Protecting electrical equipment in the OEM sector requires a seal which cannot be breached. Graham O’Hare, UK managing director of Roxtec, comments on the demands and some of the applications in which its seals have been used
It is often underestimated how much electrical systems ensure our day-to-day safety. However, failure to seal electrical cables could lead to essential equipment malfunctioning or shutting down, which results in disruption, spiralling costs and, in the worst case, can endanger lives and assets.
As a result, it is essential that safety and communication equipment is protected by the most stringently tested safety seals.
Seal solutions
Roxtec is involved in many OEM market sectors, including rolling stock, cabinets, generators and turbines, motors, switchgear and vehicles. Essentially, any piece of equipment which has electrical cabling could be sealed by the company.
In one example, Roxtec’s efficient safety sealing solution is being used by a number of F1 motorsports teams and engine manufacturers in their engine test facilities. Here, the seals are essential because they protect against water and fire as well as against vibration and noise attenuation.
In fact, Roxtec was instrumental in the sealing of the prestigious Rolls-Royce Test Bed 58 in Derby back in 2007. This is used to trial jet engines for both the Boeing and Airbus models of aircraft.
The company is also working closely with specialist crane manufacturer, Granada Material Handling (GMH), to supply cable seals for 164 cranes for use on the Gwynt y Môr wind farm. The wind farm sector is a key market for the company.
With a capacity of 576 megawatts, this wind farm is currently being constructed 18km off the North Wales coast. Once complete, it will provide power for 400,000 homes.
Two Roxtec seal kits will be installed on each of the 164 Granada Python Foundation Cranes – sealing multi-cable transit openings and protecting the equipment. The cranes will be installed on the foundation piece of the wind turbines and can be used to load and unload materials and equipment. Cables will be sealed using the company’s stainless steel R-100 complete with a modified sleeve. Crucially, they will provide a watertight seal to protect the crane’s electrical equipment from the elements faced out at sea.
‘Roxtec seals are providing reliable cable protection for critical electrical communications and power links on Bombardier Electrostar trains, safeguarding more than 200 train carriages on London’s rail network. For this application, Bombardier required a lightweight, compact and fire resistant seal’
The seals used for this application have an IP67 rating which guarantees operational reliability. Critically for the industry, it offers protection from dust ingresss and immersion in water between 15cm and 1m depth.
Safety in the rail industry
Safety is the number one concern in the rail industry, and stringent standards have to be adhered to in order to protect essential utilities and ensure safety in the event of an emergency. As a result, Roxtec seals are providing reliable cable protection for critical electrical communications and power links on Bombardier Electrostar trains, safeguarding more than 200 train carriages on London’s rail network. For this application, Bombardier required a lightweight, compact and fire resistant seal.
So, undertaking the work in Derby, Roxtec installed its safety seal solution to protect cables aboard carriages at entry points and inter carriage linkages. The cars are now in full use on the East London Line and North London Railways.
Working with an OEM like Bombardier demonstrates how effective the cable seals are. The company has exacting standards and Roxtec was able to design and test bespoke seals for installation on the award winning Electrostar trains. The seals are incredibly robust and protect the instrument and power cabling between the carriages from hazards such as fire.
Protection
Due to the Multidiameter technology, Roxtec seals are able to adapt to multiple sizes of electrical cables.
Most of the seals are also certified for use in temperatures ranging from -60 to +80°C, and they are designed to seal cables and pipes and to protect buildings and equipment from fire, explosions, water, gas, dust, vibrations and electro-magnetic disturbances, as well as vermin. The solution has also gained both ATEX and IECEx seals of approval.
Roxtec
T: 0161 761 5280
