In complex manufacturing environments, whether it’s an electrical, electronic, commercial or industrial project, we use miles and miles of cables and wires. From a small engine to a powerful turbine, silicone cable and Teflon wire manufacturers are key partners in manufacturing success.
But how do you assess which of those manufacturers is someone that you can trust as a key supplier of your cable and wire requirements? And what should you look for to determine whether the wires and cables they manufacture and supply are up to the specs needed for your application?
Well, read on and well deconstruct it for you!
Electrical engineers typically recommend a high temperature silicone cable for applications where high degrees of flexibility are key to success. These cables also function exceptionally well is situations where the application environment generates extremely high temperatures. Ideal application of the high-temp silicone cable might be in:
1.home electric appliance
2.high voltage transformers
3.high-powered generators
4.high-speed motors
5.traction machines
…and many other similar uses.
While cables make for great electrical and power conductors, there may be occasions where electrical and electronic projects require the use of high-quality wires. Like it’s silicone companion, the high temperature Teflon wire is an ideal candidate for an equally diversified number of applications. Its use in the electronic includes:
1.temperature compensation
2.flame retardant and anti-aging applications
3.low temperature uses
4.high temperature heating
A high-quality Teflon wire also has broad-based application in the household electrical and electronic appliance sector, including:
1.air conditioners
2.rice cookers
3.microwave ovens
4.Electric ovens
5.electronic disinfection cabinets
6.electronic thermos
…as well as other general-purpose internal wiring and lighting applications. In fact, the breadth of use for these wires is almost unlimited. Because of the stringent manufacturing guidelines imposed by international organizations, Teflon wire is an ideal substitute for any application where safety, durability, dependability and endurance is a prerequisite.
Obviously, the standards followed in manufacturing your choice of cables is also very relevant in making a decision on what cable to use.
Standards don’t just “happen” – cable manufacturers, like Central Plain Cables And Wires Co. LTD (ZW Cables), invest a lot of time and capital to ensure their products are certified to those high standards. While a competing product, manufactured to lesser standards, might look and feel the same, and may even cost half that of a Central Plain’s product, they are not the same. It is conformance to high international standards that makes all the difference.
Making standards a critical part of any wire or cable selection decision is in line with best practices followed throughout the cable and wire manufacturing industry. At minimum, therefore, the manufacturer of these high-performance cables must comply to globally recognized standards like UL1581, UL758 and UL62. Anything less would severely compromise the integrity of the silicone cable you choose.
When it comes to your choice of an appropriate Teflon wire, regardless of what application you intend to use it for, the best of breed product is a FEP/PFA/PTFE wire. Compared to PFE though, PFA and PTFE have much higher temperature tolerance levels; which means they are suitable for higher-intensity applications.
Standards also play an important part in deciding which wire you wish to select for your project, process or product. While FEP and PFA wires are clear, PTFE wires have a translucent quality that some product manufacturers prefer. On the other hand, both PFA and FEP type wires might win out over PTFE because of their corrosion resistance, chemical inertness and permeability qualities.
Having said all the above though, that does not mean that one type of silicone cable is better than a specific Teflon-based wire. Typically, they (cables and wires) complement each other in integrated applications. They also each have their unique characteristics that are suitable for different applications. The important consideration is that the manufacturer conforms to internationally recognized standards and good manufacturing practices.
When testing cables for suitability for specific industrial or commercial applications, experts perform various tests to verify the mechanical properties of the cable. Such tests are vital to ascertain the suitability of the insulation as well as the sheathing compounds used in the manufacture of the silicone cable.
Typically, these tests include testing to ascertain the measurements of properties that cover Tensile strength, Elongation at breaking point and Minimum bending radius.
1.Tensile Strength Testing: These tests gauge the amount of force or stress that’s required to pull a wire or cable to its breaking point.
2.Elongation Testing: This test measures the length, beyond the standard length of the cable or wire at the time of its manufacture; to which it stretches or pulls before it snaps or breaks.
3.Minimum bending radius: This is the smallest radius around which a Teflon wire or other cables wrap around or bend before that action (bending or wrapping) damages the cable or wire
While it is typical to take these mechanical properties for granted, measuring and comparing them is vital in cable selection decision-making. Additionally, the mechanical properties of the sheathing, tubing and insulation also play an important part in determining fitness-of-use of the silicone cable or Teflon conductor.
Tensile strength, Elongation and Bending radius are all critical indicators of the cable’s quality and fitness for specific applications. If the cable you choose does not conform to the standards discussed above, it might not be a suitable fit for the application you have in mind. In fact, using a non-conforming Teflon wire or sub-standard cables may even compromise the integrity of your application.
Making Final Installation Decisions
Of course, once your tests have determined that the silicone cable you are evaluating has the requisite mechanical properties for Tensile strength, Elongation at breaking point and Minimum bending radius, you need to also verify if the manufacturer follows the highly-recommended standards for manufacturing the product.
There may also be additional protocols required before installing a specific cable or Teflon wire for your specific application. If, for instance while winding cables onto drums or other pre-installation activity, a cable has exceeded its bending radius threshold limit, it could potentially compromise project performance or integrity.
In such instances, if you notice kinks on the insulation, or discover other damage to its sheath, it is advisable to commission additional tests, including sheath or insulation integrity tests. These additional steps can go a long way to guarantee that the project proceeds without future risks due to sub-standard wiring or cable choices.
Measuring Your Cable Manufacturer
The quality, integrity and reputation of your cable manufacturer also plays a key part in final decision-making process. Though the silicone cable and electrical wires you plan to use may possess good mechanical properties, you still cannot go ahead with a buy/use decision without evaluating the manufacturer’s credentials. And here’s why:
1.Some wire and cable “manufacturers” might not actually be the original manufacturers – they may just be third-party packers/resellers
2.Others might not have their own manufacturing and production facilities, but use 3rd-party manufacturers to produce their products
3.Still others, buy white-label products from the open market, slap on their own private labels on the products and resell them at marked-up prices
And finally, there are those aspiring Teflon wire and cable manufacturers who have just started out in the business. Such suppliers invest heavily in publicity and marketing campaigns, ensuring their brands are
Well-recognized. Unsuspecting electrical, electronic, engineering, household and industrial product manufacturers and process owners typically don’t question the validity of the brand. As a result, the cables and wires they use in their products and processes compromise their entire operations.
Doing business with a relatively untested silicone cable manufacturer doesn’t just jeopardize the quality of your product, it can also ruin the reputation of your own brand and tarnish your company’s image. Regardless of what standards of production the cable or wire measures up to, an untested manufacturer will likely be unable to stand behind that product, nor will they honor any warranty their websites claim to offer.
So, how do you measure prospective wire and cable manufacturers? The simple answer: Track record and experience!
With more than 26-years in the cable manufacturing business, Central Plain Cables And Wires Co. LTD is an established player in the industry. As an ISO, CCC, CQC approved manufacturer, they own over 50-acres of state-of-the-art manufacturing plants, with more than 60 pieces of modern designing, production and testing equipment.
Obviously, when you want to source your cables and wires for business-critical applications, you want a partner who can deliver to scale. With an annual production capacity of over 80 million KMs, Central Plain Cables And Wires Co. LTD is able to deliver all your requirements.
However, small and medium sized enterprises, who wish to do business with the company will find Central Plain’s easy to deal with. While they can easily cater to a bulk order for the highest quality of Teflon wire, they also supply smaller orders to customers. In fact, unlike many of their competitors, for most products there is no Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ).
So, if you are looking for a dependable silicone cable manufacturer, you can contact the company now and start discussing your cable and wire needs.
