How To Choose Wiring and Cable for Industrial Electric Projects

Do you have a new project on the drawing board, but aren’t sure what codes it should comply with?  Are you certain what wiring and cabling it needs?  There are a lot of small details that need to be determined before you request your first quote.  When discussing wiring and cabling for an industrial project, you should remember the term ‘industrial’ can indicate a harsh environment that requires extensive forethought for durability and easy maintenance. 

What Are My Main Criteria?

Typical industrial environments are hard on equipment, and that does include the supporting cables and wiring.  Every component that is used in industrial settings must withstand a large array of environmental changes from temperature fluctuation, to moisture content, corrosion, and electrical demand.  Each can have their own influence on the durability and performance of cables and wires, and they can also work in tandem to increase the problems you might face.

Beyond durability and performance, wiring and cabling must also satisfy other factors such as:

• Federal, State, and Local Guidelines and Build Codes
• The Ability to Support Technological Advancements
• Investment Cost Restrictions

The Challenges to Discuss with Design

During the design phase of the project you must have a lengthy discussion of what requirements the cabling and wiring must have and what challenges each will face.  That may be environmental factors, the power or signals involved, movement, or building codes, and more.

Environmental Factors – The environment the cables and wiring will face can make a difference in determining which type should be chosen.  Indoor, outdoor, above ground, and underground offer different challenges that can affect durability and performance.  Each setting can offer varying temperatures, moisture content, UV radiation, and more.

Power and Signals – One critical discussion point with the design team needs to be the amount of power being transmitted and the type of signals being used.  The proper gauge of wiring must be determined to prevent thermal runaway during use.  Wiring does an amperage limit and maximum wattage limit that needs to be noted.  Any cabling that offers signal transmission must also be able to support operations without performance degradation.

Movement During Use – Another factor may be the flexibility and movement required while cabling and wiring is in service.  Stationary (non-moving) installations may not require specialized connectors and flexible coatings to protect cabling and wiring.  Installations that move, bend, vibrate, or some variation may need flexible coatings that can offer extended durability.  Conductors may need to be made from multiple strands of material rather than one solid stiff cable or wire.

Standards and Codes – Many situations for industrial use must follow specific and strict standards and regulations or building codes. The industry the wiring and cables are designed for, the application, and the environment all affect the standards and building codes required for each industrial electric project.  These are some of the criteria our products comply with:

• ISO 9001:2015
• CE mark
• Compliance, safety, accountability (CSA)
• Lead-free (LF)
• Military specifications and standards (Mil-spec)
• National electric code (NEC)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
• Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
• VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies

These examples of decision criteria are just the tip of the iceberg of what Automation Electric and Controls can do to support your business.  AEC is a licensed ETL 508A panel building shop, and we take pride in our work.  Our work is defined by quality, and your safety, security, and flexibility are critical priorities in everything we do.  Every custom industrial electrical wiring and cabling design is thoroughly studied to exceed the performance and durability needed in each environment.  We complete routine quality inspections to ensure that all of our work follow both local and national code compliance.  We can also support your business with enclosures, breakers, motors, wiring, relays, contactors, and much much more. We are locally owned and have operated in the Pacific Northwest since 2003. We have provided products for companies both local and global.  When you’re ready for a new custom designed industrial panel, a new industrial electrical design, a custom mobile trailer or container, or simply need support for one currently in use, give us a call at (360) 428-0201 or email us at sales@automationelectric.com.