FEICHUN KABEL Crane 2S Cable – UV-Resistant, Mechanical-Resistant, Flame-Retardant PVC Cable with External Steel Supporting Elements for Movable Control Panels and High-Rack Systems

Introduction

Overview of FEICHUN KABEL Crane 2S Cable

The FEICHUN KABEL Crane 2S cable represents a pinnacle of engineering excellence in the field of industrial control cables, specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern material handling and automation systems. This specialized cable solution combines the durability of PVC construction with innovative external steel supporting elements, creating a product that excels in applications requiring both electrical performance and mechanical strength.

The Crane 2S cable series addresses the critical need for reliable power and control connections in dynamic industrial environments where conventional cables would fail under stress. By incorporating dual steel supporting elements integrated directly into the outer sheath, this cable achieves exceptional tensile strength while maintaining the flexibility required for movable applications.

Importance of UV and Mechanical Resistance in Crane Cables

In industrial environments, particularly those involving overhead crane systems and high-rack storage facilities, cables face unique challenges that standard electrical cables cannot withstand. The combination of mechanical stress from constant movement, environmental exposure to UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and potential chemical exposure creates a hostile operating environment that demands specialized cable solutions.

UV resistance becomes critical in outdoor applications and facilities with significant natural lighting, where prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause standard PVC compounds to degrade, crack, and ultimately fail. Mechanical resistance, particularly tensile strength, is equally important as cables must support their own weight over extended runs while withstanding dynamic loads from moving equipment.

The FEICHUN KABEL Crane 2S cable addresses these challenges through its advanced material composition and structural design, providing a reliable solution for applications where cable failure could result in costly downtime or safety hazards.

Key Features and Benefits

UV and Weather Resistance

The Crane 2S cable features a specially formulated PVC outer sheath that provides exceptional resistance to ultraviolet radiation and weathering effects. This enhanced UV resistance ensures long-term performance in outdoor installations and facilities with extensive natural lighting. The cable maintains its physical and electrical properties even after prolonged exposure to solar radiation, preventing the cracking, embrittlement, and color degradation commonly associated with standard PVC cables.

The weather-resistant properties extend beyond UV protection to include resistance to moisture, temperature cycling, and atmospheric contaminants. This comprehensive environmental protection makes the Crane 2S cable suitable for challenging outdoor applications where reliable performance is essential.

Flame-Retardant Properties (IEC 60332-1-2 Compliant)

Safety in industrial environments requires adherence to stringent fire safety standards. The Crane 2S cable meets IEC 60332-1-2 flame-retardant requirements, ensuring that in the event of fire exposure, the cable will not propagate flames or contribute significantly to fire spread. This compliance provides critical safety assurance in industrial facilities where fire risk must be minimized.

The flame-retardant properties are achieved through specialized PVC compounds that self-extinguish when the ignition source is removed, helping to contain potential fire incidents and providing valuable time for emergency response procedures.

Flexibility at Low Temperatures

One of the standout features of the Crane 2S cable is its ability to maintain flexibility at low temperatures, a critical characteristic for applications in unheated facilities or outdoor installations subject to seasonal temperature variations. The special PVC formulation remains pliable even at reduced temperatures, preventing the brittleness that can lead to cable failure during installation or operation in cold conditions.

This low-temperature flexibility ensures reliable performance across a wide temperature range, making the cable suitable for applications in cold storage facilities, outdoor installations, and seasonal operations where temperature fluctuations are common.

External Steel Supporting Elements

The defining characteristic of the Crane 2S cable is its dual external steel supporting elements, strategically integrated into opposite sides of the outer sheath. These supporting elements are engineered to absorb tensile forces during operation, effectively distributing mechanical stress away from the electrical conductors and maintaining signal integrity under load.

The steel elements are carefully positioned to provide maximum support while maintaining cable flexibility. This innovative design allows the cable to function as a self-supporting system over extended runs without requiring additional support structures, reducing installation complexity and cost.

High Tensile Strength (2100 N per Support Element)

With each steel supporting element capable of withstanding 2100 N of tensile force, the Crane 2S cable provides exceptional mechanical strength for demanding applications. The dual-element design effectively doubles this capacity, providing a total tensile strength that exceeds most industrial cable requirements.

This high tensile strength enables the cable to support significant loads while maintaining electrical performance, making it ideal for vertical runs, long horizontal spans, and applications where the cable must support additional equipment weight.

Technical Specifications

Construction and Materials

The Crane 2S cable construction follows a carefully engineered layered approach designed to optimize both electrical performance and mechanical strength. The foundation consists of stranded bare copper conductors that provide excellent electrical conductivity and flexibility. These conductors are individually insulated with a special PVC-based core insulation formulated for enhanced performance and durability.

A critical component of the construction is the special textile wrapping applied between the cable cores and outer sheath. This wrapping serves multiple purposes: it improves sliding movement between components during flexing, provides additional insulation, and helps maintain the geometric integrity of the cable structure under stress.

The outer sheath utilizes a special PVC compound that provides the cable's environmental protection, including UV resistance, flame retardancy, and mechanical protection. The dual steel supporting elements are integrated into this sheath on opposing sides, creating a balanced support structure that maintains cable flexibility while providing exceptional tensile strength.

Number of Cores and Conductor Size

The Crane 2S series is available in three standard configurations to accommodate various application requirements:

• 8 G 1.5 mm²: This configuration provides eight conductors with 1.5 mm² cross-sectional area, suitable for basic control applications requiring multiple signal paths.

• 12 G 1.5 mm²: With twelve conductors of 1.5 mm² each, this variant accommodates more complex control systems requiring additional channels.

• 20 G 1.5 mm²: The highest conductor count option provides twenty 1.5 mm² conductors for sophisticated control applications requiring extensive signal transmission capability.

All configurations utilize the same 1.5 mm² conductor size, providing consistent current-carrying capacity across the range while optimizing cable flexibility and weight.

Cable Diameter, Copper Index, and Weight per km

The physical characteristics of each Crane 2S variant reflect the engineering balance between electrical performance, mechanical strength, and practical handling requirements:

8 G 1.5 mm² Configuration:

• Cable diameter: 14.7 mm

• Distance between strain wires: 20 mm

• Copper index: 115 kg/km

• Total weight: 373 kg/km

12 G 1.5 mm² Configuration:

• Cable diameter: 16.2 mm

• Distance between strain wires: 21 mm

• Copper index: 172.8 kg/km

• Total weight: 439 kg/km

20 G 1.5 mm² Configuration:

• Cable diameter: 20.1 mm

• Distance between strain wires: 25 mm

• Copper index: 288 kg/km

• Total weight: 674 kg/km

These specifications enable precise system design and installation planning, ensuring that supporting structures and handling equipment are appropriately sized for the selected cable configuration.

Standard Lengths and Ordering Information

The Crane 2S cable is available in standard lengths optimized for typical industrial applications. Packaging options include coils for lengths up to 30 kg or 250 meters, with drum packaging for longer lengths or heavier configurations. This flexibility in packaging allows customers to optimize shipping costs and handling requirements based on their specific project needs.

Custom length specifications are available to minimize waste and optimize installation efficiency. When ordering, customers should specify their preferred packaging type, such as single long drum runs or multiple shorter coil lengths, depending on installation requirements and site accessibility.

Application Range

Connecting Movable Control Panels and Consoles

The primary application for Crane 2S cable lies in connecting movable control panels and operator consoles in industrial environments. These applications require cables that can withstand constant flexing, tensile stress, and environmental exposure while maintaining reliable signal transmission. The cable's high tensile strength and flexible construction make it ideal for pendant control stations, mobile operator interfaces, and remotely positioned control panels that must maintain connection throughout their range of motion.

In these applications, the steel supporting elements absorb the mechanical stress of movement and weight, preventing damage to the electrical conductors and ensuring consistent electrical performance throughout the equipment's operational life. The flame-retardant properties provide additional safety assurance in industrial environments where fire risk must be minimized.

Self-Supporting Shaft Cable in High-Rack Systems

High-rack storage and retrieval systems present unique challenges for cable installations due to the vertical distances involved and the dynamic nature of the equipment. The Crane 2S cable's exceptional tensile strength and self-supporting capability make it an ideal solution for these applications, where cables must span significant vertical distances without intermediate support.

In automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), the cable can support moving equipment while providing reliable power and control signal transmission. The dual steel supporting elements distribute the mechanical load, preventing stress concentration on individual components and ensuring long-term reliability in high-cycle applications.

Suitable for Outdoor and Harsh Environments

The combination of UV resistance, weather protection, and flame-retardant properties makes the Crane 2S cable well-suited for outdoor installations and harsh industrial environments. Applications include outdoor crane systems, port facilities, construction equipment, and other installations where environmental exposure is unavoidable.

The cable's ability to maintain flexibility at low temperatures extends its applicability to cold storage facilities and seasonal outdoor operations where temperature fluctuations could compromise the performance of standard cables.

Flexibility Requirements for Cold-Temperature Operation

In applications where low-temperature operation is required, the Crane 2S cable's maintained flexibility becomes a critical advantage. Cold storage facilities, outdoor winter operations, and unheated industrial buildings all benefit from the cable's ability to remain pliable and reliable at reduced temperatures.

This characteristic prevents the brittleness and potential cracking that can occur with standard PVC cables in cold conditions, ensuring reliable operation across a broad temperature range and reducing the risk of cold-weather cable failures.

Installation Guidelines

Proper Handling and Routing

Successful installation of Crane 2S cable requires careful attention to handling procedures and routing considerations. During installation, the cable should be supported at regular intervals to prevent excessive stress on any single point. While the cable is designed to be self-supporting over significant spans, temporary support during installation ensures proper positioning and prevents damage.

Cable routing should consider the dynamic nature of connected equipment, ensuring adequate clearance for movement and preventing interference with other system components. Sharp edges and potential abrasion points should be identified and protected to prevent long-term wear that could compromise cable integrity.

Securing Steel Support Elements

The steel supporting elements require proper connection to structural supports or equipment mounting points to effectively transfer tensile loads. Connection methods should distribute stress across the supporting elements without creating stress concentration points that could lead to premature failure.

Proper strain relief at connection points is essential to prevent stress transfer to electrical connections and ensure long-term reliability. The connection system should accommodate the expected range of motion while maintaining secure mechanical attachment.

Bending Radius and Strain Relief

While the Crane 2S cable is designed for flexibility, adherence to minimum bending radius specifications is essential to prevent damage to conductors or supporting elements. The cable should be routed with smooth curves rather than sharp bends, and adequate strain relief should be provided at termination points.

During installation, care should be taken to avoid exceeding the cable's specified tensile strength limits, particularly during pulling operations. Proper pulling techniques and equipment should be employed to prevent damage to the cable structure.

Safety Considerations and Standards

Compliance with VDE 0250 and IEC 60332-1-2

The Crane 2S cable is manufactured in accordance with VDE 0250 standards, ensuring compliance with German electrical safety requirements. This compliance provides assurance of electrical safety and performance consistency. Additionally, the cable meets IEC 60332-1-2 flame-retardant requirements, providing fire safety assurance in industrial installations.

These certifications demonstrate the cable's suitability for use in safety-critical applications and its compliance with international electrical safety standards.

Prohibited Uses (e.g., Lift Applications)

It is important to note that the Crane 2S cable is specifically not suitable for elevator or lift applications. These applications require cables designed to meet specific elevator codes and safety requirements that differ from general industrial cable specifications. Users should consult appropriate selection guides and application profiles when selecting cables for vertical transportation equipment.

For lift applications, specialized elevator cables with appropriate certifications and design characteristics should be selected to ensure compliance with relevant safety codes and regulations.

Maintenance and Inspection

Regular inspection and maintenance are essential for ensuring long-term reliability of Crane 2S cable installations. Inspection should focus on the condition of the outer sheath, particularly at stress points and areas of frequent movement. Signs of wear, cracking, or deformation should be addressed promptly to prevent progression to failure.

The steel supporting elements should be inspected for signs of corrosion or mechanical damage, and connections should be checked for tightness and proper strain relief. Any signs of electrical degradation, such as intermittent operation or ground faults, should be investigated immediately.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

Q: What is the maximum vertical span the Crane 2S cable can support without intermediate support?

A: The maximum unsupported span depends on the specific cable configuration and installation conditions. With each steel supporting element rated at 2100 N, the total cable weight and any additional loads must be considered. For the heaviest 20G configuration at 674 kg/km, theoretical calculations suggest spans of several hundred meters are possible, but specific installation requirements should be evaluated by qualified engineers.

Q: Can the Crane 2S cable be repaired if damaged?

A: Minor sheath damage may be repairable using appropriate cable repair techniques and materials, but damage to the steel supporting elements typically requires cable replacement. Any repairs should be performed by qualified technicians using materials compatible with the cable's flame-retardant properties.

Q: How does temperature affect the cable's tensile strength?

A: While the cable maintains flexibility at low temperatures, extreme temperature variations can affect the mechanical properties of both the PVC sheath and steel supporting elements. Installation should account for thermal expansion and contraction, and temperature extremes beyond the cable's specified range should be avoided.

Q: What is the expected service life of the Crane 2S cable?

A: Service life depends on installation conditions, usage patterns, and maintenance practices. In properly installed and maintained systems with appropriate operating conditions, the cable can provide reliable service for many years. Regular inspection and adherence to installation guidelines are key factors in achieving optimal service life.

Conclusion

Summary of Advantages

The FEICHUN KABEL Crane 2S cable represents an advanced solution for demanding industrial applications requiring both electrical reliability and exceptional mechanical strength. Its unique combination of UV resistance, flame retardancy, low-temperature flexibility, and dual steel supporting elements provides unmatched performance in challenging environments.

The cable's ability to function as a self-supporting system reduces installation complexity and cost while providing the reliability required for critical industrial operations. Its compliance with international safety standards and availability in multiple conductor configurations make it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Recommended Use Cases and Industries

The Crane 2S cable is particularly well-suited for material handling systems, automated storage and retrieval systems, industrial crane applications, and outdoor installations requiring reliable power and control connections. Industries that can benefit from this cable include manufacturing, logistics and warehousing, construction, ports and terminals, and any application where movable control systems are required.

Its exceptional characteristics make it an ideal choice for system designers and installers seeking a cable solution that can withstand the demanding requirements of modern industrial automation while providing long-term reliability and safety. The investment in high-quality cable infrastructure pays dividends through reduced maintenance requirements, improved system reliability, and enhanced operational safety.