The choice of the right cable or line for transmitting signals on your machine has essential influence on the machine availability. Usually, when determining the instruments of machines and plants, a profound quantity of attention is directed at choosing the right sensors.
For Useless , the user determines which measuring principles are employed for level measurement, which power should be provided to the machine and which type of signal transmission should 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 seen as a component which supposedly guarantees a trusted connection under all circumstances.
However, cables and connectors pose just about the most frequent sources of error. This is often where unforeseen prospect of increasing machine availability can be found. During my course 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 due to the selection of an unsuited cable for the specific application. Principally, there is absolutely no patent fix for determining which cable and which plug connector is best suitable for your application.
For instance, 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 level probes, plug connectors are barely ever applied as a result of insufficient permanent leak tightness. For machine tools which are setup in factory buildings, the simplest cable materials with a simple M12 connector are employed. In this instance, 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 availability of your machine.
The utilization of cable assemblies with factory pre-assembled connectors also prevents failure risk through improper on-site assembly. Therefore it is a fallacy that all cables will be the same and that any given cable with the sufficient number of wires would work for an application.
In one of my previous articles, I drew up a short overview of the most relevant criteria for choosing cables and connectors. Take your time in specifying the right cable for the application. Take into account 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 a suitable pressure sensor and associated cable / connector, feel free to contact us.