Five reasons to use energy chains
September 2023
Electrical Power & Protection
Polymer energy chains provide improved low-maintenance protection for cables, hoses and pneumatics in industrial equipment wherever power, data, control, fibre and optic cables are required.
Global polymer manufacturer, igus is steadily making inroads into cable management on machines where repetitive linear movements are required. The energy chains usually replace festoon systems on equipment like gantry cranes and tripper cars, and can even replace cable reel drums on heavy-duty mining machines such as stackers and reclaimers.
igus managing director, Ian Hewat, says its e-chain cable carriers are increasingly being designed into new systems or retrofitted in festoons and cable reel systems in many industries. Rather than looping cables or winding them onto a drum, the e-chains simply act as a moving conduit or a sort of spine that keeps the cable neat and always protected.
These are the five reasons to choose igus energy chains over festoons:
1. Increased reliability: igus energy chains are designed to provide reliable performance, which reduces downtime through protecting the minimum bending radius. Unlike festoons, which can be prone to snagging and wear, energy chains offer a more robust and controlled cable management solution. Among these solutions are their chainflex cable that is specially designed to run inside the e-chains.
2. Reduced maintenance: Energy chains require minimal maintenance compared to festoon systems. igus energy chains have a self-lubricating polymer, reducing the need for constant maintenance, whereas rollers on festoons need regular lubrication. The e-chain also allows you to add cables and hoses should you wish to do so.
3. Better cable protection: Through the design of the energy chains, the minimum bending radius that shields cables and hoses is controlled, which reduces the risk of damage or electrical failures caused by external elements. Festoons, on the other hand, have their radius exposed and uncontrolled, with added stress and tension on the hanging parts.
4. Space efficiency: igus energy chains are designed to be compact and space-efficient, making them suitable for applications with limited space, whereas with festoons you need to allow space for the cables depending on the length of travel and number of trolleys used.
5. Safety: Energy chains contribute to a safer work environment by preventing cables from hanging loose. The e-chain can be installed at a lower level due to its compactness, making any sort of maintenance easier and safer. Festoons need to be at a much higher level, impacting health and safety.
Effective cable management systems should complement an operations’ objectives and result in better productivity, increased reliability, improved safety and reduced costs. Polymer energy chains from igus tick all these boxes and more.
Further reading:
Power supply with scalability optimised
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has introduced the Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular to the South African marketplace. This robust uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is designed to protect critical loads while offering third-party verified Live Swap functionality.
Read more...
Prioritising arc flash safety
Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest has developed a range of thermal imaging and wireless testing tools from Fluke, designed to ensure safety is the top priority for engineers working in potentially dangerous arc flash zones.
Read more...
Energising South Africa
ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
With South Africa facing a critical juncture in its energy transition – needing to meet rising demand while reducing emissions – energy storage is key, promising stable grids, and integrating renewables.
Read more...
New-generation circuit breakers
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its ComPacT NS new-generation circuit breakers, designed to maximise power availability and reliability.
Read more...
How to measure frequency
Electrical Power & Protection
Circuits and equipment may be designed to operate at a fixed or variable frequency. They may perform abnormally if operated at a different frequency than specified.
Read more...
Power audits – an important step in the sustainability journey in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Sustainability has become a global imperative, with countries and businesses worldwide striving to reduce their environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote long-term viability. In the context of Africa, the sustainability journey is particularly crucial.
Read more...
Enhanced distribution transformer monitor
Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest announced that the INCON Distribution Transformer Monitor (DTM) from Franklin Electric Grid Solutions has been updated to include new transformer life prediction functionality, enabling service and maintenance forecasting. This leverages predictive algorithms to estimate the remaining lifespan of transformers, streamlining operations.
Read more...
A guide to spotting solar scams and choosing reliable providers
Electrical Power & Protection
With solar energy an increasingly popular and vital component of our national energy strategy, the simultaneous rise of unregulated and substandard fly-by-night service providers poses a significant risk.
Read more...
ACTOM Distribution Transformers builds first 66kV transformer
ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM Distribution Transformers recently completed the manufacture of its first 66 kV transformer, and says it is ready to become the dominant force in the supply of HV small power transformers on the African continent.
Read more...
Rack mount on-line UPS improves user interface and lead time
Emerson Automation Solutions
Electrical Power & Protection
Emerson has announced the new Series D update to the family of proven SolaHD industrial rack-mount online uninterruptible power supplies. The new SolaHD S4KD Series offers significant user interface improvements and other design upgrades to increase reliability and product availability.
Read more...