cable is used for Ethernet, including special "cross over" cables.

Electrical characteristics for Cat.5e UTP

Cable Tray/Ladder

http://www.cabletrays.com/faqs.html#nec
What is a Cable Tray System?
Per the National Electrical Code, a cable tray system is "a unit or assembly of units or sections and associated fittings forming a rigid structural system used to securely fasten or support cables and raceways."

What does this mean?
Cable trays support cable the way that roadway bridges support traffic.
A bridge is a structure that provides safe passage for traffic across open spans.
Cable tray is the bridge that allows for safe transport of wires across open spans.
Therefore, think of cable tray as the structural component of a building's electrical system.

What standards / guidelines are available for cable tray systems?
1. The National Electrical Code publishes the standards for all types of electrical applications. Articles 318, 250, and 800 cover various aspects of cable tray systems.
2. NEMA, (National Electrical Manufacturers Association), is an association comprised of the major cable tray manufacturers in the industry. This committee has published three documents to date: NEMA VE1, FG1 and VE2.
NEMA VE1 covers general cable tray definitions, manufacturing standards, performance standards, test standards, and application information. Free download of this document is available on the NEMA website.
NEMA FG1 addresses the standards for fiberglass cable tray systems. Free download of this document is available on the NEMA website.
NEMA VE2 is a cable tray installation guideline which covers receiving and unloading material, storage of material, and general installation practices. Free download of this document is available on the NEMA website.
CTI, (Cable Tray Institute), is a trade association comprised of the major cable tray manufacturers in the industry and was formed to provide specifiers, designers, and installers information on the advantages of using cable tray systems over other types of products. (i.e. conduit, ladder rack, etc.)

What types of Cable Tray are available?
1. Ladder
2. Solid Bottom
3. Trough
4. Channel
5. Wire Mesh
6. Single Rail

How do I know what type of cable tray is right for my application?
1. Ladder Cable Tray provides:
a. Solid side rail protection and system strength with smooth radius fittings and a wide selection of materials and finishes.
b. maximum strength for long span applicationsstandard widths of 6,12,18, 24, 30, and 36 inches c. standard depths of 3, 4, 5, and 6 inches
d. standard lengths of 10, 12, 20 and 24 feet
e. rung spacing of 6, 9, 12, and 18 inches

Ladder cable tray is generally used in applications with intermediate to long support spans, 12 feet to 30 feet.

2. Solid Bottom Cable Tray provides:
a. Nonventilated continuous support for delicate cables with added cable protection available in metallic and fiberglass.
b. Solid bottom metallic with solid metal covers for nonplenum rated cable in environmental air areas
c. standard widths of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 inches
d. standard depths of 3, 4, 5, and 6 inches
e. standard lengths of 10, 12, 20 and 24 feet
Solid Bottom cable tray is generally used for minimal heat generating electrical or telecommunication applications with short to intermediate support spans of 5 feet to 12 feet.

3. Trough Cable Tray provides:
a. Moderate ventilation with added cable support frequency and with the bottom configuration providing cable support every 4 inches. Available in metal and nonmetallic materials.
b. standard widths of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 inches
c. standard depths of 3, 4, 5, and 6 inches
d. standard lengths of 10, 12, 20 and 24 feet
e. fixed rung spacing of 4 inch on center
Trough cable tray is generally used for moderate heat generating applications with short to intermediate support spans of 5 feet to 12 feet.

4. Channel Cable Tray provides:
a. an economical support for cable drops and branch cable runs from the backbone cable tray system.
b. standard widths of 3, 4, and 6 inches in metal systems and up to 8 inches in nonmetallic systems.
c. standard depths of 1¼-1¾ inches in metal systems and 1, 1 1/8, 1 5/" and 2 3/16 inches in nonmetallic systems
d. standard length of 10, 12, 20 and 24 feet
Channel cable tray is used for installations with limited numbers of tray cable when conduit is undesirable. Support frequency with short to medium support spans of 5 to 10 feet.

5. Wire Mesh Cable Tray provides:
a. A job site, field adaptable support system primarily for low voltage, telecommunication and fiber optic cables. These systems are typically steel wire mesh, zinc plated.
b. standard widths of 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 18, 20, and 24 inches
c. standard depths of 1, 2, and 4 inches
d. standard length of about 10 feet (118")
Wire Mesh tray is generally used for telecommunication and fiber optic applications and are installed on short support spans, 4 to 8 feet.

6. Single Rail Cable Tray provides:
a. These aluminum systems are the fastest systems to install and provide the maximum freedom fort cable to enter and exit the system.
b. Single hung or wall mounted systems in single or multiple tiers.
c. Standard widths are 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 inches.
d. Standard depths are 3, 4, and 6 inches.
e. Standard lengths are 10 and 12 feet.
Single Rail Cable Tray is generally used for low voltage and power cables installations where maximum cable freedom, side fill, and speed to install are factors.

What materials / finishes are available for the various cable tray systems?
1. Steel (Min. Yield = 33KSI) (35 KSI for Stainless)
a. Plain: hot rolled pickled and oiled steel per ASTM A569 (Commercial Quality) or A570 (Structural Quality)
b. Pre-Galvanized: mill galvanized steel per ASTM A653 CS (Commercial) or SS (Structural) G90
c. Hot Dip Galvanized After Fabrication: plain steel which is hot dipped after fabrication per ASTM A123.
d. Stainless Steel: type 304 or 316L fully annealed stainless steel

2. Aluminum (Min.Yield = 23 KSI)
a. 6063-T6 or 5052-H32 alloy per ASTM B209

3. Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP)
a. Polyester and Vinyl Ester resin systems available
b. meet ASTM E-84 smoke density rating; Polyester 680, Vinyl Ester 1025
c. Class 1 Flame Rating and self-extinguishing requirements of ASTM D-635.

Now that I know what types of cable trays are available, what configurations are available?
1. Straight sections are available to route cables in a horizontal or vertical plane.
2. Fittings are available to route cables in various directions in either the horizontal or vertical planes. Typical examples of fittings include elbows, tees, crosses, and risers. Each of these fittings are available in various radii and bend angles.
3. Covers are accessories and shouldn't be in here unless splices etc. are included.

After selecting the type of cable tray and configuration required, what support methods are available?
1. Trapeze Support (Single or Multi-tier)
2. Hanger rod clamps, "J" hangers
3. Center Hung Support
4. Wall Support
5. Underfloor Support
6. Pipe stanchions or other structures
Each of these support methods are preferable in different applications. For instance, trapeze supports may be desired in an application where cables will be pulled through the cable tray. Center hung supports, on the other hand, are generally used when cables will be installed from the side of the cable tray. Center hung supports are especially useful when future cable additions are desired. Wall supports and underfloor supports are useful when ceiling structure is not available or undesired. Outdoor installations are controlled by the structures available to support the cable tray.
Before selecting the type of cable tray, cable tray configuration(s), and support method desired, what additional information do I need to supply to the cable tray manufacturer for them to best understand and satisfy my needs?

Where? Job site and installation considerations
a. Outdoor
1. supports available affect the length and strength requirements
2. environmental loads, ice, wind, snow, and possibly seismic
3. corrosion requirements affect the materials and finishes
4. classified hazardous locations affect the cable types acceptable
b. Indoor
1. support locations available affect the length and strength of the system
2. industrial installation may require a 200 lb. Concentrated Load
3. commercial or institutional installation may make system appearance, system weight, and space available important factors
4. environmental air handling area may affect cable types, cable tray material, or cable tray type and need for covers
5. classified hazardous locations affect the cable types acceptable

What?
a. Type and number of cables to support
1. NEC cable fill requirements dictate size, width and depth, of system
2. cable support requirement may control bottom type
3. largest bending radius of cable controls fitting radius
4. total of cable weight determines load to support
b. Future requirements
1. cable entry / exit freedom
2. design partially full or an expandable system
3. support type to allow for needs

Cable tray selection & application
Is it common practice to use cable trays in the vertical position? Do they maintain their integrity during a 25 or 30 year life of a plant? Is the percent fill of a vertical tray the same as a horizontal cable tray?
Answers:
(1) It is common practice to use cable trays in the vertical position. I have many photos of such installations. There is no problem. Cables must be fastened securely, see NEC392.8(b).
(2) Yes, they do maintain their integrity. I have inspected installations that are over 40 years old. The only aging problem could be the tie wraps, especially for single conductor cables.
(3) There are no differences between the cable fill requirements for vertical and horizontal cable tray installations.

Question : What are the rules for installation clearances for the telecommunication cables in cable trays?
Answer: The 2005 NEC in section 392.6(I)indicates that there shall be sufficient space maintained around cable trays to allow adequate access for installing and maintaining the cables and that cable trays shall be exposed and accessible. Adequate room should be provided around the cable tray to allow for the set-up of cable pulling equipment and to provide easy access for the installation of or removal of cables. Where cable trays are installed one above another, allow 12 to 18 inches between cable trays and the ceiling. This is a guide for installation.
Cable application

Question: Can mechanical utility piping or tubing containing water or compressed air be installed in cable trays with electrical cables?
Answer: No. Cable trays are a support system for electrical cables, power, signal, and communication and optical fiber cables. NEC section 300.8 does not permit any tube, pipe, or equal for water, air gas, drainage, steam, or any service other than electrical in raceways or cable trays containing electrical conductors.

Question: I am in the process of establishing guidelines for raised floors in communications facilities and plan to mandate that all cabling under raised floors be installed on an appropriate type cable tray. Are you aware of any industry standard that may mandate the use of cable trays under raised floors, particularly, power and signal cables?
Answer: We are not aware of such industry standard, but cable trays offer significant advantages for this type of installation and in other computer, telecommunications, and power installations. The telecommunications industry is a very strong cable tray user.

Question: We are using ladder type cable trays at many of our facilities for telecommunications wiring. Do you have any information available for recommended installation clearances for this type of cable tray?
Answer: The NEC does not have a specific installation clearance, but indicates in section 392.6(H) that cable trays should be exposed and accessible. Telecommunications standard TIA/EIA-569 recommends a minimum of 12-inch access headroom above the cable tray.

Question: Are there required code grounding practices regarding cable tray used only for telephone cable? A contractor has just installed a new phone system at my location and he utilized cable trays in the switch room. I did not see any deliberate attempt to ground the system. Our existing cable tray system is heavy bonded and grounded. If this is a code violation, could you refer me to the publication?
Answer: Low energy systems may not be required to be grounded for shock or arcing, ut should be grounded for noise, lightening protection and electromagnetic interference. See CTI Technical Bulletin No. 15.and NEMA VE -2 section 4.7.

Question: Are there any requirements for separation and segregation of various types of cables (i.e. Power, instrumentation, signal, telecommunications, etc.) in cable tray systems?
Answer: Yes, there are NEC rules. Instrumentation, signal, and telecommunications cabling should be separated from power cabling. There are NEC requirements, but also for noise and electromagnetic pick-up from adjacent power cables. This can be accomplished by a separate cable tray system or by a divider within a cable tray.
NEC section 392.6(E)indicates that multiconductor cables rated 600 volts or less are permitted in the same cable tray, however, separation of power and control cables is necessary as indicated in other sections of the NEC and for cross-talk noise reasons. NEC section 392.6(F) provides the criteria for cables rated over 600 volts. The types of cables usually used in cable trays are type TC (article336), PLTC (article 725), ITC (article 727), MC (article 336) and Communication Cables (800-52 (d)), MI (article 332). Fire Alarm Systems (article 760), Emergency Systems (article 700), Optical Fiber Cables (article 770) and Intrinsic Safety (section 504-30). The requirements in these sections are complex. We will discuss them in detail and the general noise problem in the next CableGram.
The requirements for cables that have an outer metal armor are less than for plastic jacketed cables. The general rule is separate communication, control, signal, and instrumentation cabling from power cabling. Power cabling includes 460-volt motor power, 120-volt power, and lightening circuits. Note 120-volt circuits can generate noise. Generally, a separation of two inches is minimum, but the individual circuit and cable are the determining factors in separate requirements.

Question: What types of cables can be installed in Cable Tray systems?
Answer: The types of cables permitted by the 2005 NEC are indicated in Section 392.3 uses permitted, (a) Wiring Methods. They include:
Power and Control Tray Cable (Type TC) - NEC Article 336
Power Limited Tray Cable (Type PLTC) - NEC Sections 725-61© and 725.82(E) Instrument Tray Cable (Type ITC) - NEC Article 727
Optical Fiber Cables - Article 770
Fire Alarm Circuit Conductors - Article 760
Communication Cables - Article 800
Mineral Insulated (MI)Cable - Article 332
Metal Clad (MC) Cable - Article 330
and other cables, including those specially approved for installation in cable trays. Medium voltage (type MV) and single conductor cables in sizes 1/0 and larger are permitted with some restrictions in Industrial Establishments where qualified persons service the installation.
National Electrical Code

Question: We have a customer who would like to install the majority of cable tray in his new industrial facility in what I call an “Edge-Wise” orientation. That is, each cable tray rung would point in a vertical direction as opposed to the usual horizontal direction.
The local electrical inspector has stated that he has no issues with this as long as the manufacturer’s specifications have guidelines in how to install it this way. I have searched and can find no indication in any vendor’s literature that acknowledges the possibility that cable tray would ever be installed in this orientation.
Answer: There is no NEC or other limitation on cable trays that would prevent the “Edge-Wise” orientation. The CTI needs to develop guidelines for this installation. This type of installation minimizes dust accumulation in dust locations and could be advantageous in other situations.

Question: It appears that the NEC doesn’t address the maximum allowable fill area for a solid bottom, channel cable tray. It does however, address ventilated channel cable tray (Article 392.9(E)What is your opinion regarding the maximum fill area for solid bottom channel, given that multiconductor or signal cables only are installed?
Answer: The CTI has submitted a proposal to amend the 2002NEC to provide this information.
Question: Does the NEC apply to telecommunication cabling installations?
Answer: Yes, in the following articles: 645 Information Technology Equipment 725 Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3, Remote-Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits 770 Optical Fiber Cables and Raceways 800 Communication Circuits 810 Radio and Television Equipment 820 Community Antenna Television and Radio Distribution Systems The sections of these articles that may apply depend on the installation; location; cable selection and equipment. There are other NFPA standards that may apply which include: NFPA 75 Protection of Electronic Computer/Data Processing Equipment NFPA 780 Installation of Lightning Protection Systems
Question: Is it necessary to provide tie-down cables installed in a cable tray?
Answer: Yes; cables are tied down in cable trays to keep the cables in the cable tray, to maintain spacing between cables, or to segregate or confine certain types of cables to specific locations. The last two items can also be accomplished with a solid fixed barrier. The NEC in section 392.8(B)indicates that in other than horizontal runs, cables shall be securely fastened to transverse members of the cable trays.
For vertical installations, the cables may hang away from the cable tray if not tied down. Although this section of the NEC does not require cable tie down in horizontal, it may be necessary to meet other requirements. For instance, it may be necessary and appropriate to space power cables at least a diameter apart to approximate the free air amperage rating of a cable. In hazardous dust locations (class II, division 2), it is required to space type MC and TC cables at least the larger cable diameter apart and arrange the cables in a single layer.
Multiconductor power cables, 4/0 and larger, rated 2,000 volts or less, are required to be installed in a single layer by the NEC [Section392.9(A)(3)Tying down these cables is one way to insure this requirement.
Where single conductor cables are installed it is highly desirable to tie the cables down to keep them in the tray.
There are other situations where tying down the cables is important. The selection of the type of cable tie is also very important. For further information, see CTI Technical Bulletin No. 5, Tie Down Practices for Multiconductor Cables in Cable Trays.

Question: Are Cable Trays listed?
Answer: Metallic cable trays are not required to be listed because they are a support system. Metal cable trays can be U.L. classified with regard to suitability for use as an Equipment Grounding Conductor. Compliance with other appropriate NEC cable articles is required. CTI recommends compliance with National Electrical Manufacturers, NEMA, Standards Publications Nos. VE1 and VE2, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Question: Are there cable fill requirements for cable trays?
Answer: Yes — NEC Sections 392.9, .10, .11 and .12, and Tables 392.9, 392.9(F)) and392.10(A), describe the fill in terms of area and cable diameters. The key issue is ampacity. The ampacity criteria in article 392 is based on not exceeding these fill values. The number and type of conductors that can be installed in a cable tray is also limited by the weight of the cables and other load factors for the cable tray for a given load rated cable tray. See NEMA VE-1 and manufacturer’s data. Size the width of cable tray and the load rating for expansion and additions. Adding six inches to the width of a tray increases its price by approximately 10%.

Question: Can high voltage cables be installed in cable trays?
Answer: Yes — NEC permits type MC (Article 330) and type MV (Article 328) in industrial establishments where qualified persons will service the installation. Multiconductor cables rated over 600 volts shall be separated from lower voltage cables by a separate cable tray or a solid fixed barrier. Type MC cables can be mixed with lower voltage cables. See NEC 392.6(F)
General

Question: Can a person walk on an installed Cable Tray System?
Answer: No; walking on cable trays is not to be permitted. It violates the new version of NEMA standard VE-2, manufacturers marking and recommendations, and the intent of the NFPA70 Electrical Safety in Employee Work Practices. Walking on electrical equipment, conduits, cables or other electrical systems should also be avoided. In addition to the fall hazard, there is the risk of damage to equipment and possible contact with conductors.

Cable Outer Sheath PVC vs PE

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride is basically a hard thermoplastic, but by blending with certain plasticisers a range of general purpose flexible cable compounds of varying degrees of softness can be produced. By the use of selected plasticisers and other additives, grades of PVC can be made which are suitable for either hot or cold ambient temperatures.

Properties

Polyvinyl chloride is a good general purpose thermoplastic. It has good mechanical and ageing properties, and excellent resistance to ozone and weather. It is preferable to pigment it with carbon black to obtain optimum resistance to the effects of sunlight.

Cables insulated and sheathed with PVC will operate satisfactorily when exposed to or immersed in salt or fresh water. Standard PVC compounds are reasonably flame retardant and this property can be improved by special compounding techniques. In general PVC has good resistance to chemicals but affected by solvents and some oils which tend to leach out of the plasticiser and thus cause embrittlement. The so-called 'Heat resisting' grades of PVC have good ageing characteristics at elevated temperatures, but suffer in common with general purpose grades of the tendency to deform under pressure as the temperatures approaches the melting point of the PVC (approx. 130°C). The insulation resistance of PVC is lower than that of some plastics but more than adequate for most wiring applications.

Compared with elastomers, PVC and other thermoplastic materials are susceptible to temperature variations, and they become progressively less flexible as the ambient temperature is lowered.

In general PVC cables should not be installed when the temperature is below 0°C unless the cables have been stored above this temperature for the previous 24 hours. Failure to observe this precaution may result in cracking or shattering of the PVC.

Uses

PVC is used extensively for general wiring cables, low voltage mains cable, domestic flexibles, telephone cable and instrument wiring. It is widely used as a corrosion resistant coating over lead and aluminium sheathed cables.

The maximum continuous operating temperature of general purpose compounds is specified as 70°C and for heat resisting grades as 85°C.

Polyethylene (Polythene)

Polyethylene is a thermoplastic obtained by the polymerisation of ethylene. Depending on the particular polymerisation technique used, polyethylene of varying densities and molecular weight can be produced, and these can therefore be broadly classified as either low or high density polyethylene.

Properties

Polyethylene has extremely good electrical characteristics and excellent resistance to water, chemicals and some solvents. However, it has only moderate resistance to oils and has the disadvantage of being flammable. The low temperature properties of polyethylene are good. It is customary to pigment with carbon black both high and low density polyethylene, to improve their resistance to weather. Polyethylene is an excellent insulation for high voltage cables, but when extruding thick layers of dielectric, care has to be taken to prevent the inclusion of voids during this process. Polyethylene has a melting point of about 110°C-115°C which is a serious disadvantage for cables liable to be subjected to short circuit and overload conditions; this is one of the reasons why the use of this material has discontinued for the insulation of general wiring cables.

Uses

Polyethylene is extensively used either in the solid or expanded form for the insulation of communication cables. One major application is for the insulation of coaxial cable for television downleads, and another is for the insulation of multicore telephone cables where its excellent electrical properties enable a thin small radial wall of insulation to be employed. Polyethylene is used for submarine cables and in some types of high voltage cables. High density polyethylene can be used as an external sheath on cables to provide corrosion protection.

The recommended continuous operating temperature of polyethylene is normally stated as 70°C, to allow a factor of safety for overloads up to a maximum temperature of 90°C.

COMPARISON OF GRP/FRP CABLE TRAYS V/S METAL CABLE TRAYS

1.Corrosion Resistance
GRP/FRP - Excellent corrosion resistance against sea water and most chemical fumes

METAL - Poor corrosion resistance, pitting takes place even in SS or aluminum in sea water. Galvanic Corrosion takes place between Stainless Steel trays and MS supports

2.Hot Working
GRP/FRP -No Hot working, all assembly by Nut & Bolts

METAL -Hot working , welding cutting and joining requires special permission in hazardous areas

3.Light weight
GRP/FRP -Sp.gr. 1.9, 1/4th that of steel, even lighter than Aluminum(sp.gr.2.8), just one person required to lift a big size cable ladder, so very easy and fast Installation, saving time and money

METAL -Very heavy, 4 times to GRP/FRP, hence crane or 3 people required to lift a cable ladder

4.Fire Retardant
GRP/FRP -Meets most stringent offshore fire resistance norms as per British, ASTM and UL specifications

METAL -In heavy fire even steel de-shapes and needs replacement

5.Installation Cost
GRP/FRP -Very low, as lighter in wt hence only one man can lift, and very easy to cut and fabricate at site, thus faster installation and easy site adjustment and modifications

METAL -HIGH, needs 2-3 persons or special equipment to lift, also difficult to cut and refabricate as per site requirement as cutting takes time.

6.Risk of cable damage
GRP/FRP -Very low, as being plastics have much less hardness and even its sharp edges cannot damage a cable

METAL -When any site modification is done, sharp edges are created in metal which can cause damage to cables and pose risk of current.

7.High insulation ands Safe
GRP/FRP -No earthing of cable tray is required as it has high Insulation value. In case of any cable stripping, the tray being Insulated is safe for the Humans.

METAL -Earthing is must, hence cost of earthing increases overall cost, which is not generally considered when evaluating.

8.Part consolidation
GRP/FRP -As GRP/FRP is extruded section, inbuilt ribs for reinforcement, collars for fixing covers are possible in single section

METAL -This is not possible in metal, and if welding is done it looks very bad.

9.U.V. resistance
GRP/FRP -All GRP/FRP cable Trays are made from very high U.V. additives, in addition to special surfacing Veils for glass blooming prevention, and carbon black for additional U.V protection

METAL -N/A

10.Antistatic
GRP/FRP - Cable trays are available in antistatic option as well for oil hazardous areas on demand, thus safe even in hydrocarbon atmosphere.

METAL -N/A

11.First Time COST
GRP/FRP - FRP/GRP cable trays are competitive to SS trays with all above advantages

METAL -SS trays are very costly compared to GRP/FRP Trays

Wiring Diargram

Tujuan utama wiring diagram adalah untuk memberi panduan kepada site technician untuk menjalankan kerja pendawaian dan termination. Semestinya site technician mengharapkan satu drawing yang mempunyai semua maklumat yang deperlukan olehnya dalam bentuk yang jelas dan mudah difahami.

Point-to-point wiring diagram adalah perlu untuk membantu technician yang tidak mahir atau kurang pengalaman melakukan kerja termination dengan betul dan tanpa was-was. Drawing untuk cable termination di Control panel atau terminal box, thermocouple connections dekat JB atau interconnection instrument di belakang panel.

Didalam wiring diagram maklumat berikut mestilah dimasukan:
· Terminal number
· Wire number
· Cable number
· JB/ Cabinet/Panel tag
· Warna wire

Maklumat lain jika dirasakan boleh membantu kerja technician maka perlulah dimasukan.

Wiring diagram adalah berbeza dengan schematic diagram. Wiring diagram menunjukan susun atur secara fizikal tanpa memberi penekanan kepada fungsi satu-satu signal. Manakala schematic diagram lebih menekankan kepada fungsi sesuatu system.

Cable Block Diagram

Cable Block merupakan satu cara untuk menerangkan hubungkait keseluruhan cable yang terdapat dalam Process Plant.
Ia perlu dihasilkan dengan penuh tanggungjawab bagi memastikan ia dapat difahami dan diterjemahkan dengan mudah oleh setiap orang yang melihatnya.

Ia merupakan pemudah cara untuk menyemak setiap cable yang terdapat dalam sistem kawalan (DCS/IPS/FGS, dsbnya) , antara fakta yg perlu ada ialah:
· Cable Type
· Cable Size
· Originate
· Destination
· Maklumat goegrafi yang jelas

Bagaimana hendak menghasilkan Cable block Diagram:
· Perlu memahami system secara keseluruhan
· Perlu memahami jenis signal yang digunakan
· Perlu tahu jenis cable yang hendak digunakan
· Perlu tahu destinasi signal dan punca signal
· Perlu tahu kedudukkan setiap komponen dengan jelas

THE 4-20mA CURRENT LOOP

THE 4-20mA CURRENT LOOP
The 4-2OmA current loop has been with us for so longthat it's become rather taken for granted in the industrialand process sectors alike. Its popularity comes from itsease of use and its performance. However, just becausesomething is that ubiquitous doesn't mean we're allnecessarily getting the best out of our current loops.
A big benefit of the current loop is its simple wiring justthe two wires. The supply voltage and measuring currentare supplied over the same two wires. Zero offset of thebase current (ie. 4mA) makes cable break detection simple:if the current suddenly drops to zero, you have a cable break.In addition, the current signal is immune to any stray electricalinterference, and a current signal can be transmitted overlong distances.

Typical wiring for current output transducer.
You can think of the current loop itself as being analogousto a water system. You have a hose pipe (the wires) anda source tap (the power supply). You have a spray gunthat regulates the flow (the transducer). You can haveother equipment on the line, but it all has to be connectedtogether in a ring Ioop. The more holes (devices) you haveon the hose pipe, the higher the pressure will be requiredfrom the tap. Relating all that back to the current loop,you see a power supply, a transducer and one or morepieces of instrumentation all connected together in a ring.
You'll often hear things referred to as being either activeor passive. Some instruments have an active output whichincludes both the control of the current in the loop as wellas provide the supply voltage. This is typically specifiedas being a 4-20mA output into 10-750 Ohms, or somethingsimilar. A passive input would be a simple resistor input thathas a voltage drop to be factored into the equation oncethe supply voltage is chosen. This is typically specified asa 4-20mA input into 10 Ohm.
Working out the power supply requirement is a simple matterof adding up all the units in the loop at maximum currentof 20mA. As an example, suppose you have a sensor'regulator' which requires minimum 12V DC and instrumentationof 10 Ohm input:
10 Ohm x 20mA = 0.2V
So, for this circuit, a 12.2V minimum supply is required, thesensor's maximum voltage might be specified at 30V, so a24V supply would be all the circuit requirements with sparecapacity to boot.
In order to measure the current loop it is necessary to breakthe loop and insert a current meter into it. You can alsomeasure the voltage across the various components by inthe loop, such as the voltage out of the power supply, thevoltage over a sensor, and the voltages over the variouspieces of instrumentation. This information will give you agood picture of what is happening within the loop.

Multi-instrument 4-20mA current loop with panel meter,chart recorder, computers, etc.
A question which is sometimes asked is whether it is possibleto use single power supply over several loops. This is possible,but you have to ensure that the power supply can give enoughcurrent to meet the needs of multiple loops. It is also thecase that the current loops will have the same zero negativereference, which can cause a ground loop. In addition,interference from one loop can affect all the other loopsdriven from the one supply.
This article is printed with the kind permission ofMorten Moller, who runs an internet support andconsultancy business and can be contacted atmorten@askmorten.co.ukHis website is at http://www.askmorten.co.uk/

Installation Detail/Hook-up

Installation Detail/Hook-up

Installation Detail atau sketch perlu memaparkan apa yang diperlukan untuk memasang sesuatu instrument.

Ini termasuk kesemua bahan (material) yang yang diperlukan untuk melengkapkan satu proses pemasangan (installation).
Maklumat dari pihak vendor adalah amat perlu bagi memastikan segala bahan yang diperlukan adalah sesuai dan sepadan dengan saiz connection yang diperlukan oleh instrument.

Designer jga perlu mengandaikan situasi dimana Tukang Pasang tidak biasa atau pertama kali memasang Instrument tersebut.

Wire & Cable Cross reference