Entry Plate Allows Multiple Cable Combinations

For applications that require a range of cables to enter a junction box or enclosure, Hylec-APL has introduced a cable entry plate that can speed up the wiring process and cut costs. The plate can be built up using a range of pre-formed push-fit IP65 cable entry options, allowing custom combinations of cable entries in one enclosure. 'The idea is to avoid situations where many different-sized holes have to be drilled and a large number of odd cable glands fitted,' said Terry Spriggs, product marketing manager for Hylec-APL.

'Intended mainly for OEM customers and large-volume users, the plates fit into frames that can be screwed to bulkheads or larger enclosures, allowing very fast entry for a large number of cables,' he added. To help customers design the entry plate, Hylec-APL has added a free 3D online configurator to its website. This free application allows users to customise and visualise the Design-A-Flange, choosing various cable entry options and adding any necessary cable glands or grommets.

Using a drag-and-drop function, users choose which size base plate they want to start with and drag it to the 'working area'. Once the base plate has been selected, a number of different size inserts can be positioned in the plate, with cable glands and grommets added where required. When the user is satisfied with the set up of the plate, they are offered a number of options.

It is possible to name and save a number of different designs, allowing users to recreate popular set-ups; it is also possible to save the designs as a pdf or to print them straight from the page. 'The online Design-A-Flange application allows customers to specify their design and place an order,' said Spriggs. 'Once they have designed their product they can speak to one of our direct sales operatives with a list of part numbers that correspond to their needs. 'The application includes a walk-through video, product facts and CAD files,' he added.

This cable interface system allows the customer to choose from a wide selection of preconfigured solutions. The standard plates each have a pattern of sealed cable entries, which can be used by pushing the cable through the seal membrane. The plates lock into a frame that is then attached, using screws, to bulkheads or large enclosures. This design makes the whole interface very flexible as it can be uninstalled and new insert plates added if cable entry requirements change. Hylec-APL has conducted in-house trials on this product to demonstrate its flexibility.

Drilling several holes of differing sizes in order to fit separate dome-topped cable glands can take a while due to bit changes, it only takes a couple of minutes to fit an interface plate and then just seconds for each push-fit cable entry. In a situation where hundreds of enclosures or cabinets are being fitted, this flexibility leads to time and cost savings. As standard, all entry points use water- and dust-proof membrane push-fit seals; however, customers can also choose knock-out inserts that allow the use of cable glands, or the quick-entry Klikseal grommet, a high-speed entry option providing IP67 protection and cable retention.

Neither the membrane seals nor knock outs require tools, meaning that an accurate and secure cable entry can be executed in seconds. The plates are made from fibreglass-reinforced polypropylene, which provides an operational temperature range of between -20C to +125C. This ensures that the flange will not weaken the overall integrity of the application to which it is fixed.

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