Selecting the right cable chain is a critical step in installing any type of application that requires moving cables and their protection.
Making a mistake in this selection can result in a wide range of problems, such as operational failures, cable damage, or costly downtime.
At Eurex, we're committed to supporting you every step of the way to ensure you choose the right cable chain. From the initial selection to final installation, we'll guide you and ensure everything runs smoothly. Below, we'd like to detail the main common mistakes we should avoid:
1. Choosing the wrong interior space:
– Usually, only the diameter of the cable or hose is taken into consideration, and from there the section of the chain is defined.
– We must always keep in mind that the cable inside the cable chain must have a minimum slack of 10% of its diameter, while the hose (oil, water, air, etc.) must have 20%. Furthermore, the chain and cable must be separated to avoid rubbing and friction that cause wear.
2. Incorrect radio:
– Problems arising from the incorrect selection of the bend radius for cable carriers are very common. The correct radius must be determined by the cable or hose that allows the least amount of bending. This is something that is too often overlooked.
3. Incorrect choice of chain construction material:
– Selecting the right material for your cable chain is essential to avoid premature failure. Ignoring environmental factors such as temperature, the presence of chemicals, humidity, or abrasives can lead to premature chain degradation.
– There are various materials for making chains: plastic or nylon, steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
– At Eurex, we know that every application is unique, which is why we offer cable chains in a variety of materials, such as plastic, steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, tailored to the specific conditions of the application.
4. Failure to anticipate dynamic conditions:
– Failure to consider speed and acceleration can cause performance and durability issues for the energy chain.
5. Incorrect length:
– It is essential to consider the course the chain must follow in order to define the appropriate model.
6. Incorrect fixing of cables or hoses:
– Failure to secure or improperly securing cables or hoses at one or both ends of a cable chain causes them to continually move or shift, which ultimately leads to premature wear and fatigue.
7. Incorrect installation:
– Improper installation, such as not properly securing the cable chain or not following the manufacturer’s recommendations, can lead to operational problems.
8. Ignoring maintenance recommendations :
– Failure to perform regular maintenance can lead to premature wear and failure of the energy chain and, therefore, the application.
Avoiding these errors ensures a long service life for both the cable chain and the cables and hoses it guides and protects, thus optimizing the efficiency, safety, and durability of the system.