Some of Alpha Wire's specifications have two different maximum temperature values listed. Which one is right? Which one should I use?
Attachments:
 | C45422V15.pdf |
Some of Alpha Wire's specifications have two different maximum temperature values listed. Which one is right? Which one should I use?
| C45422V15.pdf |
In these cases, the specific rationale that UL/CSA uses to determine the temperature rating does not truly take into account the performance capabilities of the insulation and jacket materials (it is almost always the case that the plastics in the cable determine the temperature rating).
A great example is our Xtra-Guard
4 product line. The TPE insulation and jacket that we use has a well-established temperature rating of 125°C.
But you’ll notice that the temperature rating for UL Type TC for an Xtra-Guard 4 is only 90°C. This is because the UL standard that defines Type TC cables does not provide for a 125°C rating.
At the same time you’ll notice that the UL AWM temperature rating is 125°C because the UL standard that defines AWMs does provide this temperature rating.
The answer to “which one should I use” is determined by the application in which the cable will be used. If the cable is being used in an application where the UL/CSA rating of the cable comes in to play, then you must use the UL/CSA temperature rating. Let’s take the example of our 600-volt-rated Xtra-Guard 4 cables.
As previously mentioned, it’s rated at 90°C as a TC cable and 125°C as a UL AWM or non-UL cable. If the cable is being installed in an industrial setting in a cable tray in accordance with the appropriate sections of the NEC, then the 90°C Type TC rating must be used.
If the same cable is being used within a piece of machinery based on its AWM style, then you should use the 125°C rating.
Finally, if the application is something where there are no UL/CSA/NEC requirements, then you would use the temperature rating found in the Physical & Mechanical Properties.