Braving the Cold: How Our Cables Withstand the Chill
As we find ourselves amidst a snowy wonderland, it's a good moment to reflect on how our cables are rigorously tested to ensure they can withstand extreme cold weather conditions. Here at Autac, we prioritize reliability and safety, and our cables are no exception.
Purpose of Low-Temperature Testing
To ensure our cables maintain their insulation properties and structural integrity even in the harshest conditions, we conduct extensive low-temperature testing. This testing is crucial in verifying that our cables can endure bending at extremely low temperatures without cracking. This helps us meet the low-temperature class rating standards as outlined in our industry guidelines.
Preparing for the Test
For our low-temperature testing, we prepare two test samples, each at least 600mm in length. We then carefully remove 25mm of insulation from each end of the samples. These prepared samples are ready for the rigorous testing process.
Table 8 - Winding
The Testing Process
Our test involves the use of a freezing chamber set at a chilling -40°C (±2°C). The test can be conducted using either a rotatable or stationary mandrel, depending on the specific test setup required. Both options have their own procedures and specifications:
Option A (Rotatable Mandrel): When using a rotatable mandrel, the mass specifications must be followed as per Table 8.
Option B (Stationary Mandrel): When using a stationary mandrel, no additional mass is applied.
Before the test begins, both the test samples and the mandrel are conditioned in the freezing chamber for a minimum of 4 hours. For Option B, the samples are then wrapped around the mandrel by hand within the freezing chamber, ensuring continuous contact between the test samples and the mandrel.
Post-Test Evaluation
After the cold winding process, the test samples are allowed to return to room temperature (RT). We then perform a visual examination to check for any exposed conductor. If no conductor is visible, we proceed with the withstand voltage test at 1kV (ac) for 1 minute. The requirement is simple: no breakdown should occur during this test.
Ensuring Quality and Reliability
By conducting these rigorous tests, we ensure that our cables can perform reliably in extreme cold conditions, such as the snowy weather we're currently experiencing. This commitment to quality and safety is what makes Autac a trusted name in the industry.
Stay warm and rest assured that our cables are built to endure the cold, just like we are!