Belden VFD Cable 29502

[ChrisJ]

I am trying to find a retailer/distributor who will sell less than a spool (need only 15 feet) of this cable. Mouser.com and others sell only spools of 250, 500 or 1000'.
I am trying to follow the suggestion of the manufacturer of the drive (Automation Direct GS2 VFD). They suggest using this cable between the drive and the motor.
I will keep on looking, but if anyone knows of a place either online or a local retailer, I would appreciate the lead. I am located in NJ.

Thank you
Chris

[Al_The_Man]

I have installed alot of VFD's and have looked at the specialty cables, but I what I do instead is use regular tew single conductor stranded, and use 1/2" liquidseal metalic flex conduit, make sure you twist the three conductors together and also use a tew ground wire together with the 3 for the motor. And make sure you use the correct metalic fitting for the end so it is grounded, this method you have shielding and protection for the wire.
Your local electrical supply should sell you a cut piece of Liquidseal.
Al.

[ChrisJ]

If I strikeout on finding someone who will sell only 15' of the VFD cable I will certainly consider your method as an alternative. Does the TEW cable have similar properties on the insulator as the VFD cable wires, in order to prevent the corona affect between two conductors?

Thank you for the suggestion
Chris

[Al_The_Man]

It does not have the same qualities as the specialty cable, but I have installations been in 10 yrs now and have not seen any arcing through, the TEW is rated at 600v or 1000v.
Also CNC machines have had similar drives on their spindles for decades and this wire was never available, They usually go the TEW route.
Al.

[ChrisJ]

I looked up TEW and found this: "Canadian Standards Association type appliance wires. Solid or stranded single conductor, plastic-insulated. 600V, 105°C". Not knowing much about wiring standards and what is available locally, I don't know if this wire is available in the States. Is there an equal?
I found this: Quad-Rated® Machine Tool & Appliance Wire online. I guess I need to go to the store and find out what they carry.

Thanks for your input.

Chris

[ChrisJ]

Al,

Thinking about your method, would there be a benefit to the ground wire being bare with no insulator over one that is insulated?

Also, other than the reason that twisting the wires prior to inserting them in the flex conduit makes for an easier installation getting the wires in the conduit, what other purpose does the twisting serve?

Chris

[Al_The_Man]

TEW is a very common control wire used in N America, I am pretty sure it is called the same in US. The ground wire could be a bare wire. By twisting the wires it has a cancellation effect on any magnetic field setup around them when large currents flow.
Edit: it listed by UL as well as CSA http://www.alphawire.com/pages/HAR_5.cfm
Any electrical supplier should carry it.
Al

[ChrisJ]

Thank you.

Chris