Information

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ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS
B1.103
B2.
Cable
Accessories
C1.
Wiring
Duct
C3.
Abrasion
Protection
C4.
Cable
Management
D1.
Terminals
D2.
Power
Connectors
E1.
Labeling
Systems
E2.
Labels
E3.
Pre-Printed
& Write-On
Markers
F.
Index
B3.
Stainless
Steel Ties
C2.
Surface
Raceway
E5.
Lockout/
Tagout
& Safety
Solutions
B1.
Cable Ties
A.
System
Overview
D3.
Grounding
Connectors
E4.
Permanent
Identification
Radiation
Installed cable ties of various materials have been exposed to different amounts of radiation to determine the
maximum acceptable limit. These tests were conducted by Panduit to determine the acceptability for use in vari-
ous areas of nuclear power plants (for radiation exposure accumulated over a 40 year life). See Cable Tie
Selection Chart (pages B1.2 and B1.3) for radiation resistance rating.
Moisture
Many plastics when exposed to high relative humidity absorb water and, as such, the tensile strength of the
material can change dramatically. Nylon 6.6 when exposed to 100% relative humidity, will absorb as much
as 8.5% water which will reduce tensile strength by 50% when compared to a dry cable tie. Polypropylene,
HALAR
▲
, Type 12 Nylon, TEFZEL
■
, Acetal and PEEK are low water absorbing materials and, as such,
the effect of water is minimal. See Cable Tie Selection Chart (pages B1.2 and B1.3) for moisture absorption.
Proper Storage
Nylon 6.6 is a hygroscopic material (affected by atmospheric moisture variations). The optimum storage
requirement for Nylon 6.6 cable ties is 73°F (± 15°F) and 50% RH (relative humidity) in sealed containers.
Improper storage, especially in cold/dry conditions can result in moisture loss, which impedes cable tie
performance. Panduit packaging provides Nylon 6.6 cable ties conditioned to 2.5% moisture added
by weight in heavy-wall, polyethylene heat-sealed bags.
Temperature
Plastic materials normally undergo property loss due to oxidation caused by exposure to high temperatures.
The maximum continuous use temperature for cable tie materials depends upon the time at the elevated
temperature as well as other environmental conditions. Initially, plastics become more flexible and weaker
when exposed to high temperatures. After a period of time, oxidation may occur which will cause embrittlement,
making plastic cable ties more susceptible to failure from impact and vibration.
The maximum continuous use temperature, is based on the UL Relative Thermal Index (mechanical
without impact) as determined by UL per UL 746B. It is one indicator of a material’s ability to retain a particular
physical property when exposed to elevated temperatures over an extended period of time. It is based on the
assumption that there is no loading, no chemical attack, and impact-free condition. The maximum continuous
use temperatures for cable tie materials are listed in the Cable Tie Selection Chart (pages B1.2 and B1.3).
Low temperature exposure will also make most plastics more brittle during the exposure, but little property loss
occurs when the material is returned to room temperatures. The minimum application use temperatures for cable
tie materials are listed in the Cable Tie Selection Chart (pages B1.2 and B1.3).
Tensile Strength
Most cable ties are selected based on material, length, and minimum loop tensile strength. Minimum loop
tensile strength was established under SAE Aerospace Standard AS23190. Each cable tie cross section
(SM = Subminiature, M = Miniature, I = Intermediate, S = Standard, HS = Heavy-Standard, LH = Light-Heavy,
H = Heavy and EH = Extra-Heavy) has a different loop tensile strength when tested per AS23190.
The cable tie is first conditioned at 49°C (120°F), 20% relative humidity for 24 hours, then the cable tie is
installed on a split mandrel and the halves of the mandrel separated at a rate of 1 inch (25.4mm) per minute.
The separating force required to unlock or break the cable tie is the loop tensile strength. Loop tensile strength
is dependent both on the locking design and the tensile strength (psi) of the material. As an example, the tensile
strength of polypropylene material is approximately 1/2 to 1/3 of Nylon 6.6; thus the loop tensile strength of a
given cross section tie made of polypropylene would be much less than a tie made of Nylon 6.6. This is another
property to be considered when selecting a cable tie. The various representative loop tensile strengths are listed
in the Cable Tie Selection Chart (pages B1.2 and B1.3).
Halogen-Free
All Panduit cable ties (with the exception of TEFZEL
■
and HALAR
▲
) are halogen-free per
IEC Specification 61249-2-21.
Radiation/Moisture/Temperature/Tensile Strength
▲
HALAR is a registered trademark of Ausimont USA, Inc.
■
TEFZEL is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.