How do you prepare the cables?
Unwind cables from the reel, never loop them off the coil: that introduces torsion which later shows up as corkscrewing. Let cables lie extended for at least an hour, longer in cold weather, so the sheath relaxes. Then re-measure diameters and check for transport damage.
What is the neutral position?
Lay the chain out straight on the floor or in the trough, with the bend flat. In that position every cable sits at its natural length. If you fill it while bent, the cable turns out too short or too long at the opposite position and pulls at the end connectors.
Where and how do you fit strain relief?
At both ends, within 100 mm of the end connector, with a clamp gripping the sheath over its full circumference. Do not use a cable tie directly on the sheath of moving cables: a tie cuts in. On vertical arrangements, add relief every two metres.
What do you check on the first test run?
First move the axis by hand or at low speed across the full travel. Watch the bend: does it roll evenly, or does a cable pull the compartments askew? After ten strokes, feel the cables at the end connector; heat or tension there means the cable was laid in too short. Repeat the check after 100 and after 5000 strokes.
| Step | Action | Check | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ketting uitgestrekt leggen | Bocht vlak | 5 min |
| 2 | Vakindeling zetten | Vulling ≤ 60% | 10 min |
| 3 | Kabels afrollen en laten rusten | Geen torsie | 60 min |
| 4 | Kabels invullen | Speling 10–20% | 20 min |
| 5 | Trekontlasting monteren | ≤ 100 mm van eind | 15 min |
| 6 | Stegen sluiten | Volledig vergrendeld | 10 min |
| 7 | Proefrit | Bocht rolt gelijkmatig | 10 min |
Frequently asked questions
- May cables inside the chain be extended with a joint?
- No, never inside the moving section. A joint is stiffer than the cable and forms a break point. Extend only outside the chain, behind the strain relief.
- How do you stop cables twisting around each other?
- One cable per compartment, and mark a line on the sheath every metre while filling. If the marks stay aligned, there is no torsion.
- Can Wisman Group supply the chain pre-filled?
- Yes, we supply chains complete with cables, hoses, strain relief and end connectors, assembled to length. Request it through the quote form; you also receive the assembly drawing.
Read next
- How do you divide a cable carrier with separators?Compartments, shelves and EMC separation: what belongs where and which distances to keep.
- How do you extend the life of cables in a cable carrier?Three causes explain nearly all premature failures. How to spot them in time and what your maintenance plan needs.
- Openable inwards or outwards: which do you choose?The opening direction decides whether you can fill cables without dismantling the machine. Four criteria and a decision table.