Supplies for Cable and Wire
Industrial wire and cable installations require equipment and tools to keep them running
Installing an industrial cable system takes time, effort and some special equipment. Tools like wire and cable cutters, enclosures and various types of fittings are essential for installing all but the simplest industrial wire and cable systems. These items make working with cable and wire safer and allow you to perform more complex operations, like connecting two cables together, or organizing cables for future work.Generally, industrial cabling requires more heavy-duty tools than working with industrial wiring. This is because cable is thicker than wire. When purchasing supplies for cable and wire installations think about the following:
1. Make sure your cable and wire fittings are resistant to corrosion and oils. This will protect them if an accident or spill occurs. You can often find fittings that are also alcohol, acid and salt water resistant.
2. Check the thread-type of your fittings. You want to choose the same thread-type as your cable and wire.
3. Choose a diameter that fits over your wire and cable. If you're using multiple sizes, you'll have to buy multiple diameter fittings as well.
Get the fittings you need to finish the job from cable and wire manufacturers
There are many different types of cable and wire fittings, from form seals for strain relief fittings, to multi-hole and single-hole connectors. Most cable fittings are either male or female. Fittings are used to connect pieces of wire and cable, splice wire and cable and attach the cable and wire to various pieces of equipment. Fittings like front panel connectors are commonly used with computer cable and wire, while others can be used to connect two different types of industrial cable or wire.
Try: Check out the variety of connectors available from Sealcon, or get connectors for medical equipment and other wiring from Minnesota Wire & Cable Co..
Purchase a pair of industrial cable and wire cutters
Industrial cable manufacturers sometimes sell cable and wire cutters, but you'll also find them available from tool stores and other industrial equipment manufacturers. Look for a model with removable blades, which allows the blades to be sharpened or replaced periodically. This will keep your cable and wire cutters going long after the first blades dull. Some cutters are hand or foot operated, while others use electricity to slice through cable. Which you choose depends on the availability of electricity at your work site and how much you want to spend.
Try: Check out Wenco's foot-operated model or choose from Lexco's selection of wire and cable cutters.
Organize your cable and wire with an enclosure
Enclosures organize and separate complex wire and cable systems. Common examples of an enclosure are cable Internet, phone and electrical boxes scattered throughout your community. These enclosures hold many labeled and arranged wires and cables, allowing quick access for testing and assessment. Enclosures are also sometimes used for industrial cable systems in large buildings, and to encase alarm system wires. Enclosures not only organize your wire and cable installation, they protect it as well. Some are even fitted with locks and made of strengthened metal.
Try: Buy an enclosure for your systems from Vynckier Enclosure Systems, or check out the smaller rack-mountable models available from Buckeye Enclosures.
- If the cable and wire enclosures you find don't meet your security, safety or design needs, try purchasing a custom-designed model. Many enclosure manufacturers offer a custom design service in addition to their stock models.
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