It's officially winter, and if you live in a region similar to Ohio, there's no way to avoid it — no matter how much we may try. Right now, you're likely battling low temperatures, snow, freezing rain and ice. Perhaps you operate in a warmer region but your plant runs applications that are frigid in nature. We're talking to you, too!
Whether you're the former or the latter, freezing conditions require you to take additional steps to prepare your facility. Keep your plant operational by focusing on these three key areas.
1. Preventing Electrical Wire and Cable Failures
In extreme cold, the wrong cables can lead to significant disruptions. Ensuring that your cables are built to endure freezing temperatures provides a competitive edge. Consider the following high-performance cable solutions. Determining the right product family for your environment is key to longer-lasting cable life. Here are a few to consider from ATPC's line of cold-rated cables:
Super-Trex® Extreme Temperature Cable
It is designed for operational reliability in temperature ranges from -70°C to 150°C, adhering to ISO and UL standards for safety and performance. Its robust cross-linked jacket is chemically bonded for enhanced durability, offering superior resistance to abrasion, oils, and industrial chemicals. This ensures that the cable maintains its integrity under dynamic stress and mechanical wear, making it ideal for demanding applications such as portable power, extreme cold storage, and high-temperature industrial processes.
The cable’s conductor temperature rating of +150°C, combined with its ability to pass a -70°C cold bend test, further demonstrates its suitability for use in environments where traditional cables fail. Designed with flexibility and resilience in mind, it minimizes downtime while maximizing operational efficiency in the most extreme conditions.
Thermo-Trex® 500-Plus Silicone Cable:
The Thermo-Trex® 500-Plus Silicone Cable is specifically engineered for applications that demand superior heat resistance and reliable performance in extreme cold conditions. With a temperature range spanning from -50°C to +200°C, this cable provides unmatched flexibility and durability in environments where standard cables are prone to failure.
Key features of the Thermo-Trex® 500-Plus Silicone Cable include:
- High Heat Resistance: Designed to operate continuously at temperatures up to 200°C, making it ideal for high-heat industrial applications such as furnaces, steel mills, and processing plants.
- Cold Weather Flexibility: Unlike conventional cables that become brittle in freezing conditions, this cable remains pliable and functional down to -50°C, ensuring reliability in cold storage facilities, refrigeration units, and outdoor installations.
- Robust Silicone Jacket: The chemically inert silicone jacket provides exceptional resistance to abrasion, UV radiation, moisture, and a wide range of chemicals, ensuring longevity in demanding environments.
- Electrical Integrity: Its high dielectric strength minimizes the risk of electrical failure, even under prolonged exposure to thermal or mechanical stress.
With its versatile performance characteristics, the Thermo-Trex® 500-Plus Silicone Cable is an excellent choice for industries ranging from manufacturing to energy, where consistent performance in extreme temperatures is critical. Its resilience and adaptability make it a preferred solution for maintaining operational efficiency in challenging conditions.
Chem-Gard® 200 Individually Shielded Multi-Pair Control/Resolver Cable:
The Chem-Gard® 200 Individually Shielded Multi-Pair Control/Resolver Cable is expertly crafted for demanding control and instrumentation applications that require exceptional durability in extreme environments. This cable offers superior performance in both high-temperature and chemically aggressive conditions, making it an ideal solution for industrial operations with stringent reliability requirements.
Key Features and Benefits:
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Extreme Temperature Resilience: Engineered to withstand conductor temperatures as low as -60°C and as high as 200°C, this cable maintains reliable electrical performance in extreme thermal conditions, ensuring uninterrupted operation in cold storage, outdoor installations, and high-heat processes.
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Chemical Resistance: The cable features a fluoropolymer jacket and insulation that provide unmatched resistance to harsh chemicals, oils, acids, and solvents, making it ideal for chemical processing plants, refineries, and other corrosive environments.
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Individually Shielded Pairs: Each pair is individually shielded to ensure superior protection against EMI (electromagnetic interference) and RFI (radio frequency interference), which is crucial for precise signal transmission in control and resolver applications.
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Durable Construction: The robust construction includes a high-strength jacket that resists abrasion, cut-through, and mechanical stress, extending the cable’s operational life in demanding industrial settings.
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Flexibility and Versatility: Despite its rugged design, the Chem-Gard® 200 cable maintains excellent flexibility, simplifying installation in tight spaces and dynamic applications.
With its advanced performance characteristics, the Chem-Gard® 200 Individually Shielded Multi-Pair Control/Resolver Cable is the ultimate choice for industries such as chemical processing, automotive, aerospace, and power generation. Its ability to endure extreme conditions while delivering reliable signal integrity ensures operational efficiency and reduced downtime in the harshest environments.
View our full line of cold-rated cables.
2. Avoiding Frozen Pipes and Valves
Frozen pipes and valves can cause severe damage by creating pressure that leads to cracks and leaks. Prevent costly repairs and downtime with these solutions: Avoid the hassle with these tools:
- Thermostatically Controlled Heat Trace:
This plug-and-play system protects pipes and valves from freezing. It features an adjustable thermostat for process control applications like viscosity regulation and can spot-heat pipes up to 20 feet long. -
Self-Regulating Heat Trace Assembly
For more extensive or permanent freeze protection, these assemblies automatically adjust heat output based on surface and ambient temperatures. The self-regulating cables ensure reliable performance even in the coldest conditions.
3. Stocking Quick-Fix Accessories
Downtime is expensive, especially during winter. Equip your maintenance team with essential tools to address unexpected weather-related issues:
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Vulko-Wrap™ Self-Vulcanizing Insulated Tape:
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Ideal for fixing electrical connections in temperatures as low as -60°F, this tape bonds fully within 24 hours without leaving a sticky residue. It resists oil, water, and chemicals, making it indispensable for winter repairs.
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Made from hook-and-loop material and rated to -70°F, this strap securely holds cables without damaging their jackets. Lightweight yet strong, it’s perfect for keeping cables organized in challenging conditions.
Investing in these quick-fix accessories ensures you’re ready to tackle emergencies with minimal disruption.
CONCLUSION:
Preparation is the key to maintaining smooth operations during winter. By addressing critical areas such as electrical cables, pipes and valves, and having quick-fix tools on hand, you can protect your facility from the challenges of freezing temperatures. Take proactive measures to ensure six more weeks of winter won’t slow you down.
Stay ready, stay operational, and stay ahead!
