Choosing the right wire is critical in many environments, especially industrial applications. The stakes are raised even more in industrial operations due to the often challenging environments that threaten wires and cables everywhere. Any failure can lead to increased risks for operators, quality problems, and lost production time, where every minute can cost thousands of dollars. 

Taking the time and effort to choose the right wire is crucial to ensuring that your industrial wiring operates safely and reliably under harsh conditions. This guide will examine the critical factors to consider when selecting wires for industrial applications, including durability, temperature resistance, and specific use cases.

Understanding Industrial Applications

Unlike residential and commercial applications, industries have significantly different and unique wiring requirements, such as manufacturing, construction, and automotive. In manufacturing, wires must withstand continuous mechanical stress and potential chemical exposure. Construction environments demand wires capable of enduring extreme weather conditions and physical wear. Automotive industries require wires that can function reliably under high temperatures and vibrations. So, selecting the correct wire is critical for the integrity and efficiency of operations, reducing the risk of failures and downtime.

Key Factors in Choosing Industrial Wires

Durability

Industrial settings can put very high strains on cable due to harsh environments, from exposure to chemicals and extreme temperatures to vibrations, moisture, high UV and impacts, placing durability very high on the list of critical factors. Durable electrical cables from robust materials such as copper and stainless steel are preferred for their strength and longevity. Copper is widely used due to its excellent electrical conductivity and flexibility, while stainless steel offers superior resistance to corrosion and high tensile strength.

Temperature Resistance

Many industrial applications expose wires to high temperatures, whether in high-power electrical installations or metalworking. Materials like PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) and silicone are commonly used for their excellent thermal stability. Coatings and insulation also play critical roles, some because they don’t emit toxins while burning and others because they’re not flammable in the first place.

Specific Use Cases

Generally, the choice of wire is strongly dependent on the application. For example, heat- or cold-resistant wires are crucial in extreme temperatures. Choosing the wrong cable could cause a complete breakdown or conductor overheating under high temperatures, becoming brittle, losing flexibility, and degrading in very cold temperatures. Similarly, chemical-resistant wires are necessary in industries where exposure to corrosive substances is common, whether it is chemicals, moisture, oil or UV light. High-voltage wires are essential for power distribution in large industrial facilities.

So, as you can see, most industrial applications have their own sets of specialized wires to ensure optimal performance, so doing your research can save you a lot of headaches and money in the long run. If you’re unsure or find it challenging to navigate the wide variety of cables, call the specialists of Tevelec today at 905-624-5241 or fill out our convenient online form for inquiries.

Types of Industrial Wires

Generally, industrial wires can be divided into common and specialty wires, depending on their industrial applications. 

Common Types

Common wire types are:

• Copper Wires: Known for excellent conductivity and flexibility, copper wires are used in various applications.
• Aluminum Wires: Lighter than copper, aluminum wires are often used where weight reduction is essential without compromising electrical performance.
• Stainless Steel Wires: These wires offer high tensile strength and corrosion resistance and are suitable for harsh environments.

Specialty Wires

On the other hand, specialty wires cater more toward specific industries and applications and their requirement profiles:

• Heat-Resistant Wires: Designed to operate at high temperatures using materials like PTFE or silicone.
• Chemical-Resistant Wires: Coated or made with materials that resist chemical degradation, suitable for chemical processing plants.
• High-Voltage Wires: Engineered to handle high electrical loads, ensuring safety and efficiency in power distribution systems.

Practical Considerations

When choosing wires for industrial applications, there are a few factors to consider before deciding to ensure you get precisely the type of wire to meet your needs and requirements.

The durability of industrial wires is influenced by their ability to withstand environmental factors such as moisture, chemicals, and physical wear. High-durability materials ensure longevity and reduce the frequency of replacements, leading to lower maintenance costs and improved operational reliability. On the other hand, for environments with extreme temperatures, selecting wires with appropriate temperature resistance is crucial. High-temperature wires maintain their integrity and performance under thermal stress, preventing insulation breakdown and electrical failures.

Industry Standards and Compliance

Another factor to consider is industry standards and compliance. Depending on the industry in which you are operating, you may have specific standards to meet, such as international and industry-specific standards like ISO, IEC, CSA, UL, cUL, ETL, and RoHS. These standards provide guidelines for electrical wire specifications, testing, and certification to ensure that wires meet the necessary safety and performance criteria.

Certified industrial wires also guarantee compliance with regulatory requirements and assure you of quality and safety. Certain installations have specific approval processes that require particular certifications in place to ensure wires used during these installations will perform as expected in their particular applications.

Selecting the Right Supplier

Choosing the right one is critical, as there is a wide selection of suppliers and distributors offering wires and cables. When doing your research, look into the supplier’s reputation, product quality, and certifications. Check customer reviews to see if there are any emerging patterns, both positively and negatively, that you can use to trim down your list of companies to contact. 

It’s generally also a good idea to contact potential suppliers to get a better idea and also have the opportunity to ask questions, such as:

• What materials are used in your wires, and what are their properties?
• Can you provide certification for compliance with industry standards?
• What testing procedures do you use to ensure the durability and performance of your wires?

Tevelec is a leading distributor of wires and cables, offering a comprehensive range of industrial wiring solutions. With a reputation for quality and reliability, Tevelec ensures that all products meet stringent industry standards, providing peace of mind for industrial applications.

Conclusion

Selecting the correct wire for industrial applications involves far more than just looking at a catalogue and choosing a wire. You must consider the industrial application you operate in and your particular requirements, such as durability, temperature resistance, and specific use cases like chemical resistance. Understanding the properties and requirements of different wire types ensures that the chosen solution will perform reliably under the demands of industrial environments. Adhering to industry standards and choosing certified products are essential to ensure safety and compliance.

Tevelec stands at the forefront of the wire and cable distribution landscape in Canada, offering a diverse range of high-quality products designed to meet the unique needs of various industries. As a customer-centric company, Tevelec is committed to quality, sustainability, and expert guidance.

Discover the comprehensive range of high-quality wires and cables, including mini-split cables, fire alarm cables, and more, tailored to specific industry requirements.

Whether navigating the complexities of electrical systems or seeking tailored solutions for your industry, Tevelec’s team of experts is ready to assist you. Contact us today at 905-624-5241 or fill out our convenient online form for inquiries and consultations and to experience the excellence that defines Tevelec wire products and services.