For those who want to export machines and plant to the USA, compliance with that country's National Fire Protection Association NFPA (Fire) 79 electrical standard for industrial machines is essential. This rigorous standard, which originated in the construction industry, prohibits the use of some appliance wiring material cables (UL recognised). Due to the very high fire-resistance requirement, NFPA 79 restricts the selection of cable materials used to PVC only.
Answering this need, Lapp Group has added new products to its OLflex range of high performance cables (pictured). The OLFlex chain 879 and the screened chain 879 CY cables are UL-listed, high-flexibility power chain cables that are NFPA 79 compliant. Chain 879 cables are largely oil resistant, flame retardant, have a low-adhesion surface, are suitable for use in humid and wet environments and will tolerate up to eight million alternating bending cycles.
The screened CY version has a tin plated copper wire screening braid. Both versions use extra fine strands of Class 6 plain copper wire and a PVC core insulation with a nylon jacket. The cores are twisted in layers in short lay lengths and housed in a black PVC outer sheath. Operating temperature range for occasional flexing is -5ºC to +90ºC and -40ºC to +90ºC for fixed installations.
Meanwhile, energy chain specialist igus has supplemented its range of 850 energy chain rated cable types with NFPA 79-conforming machine cables. Chainflex types CF130.US and CF140.US machine tool wires are highly flame-resistant and meet the strict US standard in terms of materials and insulation wall thickness. The outer material is oil-resistant, in line with the regulations, and are CSA flame test rated to FT4.
Areas of application are both indoors and outdoors, short to medium travel, self-supporting energy chain use up to 10m length (medium mechanical loads), such as machine tools, packaging, wood and stone processing as well as general handling tasks.