Sealcon Blog

Posted October 23rd, 2023 & filed under Sealcon News.

In recent years, the electric vehicle (EV) movement has ramped up, leading to a significant increase in the adoption of electric buses, commercial vehicles, and fleet vehicles. At the same time, fleet managers are integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into their operations to optimize the management of buses and commercial vehicles.

As this shift towards an EV driven world becomes increasingly prevalent, the importance of dependable connectors for power stations and vehicles cannot be understated. Similarly, the growing use of online data management and digital communication technologies for fleet management are creating an increasing need for reliable connectivity solutions.

The Growing Fleet EV Market

EV technology is rapidly evolving, providing numerous advantages over traditional internal combustion engines. Lower emissions, reduced maintenance costs, and greater energy efficiency are some of the key benefits that make electric vehicles an attractive option for the private sector.

These same benefits are attractive for fleet vehicle applications, with some added specific advantages for commercial vehicles. For example, EV buses offer a quieter and smoother ride, improving passenger comfort. Also, the instant torque and power of EVs make them well-suited for stop-and-go urban routes common to buses and utility vehicles.

Beyond these benefits, the environment in which fleet vehicles are maintained is highly conducive for electric vehicle needs. The depots and lots where fleet vehicles are kept provide an ideal location for the charging infrastructure required for EV vehicles.

The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) offers a variety of benefits for commercial electric vehicle fleets. IoT technology allows for real-time monitoring and control of vehicles, enabling fleet managers to optimize vehicle performance, track usage, and maintain efficient operations. Through IoT, commercial EVs can provide valuable data on battery status, energy consumption, and vehicle health, leading to predictive maintenance, reduced downtime, and lower operational costs.

IoT can also enhance route planning and navigation, helping drivers find the most efficient charging stations and routes, further increasing the overall productivity and sustainability of commercial EV fleets. Empowering commercial EV vehicles with advanced connectivity and data-driven insights, IoT enhances overall fleet efficiency, reliability, and environmental impact.

The Role of Cord Grips and Connectors

Dependable cord grips and connectors are essential components of any EV charging system, ensuring safe and reliable connections between the power source and the vehicle. These components are also crucial for IoT devices. Here’s how they benefit these specific applications:

Commercial Fleet Vehicles

In the context of commercial fleet vehicles, such as delivery trucks or vans, dependable cord grips and connectors are critical components of EV charging stations.

Fleet management systems rely on IoT devices to monitor vehicle performance and collect data on fuel consumption, maintenance needs, and driver behavior. Cord grips and connectors are essential for connecting these IoT sensors to the vehicle’s data systems, ensuring that real-time data is transmitted accurately and consistently.

Buses

Electric buses depend on reliable cord grips and connectors to facilitate efficient charging. Some systems employ connectors on the roof of the bus, which extend and connect with overhead charging infrastructure, ensuring a dependable and high-capacity charging solution for electric buses.

Buses often incorporate IoT sensors for monitoring passenger loads, temperature control, and route optimization. Cord grips and connectors are crucial for connecting these sensors to the bus’s onboard computer systems, allowing for real-time data collection and analysis.

Utility Vehicles

Utility vehicles, like electric bucket trucks used by utility companies, rely on dependable cord grips and connectors for their charging needs. Connectors provide a secure and standardized interface for Level 2 AC charging, ensuring utility vehicles are ready for service.

Utility vehicles may use IoT technology to monitor equipment health, track location, and optimize maintenance schedules. Cord grips and connectors play a crucial role in connecting these IoT sensors to the utility vehicle’s systems, enabling real-time data transmission for better operational efficiency.

Trust Sealcon for Commercial Fleet EV and IoT Connectivity

Sealcon is here to assist you in finding the right component for your EV fleet needs and IoT applications. We’ll get you the connectors and cable glands you need on time and within budget. Contact us to discuss your project and get a free quote.

Posted October 16th, 2023 & filed under Accessories, Cable Glands, Conduit, Connector, Enclosures, Hazardous Areas, Sealcon News.

Wow time flies when you are having fun! 2023 is getting closer to wrapping up and now is the time to start placing your orders for the end of the year. Even though Sealcon has an extensive supply of cable glands, circular connectors and many other cable management products stocked in our warehouse in Denver, Colorado, we want to make sure we have what you need to finish the year off strong. Call or email your orders in today to make sure you have delivery of everything you need by the end of the year. We look forward to helping you end 2023 with cable management solutions of the highest quality and welcoming you into a great and prosperous 2024!

Posted October 5th, 2023 & filed under Sealcon News.

Much of industry is now driven by technology. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is revolutionizing the way industries use these digital systems to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation. IIoT systems represent the means by which these technologies are tied together, providing rapid communication and data transfer.

The IIoT ecosystem is designed to collect and exchange the data involved in industrial processes. Integral to the operation of the IIoT are reliable and versatile electronic connector products. The devices comprising IIoT systems work together to monitor equipment, optimize production, and predict maintenance needs. It is a dynamic environment that requires the ability to connect, communicate, and power system components efficiently and reliably.

Dependable Connectivity

Connectors are essential to the IIoT for ensuring reliable communication. Industrial environments can be harsh, with extreme temperatures, humidity, as well as exposure to dust and vibrations. Connectors used under these conditions must be specifically designed to maintain a secure connection to prevent data loss or device failure. IIoT applications typically require connectors built to withstand these challenges while offering stable connectivity.

Diverse Range of Devices

The IIoT includes a wide range of devices from sensors and actuators, to gateways and controllers. Each of these components may have unique connector requirements, such as varying voltages, signal types, or data transfer rates. Electronic connectors offer a diverse range of options to accommodate specific needs. Whether you need a high-speed data connector or a power connector capable of handling high currents, it is important to select the right components to assure optimal performance in your application.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

As industries expand and evolve, the ability to add or replace devices seamlessly is essential. Versatile connectors offer a plug-and-play solution that simplifies the integration of new devices into the network. This scalability ensures that IIoT systems can adapt to changing needs, making them more future-proof.

Reduced Downtime and Maintenance Costs

In any industrial setting, downtime is disruptive and expensive. Quality connector products are engineered with durability in mind, reducing the likelihood of connector failures. Component reliability leads to fewer maintenance issues and lower operational costs. Connectors designed for easy maintenance and replacement further minimize downtime, contributing to increased productivity.

Data Integrity and Security

The connectors that are specified for IIoT systems play an important role in maintaining data integrity and security by ensuring a stable and interference-free connection. Connectors with shielding are essential for industries that deal with critical data, such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

Sealcon is Your Source for IIoT Connectivity Solutions

The Industrial Internet of Things holds immense potential for industries worldwide, promising increased efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced innovation. Sealcon provides a comprehensive line of reliable and versatile connectivity products to ensure optimal system performance in a wide range of environments.

Circular Connectors

RJ45 Industrial Ethernet Circular Connectors – Cat5-5e Connectors AWG: 15-28 / AMP: 2 & 8
M23 Fast Ethernet PoE Connectors – Cat7 Connectors AWG: 15-28 / AMP: 2 & 8
M23 Signal Connectors – AWG: 12-28 / AMP: 8-28
M27 Signal Connectors – AWG: 17-26 / AMP: 8

Cable Glands with Shielding

Sealcon’s EMI and RFI Strain Relief / Cable Gland / Cord Grips also known as Electromagnetic Interference and Radio Frequency Interference fittings are designed to keep circuits running effectively when there is an unwanted disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due to either electromagnetic conduction or electromagnetic radiation emitted from an external source.

Feed-Through (-FX) cable glands work with foil or braided shield and provides reliable grounding with overlapping clamping splines that apply a concentric force, preventing the form seal from being pulled out of the fitting without damage to the cable.

Sealcon makes it easy to find the right component for your IIoT application. We’ll get you the connectors and cable glands you need on time and within budget. Contact us to discuss your project and get a free quote.

Posted August 21st, 2023 & filed under Cable Glands, Sealcon News.

As digital technology and industrial automation become more integrated into manufacturing processes, dependable panel and control modules are essential for ensuring seamless operations across multiple sectors. From power distribution to process control, these interfaces serve as the nerve center of operations. Reliable cable glands are crucial for panel and control module systems used in manufacturing processes to help assure efficiency and productive systems.

Cable Glands Secure Basic Connectivity

Cable glands, also known as cord grips or cable fittings, are devices designed to secure and protect cables entering enclosures, panels, or control modules. These small but critical components serve essential functions.

Cable Management

In a panel or control module, multiple cables carrying power, data, and signals need to be connected and organized. Cable glands provide a structured and organized way to route cables, preventing tangling or stress on the connections.

Protection From Operating Environment

Panels and control boxes often operate in challenging environments, ranging from extreme temperatures to dust, water, chemical exposure. Cable glands create a barrier against external elements, safeguarding sensitive components and connections from potential damage.

Strain Relief

Cables are subject to movement, vibration, and mechanical stress, especially in industrial settings. Cable glands offer strain relief by anchoring the cables securely, reducing the risk of connections coming loose due to mechanical forces.

Dust and Water Sealing

Quality cable glands incorporate sealing mechanisms, such as gaskets or compression seals, to maintain the integrity of the enclosure. This helps to prevent the actual infiltration of dust, water, or other contaminants into the control panel, thereby enhancing the longevity and reliability of the system.

Why Choosing The Right Cable Glands is Essential

There are many reasons why the choice of what cable glands to use in your control system is very important. Choosing a well-specified, quality cable gland provides project benefits such as:

Design Flexibility

Cable glands are available in various sizes and materials to accommodate different cable types and diameters. Manufacturers can select the appropriate cable gland to match the specific requirements of their designs, allowing for greater flexibility in cable routing and installation.

Ease of Installation

Cable glands are designed for easy installation, often requiring minimal tools. Their straightforward assembly reduces the time and effort required for cable management, thus streamlining the manufacturing process.

Reduced Downtime

In manufacturing, downtime can result in substantial financial losses. Reliable cable glands contribute to the overall performance of the process, minimizing the risk of cable-related failures and costly interruptions.

Regulatory Compliance

Many manufacturing industries are subject to stringent safety and regulatory standards. Properly installed cable glands ensure that systems adhere to these standards, avoiding potential legal and operational challenges.

Sealcon is Your Source for Dependable Connectivity Solutions

Sealcon cable glands deliver performance and reliability in a diverse range of manufacturing environments. Our extensive product line includes a diverse range products with attributes designed for specific application needs, such as:

Low Smoke / Halogen & Phosphorous Free Products: V0 Flame Rated, Ideal for applications requiring a low smoke environment, Non-Toxic according to UL94.
Submersible & Liquid Tight: Perfect product for a spray down or submersed application.
Unsurpassed IP68 / NEMA 4X & 6 / 10 BAR (150 PSIG) Rating. The patented form seal (Grommet Around Cable) allows products to be installed in up to 300 ft
Outdoor / UV Exposure: Our products are ideal for outdoors. All of our black Nylon Strain. Relief Fittings are made with a UL f1 (746C) UV & Ozone Stable Material & ACME thread.
NEMA Installation: All of our Cable Strain Relief Fittings come with a Patented O-Ring Groove, resulting in a liquid tight seal between fitting and installation when used with a correct o-ring.
Anti-Vibration: Sealcon’s Cable Strain Relief Fittings feature notches molded into the dome nut to prevent the dome from coming loose from the Cable Gland body. This is referred to as a safety ratchet system.
Approvals & Certifications: Our products are UL, UR, CSA, VDE, CE, PCT Gost, German Lloyd (GL), TUV, RoHS, Deca BDE, ATEX, IECEx, Ex-e and Ex-d.

Through our extensive application experience our team can help you find the right cable glands and other connectivity products for your application.

Posted July 14th, 2023 & filed under Cable Glands, Connector, Hazardous Areas, Sealcon News.

The food processing industry has embraced automation, and indications are that its adoption in the food and beverage industry is expanding rapidly. According to a robotics report by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), in 2021, “the food and beverage industry installed 25% more robots, reaching a new peak level.” A reason for this growth, the report suggests, may be that the robotics industry offered hygienic solutions, which were in demand during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition to improved quality control and enhanced food safety, automation offers benefits such as increased efficiency, reduced labor costs, and scalability. These production advantages were also especially important during the shut-downs and in the post-pandemic economy.

How Automation Improved Food Processing Operations

Automation has continued to play a significant role in the food and beverage industry due to its ability to be seamlessly integrated into the many processes and operations required in this industry. Robots can perform repetitive tasks with high precision and speed, such as sorting, grading, packaging, and palletizing. They can handle delicate food items and work in environments that have extreme temperatures or hazardous conditions. Some examples include:

Automated Sorting and Grading – Optical sensors and computer vision technology are used to automate the sorting and grading of fruits, vegetables, and other food products. These systems can quickly analyze size, color, shape, and quality parameters to separate products.

Automated Packaging – Automated packaging systems can fill, seal, and label products at high speeds. They ensure consistency in portion sizes and packaging quality, reducing human error and improving overall efficiency.

Quality Control and Inspection – Food products must be inspected for defects, contaminants, and inconsistencies. Advanced technologies such as machine vision and X-ray imaging help identify impurities or product variations.

Process Monitoring and Control: Automation enables real-time monitoring and control of various food processing parameters. Sensors and data analytics are employed to track factors such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and ingredient levels.

Automated Food Preparation – Large-scale food production facilities are using automation to streamline food preparation tasks such as chopping, slicing, and mixing processes. Product quality is improved, labor is reduced, and production is increased.

Smart Warehousing and Logistics – Automated systems, such as conveyor belts, robotic palletizers, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), are used for efficient material handling, inventory management, and order fulfillment.

Data-driven Decision Making – Automation data is analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to optimize processes, predict maintenance needs, identify production inefficiencies, and enhance overall operational performance.

Sealcon Connectivity Solutions Power Food Processing Automation

Sealcon offers a wide range of components that are ideally suited for connectivity needs in food processing automation including cable glands and metric circular connectors. Dependable Sealcon connectors are also enabling plants in food processing and other industries to retool equipment for connectivity with digital systems. Stainless steel and other specially formulated material options provide desirable food industry characteristics such as antimicrobial properties and corrosion resistance.

Nylon Dome and Flex Fittings

Made from superior high-grade materials using innovative technology, Sealcon nylon dome and flex fittings meet the highest demands of quality and security.

PVDF Strain Relief Connectors – The PVDF strain relief connector fitting, also known as a cable gland or cord grip fitting, is popular for food and beverage applications and clean room applications as well as high temperature environments

316L Stainless Steel Hygienic RG Gland – Our FP and RG Glands may be safely used in producing, manufacturing, packing, processing, preparing, treating, packaging, transporting, or holding food.

FDA compliant materials, 21CFR177.2600, 2014
UL Certified
NEMA 6 (IP68) Ideal for foam cleaning and hose down
Sizes: M12, M16, M20, M25 and M32
Temperature range: -40ºF to 248ºF (-40ºC to 120ºC)
EMI ready for braided cables
Stainless steel bell houses
Liquid Tight NEMA 6 (IP68)
PSIG Rated Strain Relief Connectors / Cable Glands / Cord Grip Connectors