TE.CO Grey Cable TFX 4G 1.5 ST 500m UNEL Grey with PLC Coil

The TE.CO grey cable type TFX 4G 1.5 is a 500-meter drum of flexible power and control cable, finished in UNEL grey. It is designed for fixed or occasional flexible installation in industrial environments, particularly for connecting PLC output coils, motor contactors, and distribution panels. The cable meets European harmonized standards for low voltage applications.

Conductor and Insulation

Conductor: Bare copper, class 5 flexible stranded according to IEC 60228. Cross-section: 4 x 1.5 mm² (3 phase conductors plus protective earth). Insulation: PVC type TI6, colour-coded cores: brown, black, grey, and green/yellow for earth. Insulation thickness: 0.6 mm. The cable is oil-resistant and flame retardant according to IEC 60332-1-2.

Outer Sheath and Colour

Outer sheath: PVC type TM5, colour UNEL grey (similar to RAL 7001). Sheath thickness: 1.2 mm. Overall diameter: approximately 9.5 mm. The grey colour is typical for industrial control circuits, distinguishing it from power distribution cables. The sheath is resistant to UV light, ozone, and common industrial chemicals including diluted acids and alkalis.

Electrical and Thermal Ratings

Rated voltage: 450/750V AC. Test voltage: 2500V AC for 5 minutes. Current carrying capacity: 22A for fixed installation at 30°C ambient. Maximum conductor temperature: 70°C (normal operation), 160°C under short circuit (max 5 seconds). Insulation resistance: >10 MΩ·km. The cable has low capacitance (approximately 80 pF/m), suitable for PLC output signals.

Mechanical Properties

Minimum bending radius: 6 x cable diameter for fixed installation, 12 x diameter for flexible use. Tensile strength: 10 N/mm². The cable withstands frequent flexing in cable carriers (tested for 3 million cycles). Operating temperature range: -15°C to +70°C (static), -5°C to +70°C (flexing). The 500-meter length on a wooden drum simplifies large-scale wiring projects.

Integration with PLC Coils

The term "with PLC coil" indicates that this cable is specifically suited for wiring output modules to relay or contactor coils. Its flexible stranded conductors reduce the risk of breakage at terminal points. The grey sheath is commonly used for control circuits in CE marked machinery. The green/yellow earth conductor provides safety grounding for the PLC cabinet.

Applications

Typical uses include control panel wiring, interconnection of sensors and actuators, power supply to small motors (up to 3kW), and connection of PLC output cards to solenoid valves and indicator lamps. The UNEL grey colour is often specified by European system integrators for control voltage circuits (e.g., 24V DC or 230V AC control).

Compliance and Certifications

Complies with HAR (Harmonized) standard HD 21.5 S3, VDE 0281-5, CE low voltage directive 2014/35/EU, RoHS 2011/65/EU. The cable is also UL/CSA recognized under flexible cord designation. Fire performance: Flame retardant, not propagating fire. No halogen content? (Note: PVC contains limited halogens; for halogen-free requirement, consult TE.CO special series).

Installation Guidelines

Unwind the entire 500m length without kinking. Use appropriate cable glands with IP rating. Do not exceed pulling tension of 50N/mm² of copper cross-section. Maintain separation from power cables carrying high harmonic content. For PLC coil connections, twist the cable pair (if available) or use the shortest route to reduce inductive noise pickup.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store drum indoors, dry environment between -5°C and +40°C. Avoid direct sunlight. The cable has a service life exceeding 20 years in normal industrial conditions.

Conclusion

The TE.CO TFX 4G 1.5 grey cable in 500m UNEL grey reel is a cost-effective, reliable choice for power and control circuits in PLC-based automation systems. Its flexible construction and regulatory compliance make it suitable for worldwide industrial projects.