PMDX Forum

General Category => Cables, connectors, switches, contactors, sensors and other items => Topic started by: san83 on September 28, 2016, 03:32:43 PM

Title: Stepper motor cable
Post by: san83 on September 28, 2016, 03:32:43 PM

Hello -

I have acquired some really nice but used IGUS Chainflex shielded cable with 4 conductors. It is 22AWG. Can I use it for stepper motors with the Gecko Drives putting out around 4.5A. Whats the max A I can use with these cables?

Thanks

Title: Re: Stepper motor cable
Post by: Steve Stallings on September 28, 2016, 04:51:52 PM

Current capacity depends on application and number of wires in one jacket.

Stepper motors by their nature never have maximum current in all conductors
at the same time. My personal practice is to use a value less than the "chassis
wiring" rating and more than the jacketed cable rating which assumes all
conductors carry the same current.

For 22 AWG jacketed cable feeding stepper motors I am happy with up to
5 amperes rated motor current.

For 20 AWG jacketed cable feeding stepper motors, I am happy with up to
7 amperes rated motor current.

For 18 AWG jacketed cable feeding stepper motors, I am happy with up to
10 amperes rated motor current.

Do pay attention to terminations. For wire in these sizes, even a few strands
missing in the crimp or clamp can significantly reduce current carrying ability.

Title: Re: Stepper motor cable
Post by: san83 on September 29, 2016, 08:46:28 AM

Steve - thanks for the great explanation.This is what I have - http://www.igus.com/iPro/iPro_01_0013_0036_USen.htm?c=US&l=en