RTD Cables

Triad cable for RTD applications has three cores twisted together, minimizing electromagnetic interference and maintaining balanced electrical characteristics between the three-wire configuration. This is necessary to balance lead wire resistance for measurement accuracy.

The RTD cable length limitation can be different depending on the wire size used, and the wiring configuration for the measurement circuit. Typically, the maximum distance for a standard installation would be around 300 meters when utilizing 20 – 22 AWG conductors in 3-wire configuration. For a 4-wire RTD connection the distance can be increased to 600 meters with no loss of accuracy.

FEP cable insulation has great chemical resistance, has a continuous operating range from -65°C to +200°C, retains excellent dielectric properties throughout its operating range, and is far more moisture resistant than standard polymer insulations.

FEP insulated cable provides almost identical chemical and thermal resistance properties of a PTFE insulated cable but is easier to process when extruded with conventional processes providing a more consistent wall thickness while also having enhanced mechanical properties at a much lower cost.

FEP cable can be installed as continuous operating at -65°C to +200°C, with the possibility for short excursions to 260°C. FEP cable is suitable for most industrial RTD applications – with the exception of the highest furnace and combustion monitoring applications.

PVC insulated cable will operate reliably from -40°C to +105°C for standard formulations of PVC insulated cable. For heat-resistant PVC compounds, the continuous operating temperature can be extended to 120°C for short durations. This temperature range is suitable for most ambient and moderate temperature RTD installations.

XLPE is cross-linked polyethylene insulated cables which provide greater temperature capability (up to 150°C continuous) than PVC insulated options and greatly improve aging resistance, but PVC insulated will be more cost-effective as a general use under temperature of 105°C.

Fiberglass insulated cable provides excellent abuse resistance with its woven glass fiber construction. Fiberglass insulated cables can provide resistance to mechanical stress, flexing, and contact with surfaces that would have damaged polymer insulations. This feature allows it to be used for furnace applications and in industrial environments with extreme temperature applications.