Our expert answers a question on the best process to help cut down installation time on an upcoming project of a Voltimum user.
Question:
We have a new installation that will be installed later this year, to cut down on the installation time we intend to put junction boxes for all instrumentation on each item of plant, these will consist of pressure sensors, temp sensors, tuning fork level switches etc. all 24VDC.
Can 1 cable multi-core be used to carry the 4-20 signals and 24VDC switches/discretes? The switches are only there for high high and low low level alarms and wont be switching very fast or very regularly, so the interference on the 4-20mA signals will be very minimal to none.
We have used multicore cable in the past for mutliple analogue signals from a single instrument wihout any issues. The mulitcore cables will have wire braid covering all cores.
Answer:
Providing the cables are rated at the highest voltage present, technically it is fine. However, you may wish to check with the cable manufacturer if that is what the cable is designed for.
Gary Parker - ECA
Gary holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering along with numerous years of experience across many aspects of the electrical industry.
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