Modern network connections need a specific cable to suit the characteristics of each installation. For that, ProfiNET cables continue to be one of the most popular options due to the numerous advantages they offer.
The name refers to “Process Field NETwork”, a communication standard especially designed for Ethernet-based industrial automation.
The composition of ProfiNET Cables
ProfiNET cables are made up of four copper conductors in a Star-quad configuration, i.e. equivalent to two pairs. The colour combination is usually yellow-orange and blue-white.
Types of ProfiNET cables
One of the characteristic values of ProfiNET cables is the option to adapt each installation as much as possible to the required working environment.
First of all, let’s distinguish the three main types of ProfiNET cables that are usually used:
Type A ProfiNET cable
For fixed installations in which no movements will occur subsequently.
Type B ProfiNET cable
For flexible installations, in other words, installations that support occasional movements or vibrations.
Type C ProfiNET cable
For special applications in dynamic environments with constant movement, which can sometimes be torsion and flexion.
ProfiNET Cables based on Installation Requirements
Besides these three main types, ProfiNET cables can also be differentiated by other special characteristics based on the needs of each installation:
- PE cables: for areas with permanently high levels of humidity.
- Buried cables: for underground communication installations.
- Cables with a non-corrosive fire-retardant sheath: for installations that require low smoke and halogen emission.
- Trailing cables: for installations in cable chains.
- Cables for naval applications: for installations on ships and offshore platforms.
Where are ProfiNET cables used?
ProfiNET cables are especially targeted at applications in industrial communication for sending information between different equipment.
Among other things, Sumcab specialises in cables for industrial communication. As a result, ProfiNET cables are just one of the available options alongside AS-I cables, Can Bus cables, DeviceNet cables, Profibus PA cables or Safety Bus cables, among many others.
Types of ProfiNET Cables available from Sumcab
Generally speaking and depending on their composition, we can offer:
- Sumodrive ProfiNET cables
- Sumline ProfiNET cables
- Sumsave ProfiNET cables.
Sumodrive® ProfiNET Cables
Sumodrive® ProfiNET cables are intended for installation in cable chains, specifically for sensor/actuator wiring. Unlike others, they have seven to nine CP strands, especially designed for robotics.
We continue to innovate every day at Sumcab, leading to the recent addition of the Sumodrive® 4.0 PNP-C5 2x2xAWG22/7 to our portfolio of ProfiNET cable solutions. This is a highly flexible ProfiNET cable for use in drag chains. For average mechanical requirements in terms of curvature radius, travel speed, acceleration and length.
It offers outstanding flexibility, resistance to abrasion and water, and complies with EC 2014/35/EU and RoHS manufacturer standards.
Sumline ProfiNET Cables
The Sumline cable family is perfect for most markets due to its versatile characteristics. These cables can be found in all sorts of machinery, motor vehicles, the packaging sector, food sector, pharmaceutical sector, oil & gas sector, timber sector and manufacturing sector in general.
The Sumline ProfiNET cables can be split into three separate ranges:
Sumline® 4.0 PNV-F5
These cables are aimed at Type A industrial ProfiNET communication for fixed and indoor installations. They offer protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI), resistance to water, oils and chemicals in general, and also prevent the spread of flames.
Sumline® 4.0 PNV-S5
This type of ProfiNET cable is very similar to the previous in terms of characteristics, the only difference being that it is used for Type B flexible industrial installations.
The Sumline® 4.0 PNV-S5 cable offers protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Sumline® 4.0 PNV-F5-SWA
The Sumline® 4.0 PNV-F5-SWA cable is somewhat different from the previous two options. Above all, these cables can be found in Type A fixed industrial installations. However, they are also reinforced with steel strands and can therefore be used in ATEX zones.
These cables are ideal for both indoor and outdoor installations because they also offer excellent resistance to UV rays.
In fact, their properties include resistance to water, impact (level AG4 Very strong), oils, hydrocarbons and chemical products, and prevent the spread of flames.
Sumsave ProfiNET Cables
The last group of ProfiNET cables available from Sumcab can be found in the Sumsave range, offering excellent fireproof properties among other things. The following are worth noting:
Sumsave® 4.0 PNH-S5
This cable offers resistance to water, oils and chemical products in general, but its fireproof properties are what truly make it stand out.
It is a halogen-free product that prevents the spread of flames and with low smoke opacity, as well as low gas corrosiveness.
Sumsave® 4.0 PNH-F5
For Type A industrial installations. It is specifically used for indoor installations.
Sumsave® 4.0 PNH-F5-SWA
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor Type A fixed installations.
These cables are reinforced with steel strands for ATEX zones and offer resistance to water, impact, oils, hydrocarbons, chemical products and even direct impact from UV rays.
At Sumcab, we try to offer the broadest range of ProfiNET cables necessary for us to adapt to any kind of industrial environment. Get in touch with us for some fully customised advice so we can find the perfect type of cables for your project or company.
