Luxury of the proper cable or line for transmitting signals on your machine has essential influence on the device availability. Usually, when determining the instruments of machines and plants, a profound amount of attention is directed at choosing the right sensors.
For example, the user determines which measuring principles are used for level measurement, which power supply should be provided to the device and which kind of signal transmission ought to be used. Usually, the cables shown in the wiring schemes as simple connection lines between sensor and SPS are problematic. This poses a fascinating paradox in the automation technology ? a sensor is tested for highest demands to assure it meets certain requirements of the application, whereas a cable is only regarded as a component which supposedly guarantees a trusted connection under all circumstances.
However, cables and connectors pose one of the most frequent sources of error. This is often where unforeseen potential for increasing machine availability are available. During my span of research I learned that in a high two-digit percentage of most cases, renowned cable manufacturers traced back sensor failure on machines to mechanical failure of the cable because of faulty installation, handling and especially because of the choice of an unsuited cable for the precise application. Principally, there is no patent remedy for determining which cable and which plug connector is best suitable for your 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 in addition to high longitudinal and transverse water tightness are. In Bumbling , plug connectors are barely ever applied because of the insufficient permanent leak tightness. For machine tools which are create in factory buildings, the easiest cable materials with a straightforward M12 connector are used. In this case, however, the usage of the right cable that permanently withstands ambient conditions such as 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 is suitable for an application.
In another 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 a suitable cable for the application. Think about the demands your plug connection to sensors and PLC must meet. An individually matched wiring concept offers a measurable increase of the device availability and higher safety during operation.
Should you need assistance or consulting for specifying the right pressure sensor and associated cable / connector, feel absolve to contact us.