What Is a Cabtire Cable?
Cabtire cables are mobile power supply cables that do not require fixed wiring installation. Cabtire cables have long been used in cables that are driven, such as those used to feed overhead cranes.
The term “cabtire cable” is derived from the term “cab”, which means that it is covered with a sturdy rubber covering, like the tires of a cab (car). However, not only rubber but also vinyl is used as a sheath. There are different types of cabtire cables depending on the environment in which they are used and their intended use, and it is necessary to select the most suitable one.
Usage of Cabtire Cables
Cabtire cables are one of the most widely used electrical installation components in the manufacturing industry. In the home, cabtire cables are used for outlet plug cables. This is a typical example of cabtire cable applications.
For industrial use, they are mainly used in moving equipment such as cranes and elevators. They are sometimes installed at base stations of 5th generation communication networks for the purpose of supplying emergency power.
The following are examples of cabtire cables in use.
- Power supply cables for in-vehicle semiconductor manufacturing equipment
- Power supply cables for backup power supplies for 5th generation communication base stations
- Power supply cables for overhead cranes and jib cranes
- Outlet cables for electric fans
- Cables for power supply of elevators and communication signals
As described above, cabtire cables are used in a wide range of applications.
Principle of Cabtire Cables
Cabtire cables are similar to other cables in that the conductor is protected by an insulator and sheath. There are several types of cabtire cables, which can be broadly classified into two types: rubber cabtire cables and vinyl cabtire cables.
1. Rubber Cabtire Cable
2PNCT and 3PNCT are rubber cabtire cables. The material of the insulation and sheath is rubber. They have excellent weather resistance, oil resistance, and impact resistance, and have a sturdy sheath. Because of these characteristics, it is mainly used as a cable for power supply. Those with natural rubber insulation and chloroprene rubber (neoprene) sheath are called 2RNCT or 3RNCT.
In contrast, those with both insulation and sheath made of natural rubber are called 1CT or 2CT. Those with EP rubber (ethylene-propylene) insulation and chloroprene rubber (neoprene) sheath are called 2PNCT or 3PNCT, and are the most commonly used rubber cabtire cables.
2. Vinyl Cabtire Cable
VCT and VCTF are vinyl cabtire cables. The material used for the insulation and sheath is vinyl. They are flexible and economical, but their impact resistance is inferior to that of rubber cables. Vinyl cabtire cables are used for outlet plug cables for home appliances. They are also often used as multi-core cables for control signals. They are mainly used in low-voltage circuits.
Types of Cabtire Cables
Rubber cabtire cables are classified into four types according to grade (type).
Type 1 Cabtire Cable
This refers to natural rubber cabtire cables. It is characterized by a high economy and versatility.
Type 2 Cabtire Cable
This cabtire cable uses chloroprene rubber for the sheath. This cable consists of a flexible conductor, insulation, and sheath.
Type 3 Cabtire Cable
This is a cable with improved impact resistance and abrasion resistance by reinforcing the middle layer of the sheath and doubling the cabtire sheath.
Type 4 Cabtire Cable
Cable with a cradle core between the wire cores to improve impact resistance and abrasion resistance compared to Type 3 cables.