3M’s One Pass Fiber Pathway Enables Fast Installs of FTTP Networks for MDUs
September 2009—To enable fast installation of FTTP networks for multi-dwelling units (MDUs), 3M Communication Markets Division recently introduced its One Pass Fiber Pathway. This horizontal cable pathway and drop cable solution can be installed in just one pass around a hallway perimeter.

MDU living is a fast-growing market. According to the 2008 “Fiberizing the MDU” report by Sean Buckley, there are approximately 700 million MDUs worldwide, occupied by one-third of the global population. By the year 2012, the number of MDUs passed with fiber could exceed 10 million per year. Economies of scale make FTTP deployments to MDUs more cost-effective than deployments to single-family homes.

Using 3M adhesive technology to adhere the One Pass Duct to the wall, the One Pass Fiber Pathway is compatible with a variety of wall surfaces. The low-profile design is less obtrusive than existing horizontal cable pathway solutions, and because it’s flexible, the pathway conforms well to curved walls often found in older MDUs. Fewer parts and a continuous, seamless application process make installation of the 3M One Pass Fiber Pathway quick, reducing installation time and labor costs compared to traditional cable pathway and drop-cable solutions. The One Pass Fiber Pathway is also suitable for use in hotels, hospitals, schools, and small businesses.

Suitable for indoor use only, 3M One Pass Fiber Pathway is available in a variety of lengths and pre-loaded with six or 12 single-mode, bend-insensitive fibers. It can be factory terminated at one end with SC connectors. The design enables quick plug-and-play connections to vertical distribution cables in a fiber distribution terminal (FDT).

For more information, visit www.3MFiber.com.

Phoenix Contact’s Wire Duct Keeps Control Cabinet Wiring Organized
October 2009—Phoenix Contact’s new line of wire duct cabinet add-ons simplify control cabinet wiring. With CLIPLINE wire duct, wiring is neat and secure, making it easy to replace or add wiring later.

“Fingers” on the ducts have two score lines, allowing easy removal. The fingers are flexible and will not snap when the user runs wire through them. The wire duct features a notched score line that eliminates the need for notching pliers to break off the fingers. However, breaking the wall will require the use of a cutter.

The cover’s contour allows it to snap on easily and fit securely. The duct and cover are available as a complete set, or the covers can be ordered individually. Ranging in size from 25mm to 120mm, the wire duct is suitable for a variety of applications. The wiring duct is available in two meter lengths, matching Phoenix Contact’s standard DIN rail.

For more information, visit www,phoenixcontact.com/wireduct.

Alpha Wire Expands VFD Cable Line with 3-Conductor Versions
October 2009—Alpha Wire now offers its V Series cables in a three-conductor version. V Series cables are designed specifically for the needs of variable-frequency drives. The cables use a combination of materials and symmetrical geometry to minimize problems from voltage irregularities such as harmonics, corona discharges, and power distortion.

“VFD systems can stress cables enough to cause intermittent errors and premature failure of cable or motors,” said Konstantin Khitrik, product manager at Alpha Wire. “Our four-conductor cables set the performance standard in creating reliable, durable VFD systems. The new three-conductor versions give similar performance benefits to designers in a smaller, less expensive configuration.”

The cable’s specially formulated cross-linked polyethylene insulation provides superior corona resistance, low capacitance for longer runs, and excellent low-temperature properties. The three-conductor cables feature a symmetrical design with the bare copper ground wires placed in the interstices of the conductors for uniform conductor-to-ground capacitance and impedance. This uniformity reduces the probability of motor damage from common-mode current.

The round, symmetrical design also reduces the diameter of the cable and increases its flexibility for easier routing and handling.

Available in wire sizes from 16 AWG to 4/0 AWG, the oil- and sunlight-resistant shielded cables have a PVC jacket and a temperature range from -40°C to 90°C. The cables use an overall shield to provide maximum EMI protection over a wide frequency range. For 16 AWG to 4 AWG, the shielding is a combination of aluminum/polyester/aluminum foil and copper braid with 85 percent coverage. For larger gauge sizes, the shielding is double-layer copper table.

Compatible with systems from all major VFD manufacturers, the new three-conductor V Series cables are approved to a wide range of standards that includes UL types TC-ER, 1000-V motor supply cable, and XHHW-2. The cables allow direct burial without conduit.

For additional information, visit www.alphawire.com.