How to Bend Electrical Conduits
Electrical conduit protects wires running through walls or outside from the elements and provides extra protection for surrounding structures from the wires. Installing wire requires knowing how to bend electrical conduit. To do the job well, you’ll need extensive practice to learn and master various bends. Reviewing the basics periodically, regardless of your level of […]
Read moreWhat is Cable Ampacity?
What Is Cable Ampacity? Understanding ampacity is a vital part of cable selection and installation. Ampacity relies on a complex calculation with many different factors, and getting it wrong can lead to significant safety concerns. It is vital to consider how this rating affects the need for adjustments to the cable’s operating environment. We’ll go […]
Read moreWhen to Use Riser vs. Plenum Cables
Knowing when to use riser cables vs. plenum cables is essential in cabling applications, as both of these options meet different guidelines and consist of varying materials. Utilizing cables that have the necessary ratings for your building helps you adhere to fire safety codes and safeguard building occupants and assets. Learn more about the distinctions […]
Read moreWhat Different Electrical Wire Colors Really Mean
Handling electrical wires can pose serious threats to both the layperson and the trained electrician, which is why it’s nothing short of critical to understand wire colorings. There are several wire identification standards that rely on color codes, and most industry professionals agree on what electrical wiring colors typically represent. These colors can clue you […]
Read moreWires vs. Cables
The terms wire and cable are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct electrical components. Using one in place of the other probably wouldn’t confuse the average person, but there are important distinctions between the two. In general, a cable is made up of multiple wires, which can also be used on their […]
Read moreCalculating Conduit Fill Percentage
Conduits — any tube or trough that encases wires — protect against strain and wear from the elements. Electricians may want to stuff conduits, but overfilling can lead to unsafe installation. When running electrical cables and wires, it is essential to calculate the appropriate conduit fill to prevent conductor damage and meet national safety standards. […]
Read moreWhy Do Some Cables Have Filler?
When some types of cables are made, filler materials are used as part of their construction. These materials are added for a variety of reasons, from increasing the cable’s life to providing protection from high temperatures. There are several types of fillers used in cable construction, and they have their own individual advantages and disadvantages. […]
Read moreFlat vs. Round Cables
If your industry requires dependable electrical power in demanding environments, you likely know the importance of choosing reliable cable protection. However, the choice of flat or round cables is also critical. Flat and round cables have significant design differences that make them advantageous in different applications. Knowing how to choose the right cable is essential for […]
Read moreCable Strain Causes and Solutions
Machines in almost every industry are advancing at an unprecedented rate, with each new generation becoming faster than the previous. These new systems rely heavily on cables transferring power between them. Extra attention should be given to the state of these cables since a system can fail if a cable takes on too much strain. […]
Read moreEMI Shielding vs. Filtering for Electronics
As we surround ourselves with more and more electronic devices, we need to stay aware of electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI can have consequences that range from a static-filled song on the radio to interruptions to advanced military and medical equipment. EMI plays a role in everything from the smartphone in your pocket and appliances in […]
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