igus NFPA 79-2012 compliant chainflex cables for dynamic applications

igus chainflex cables are reliable and flame retardant, resisting the spread of fire into a new area. The company puts its chainflex cables designed for dynamic applications in energy chains through a tough life test program of around two billion test cycles annually at its technical centre. This guarantees that the cables are perfect for the respective application and also comply with international standards such as NFPA 79-2012 and UL 758 without problems.

The NFPA standard defines which cables and conductors can be used in an industrial environment. Before the NFPA standard’s update in 2012, the use of Appliance Wiring Material cables was not allowed according to the NFPA 79-2007 standard. Nevertheless, AWM cables have been used for years in many different applications within the industry. In high-dynamic applications, such as those found in energy chains, NFPA 79-2007 compliant cables did not meet with the demands in relation to durability, reliability, lifetime and safety – thus a call for action was needed.

The NFPA recognised the necessity for an approval of AWM cables under specific conditions and the compliance with the flame test classification VW-1 or FT-2. The result is the NFPA 79-2012 standard, which gives mechanical engineers more freedom with regards to the use of cables that are specifically designed for continuously dynamic applications.

igus’ NFPA chainflex cables meet the specific regulations for the type of shielding, temperature ranges, tension, build-up, material class, section thickness and the general architecture of a cable as set out in the standard for AWM cables.