Instrument Cable Withstands Causes of Chronic Failure

Problem:

A petrochemical manufacturer's instrument cable was experiencing chronic failure. The cable's outside location exposed it to high and low temperatures that caused the insulation to deteriorate. This permitted moisture infiltration, resulting in signal shunting and temperature reading variations.

Solution:

To solve these problems, Watlow produced a custom mineral insulated cable with multiple copper conductors and hermetically sealed connectors. The stainless steel sheath resists corrosion and operates at temperatures up to 1000°F (540°C). The sheath also eliminates the need for conduit by providing a fire-proof cable that also shields the signal conductors from electrical noise.