FR-TPE (Flame Retardant Thermoplastic Elastomer) jacketed cables may be used for many hazardous Industrial Ethernet applications. The material has exceptional low-temperature flexibility, flex-life and moisture resistance. It also has better electrical properties than polyurethane.
Flame Retardant TPE Electrical Features
FR-TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) jacketed cables are ideally suited for many hazardous Industrial Ethernet applications. TPE is an advanced jacketing compound in the thermoplastic elastomer family. The material provides good chemical resistance while maintaining physical properties and delivers better electrical performance than polyurethane.
Because the material has superior electricals, applying it as a pressured jacket on Quabbin's DataMax Extreme cable enables the cable to meet the TIA/EIA-568-B.2 requirements for Category 5e bulk cable. Industrial Ethernet apparatus cords properly assembled using this cable comply with Category 5e and 6 patch cord requirements for 24 AWG and 22 AWG constructions respectively. The 22 AWG cords may be used for 100 meter plug to plug channels. The 2-pair designs are suitable for 100Base-T Ethernet transmission and the 4-pair can handle 1000Base-T.
Connector Compatibility
DataMax Extreme FR-TPE jacketed Industrial Ethernet cables are easily terminated using either encapsulated RJ-45 or cylindrical M12 connectors. The design uses a single jacket and dimensions that are compatible with standard connectivity. These features, combined with a smooth round jacket, allow pressured over-molding and positive seals to O-rings or gaskets normally used in IP67 rated connections. The best assembly designs are IP67 rated, which assure resistance to both fluid and dust particle penetration. The combination of the TPE jacket and an IP67 interface resists chemicals, dust, vibration, and other industrial hazards.
The photo below illustrates a 2-pair FR-TPE jacketed cable with the jacket stripped to show the pairs and fillers. The photo also shows a cable with the jacket over-molded and terminated to a round 4-pin industrial connector.
Mechanical Performance
Quabbin's FR-TPE compound has good to excellent mechanical characteristics. A few are listed below:
- Excellent moisture resistance
- Good ozone resistance
- Excellent UV and weathering resistance
- Good flame and fire resistance
- Excellent flexibility and low temperature brittle point
Visit part number 5800 to see an example of a FR-TPE jacketed 4-pair 22 AWG patch cable design or part number 5750 for a 4-pair 24 AWG cable. Contact your local sales representative or Quabbin's Sales Service Department (800/368-3311) for a sample or more information on DataMax FR-TPE Industrial Ethernet cable or cords.