wiredinUSA May 2014

INDEX

LPCB approvals

HRFR compounds

Doncaster Cables’ mineral insulated cable has obtained LPCB approval. The insulated coppercablesareapprovedtoBSEN60702-1 and IEC60332-21, ensuring fire survival times of over three hours at temperatures up to 950°C. Thecables are suitable for indoor and outdoor applications and for fire protection appliances in critical circuits such as alarms, sprinklers, emergency power and lighting and smoke control systems. Mineral insulated cables are especially valuable in industries where flammable gases or liquids are present, ensuring circuit integrity for both control and power circuits. At the beginning of April, Toshiba Corporation began production of new additions to its line-up of Toslink™ fiber optic transmission modules. The new modules use all plastic fiber. A high-power, high-reliability red LED allows the modules to be driven at a lower current than existing products. Transmission distance of 40m to 100m can be achieved with a 6mA drive current, and distances of 0.2m to 50m with a 1.5mA drive current. This is believed to be 90 percent lower than for existing products. The optic receiving module uses a single-chip light sensor IC containing a photodiode, an amplifier and a waveform-shaping circuit, and operates at 20mA.

Four new products will be available. The TOTX1350 (F) and TORX1350 (F) are horizontal type optical transmitting and receiving modules; and TOTX1350 (V,F) Low power transmission modules

Solvay Specialty Polymers has introduced a new polyolefin grade, Cogegum ® GFR 380, to its Cogegum range of cross-linkable, halogen-free flame retardant compounds for cable jacketing for the railway, shipping, oil and gas industries. According to Luigi Dalpasso, senior vice president, and head of cross-linkable compounds for Solvay Specialty Polymers, the new grade represents a major breakthrough in silane-grafted HFFR. “Cogegum GFR 380 is based on a new technology platform that elevates performance capabilities to an unprecedented level,” he said. GFR 380 has been developed to overcome the inherent stiffness of silane-grafted HFFR materials. With a 38 Shore D hardness, the new grade is softer and more flexible than typical silane-grafted HFFRs with a 45 to 50 Shore D hardness. This is especially valuable in railway and shipboard applications where cable space is narrow and bending ability is a key advantage. Cogegum GFR 380 is also said to provide superior flame retardant properties as, during burning, the char is compact and protects the cable. The new grade offers the same chemical resistance as previous grades to such substances as oil, fuels, alkalines, acids, and service fluids. Cogegum GFR 380 incorporates a masterbatch featuring additives to improve cross-linking action, weatherability and aging. The material is rated for use up to 90°C (194°F) and, for certain applications, can be adapted up to 105°C (221°F).

wiredInUSA - May 2014

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