What is the difference between a spring cable reel and a motorised cable drum?

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A conductor rail system is suitable for moving installations where power must be transferred along a fixed track, such as in logistics, industry or crane applications. Conductor rails are particularly attractive when a cable solution is impractical due to length, movement, wear or available space. Vijselaar supplies, among others, open conductor rail systems and the FABA 100, a 100A conductor rail system for a wide range of applications.

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Fibre optics are used when data or signals need to be reliably transmitted across a moving installation. Think of cranes, material handling systems and applications where power supply and data transmission are combined. Depending on the installation, fibre optics can be integrated into a power cable or used as a separate data cable.

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For good advice, the following information is usually enough: application, voltage, current, number of cores, cable length, travel path, travel speed, direction of movement, bend radius, environment, temperature, mechanical load and mounting position. For earthing braid, the desired cross-section, length, version, tinning, insulation and connection method are also important. With this information it can be determined which version is technically suitable and can be safely applied in the installation.

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A single-core power cable (also called a single-conductor cable) is a power cable with one conductor. These cables are suitable for applications where high power must be safely transferred, such as in industry, shipbuilding and the rail sector.

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In a festoon system, cables are carried in loops by cable trolleys that move along a rail. This is suitable for linear movements where multiple cables or hoses need to be guided at the same time. A cable reel winds the cable in and out, storing it compactly and feeding it to the moving installation in a controlled way. The choice depends on the available space, the travel path, cable length, speed and the number of cables.

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Earthing braid consists of many thin copper wires and thereby forms a flexible electrical connection. The difference between the versions lies mainly in shape, finish and construction. Flat braid is often chosen when there is little installation space or when a wide contact area is desired. Round braid is suitable when flexibility in multiple directions is important. Tinned braid is used when extra protection against oxidation is desired. Bare or untinned copper is used when the environment and application allow it.

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Our cable products are used in, among others:

• Industry and machine building
• Rail sector (rolling stock)
• Yacht and shipbuilding
• Power supply and offshore

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The right cable mainly depends on the movement, the mechanical load and the electrical function. For low-voltage drum applications, a flexible low voltage reeling cable is often used. For vertical reeling movements, for example on spreaders, a cable is needed that is specifically suited to vertical reeling operation and high mechanical load. For festoon systems, cables are chosen that are suitable for frequent flexing and movement in cable trolleys. For medium voltage or combined power and data transmission, MV reeling cables or cables with integrated fibre optics are suitable.

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The Spreaderflex reel is the perfect choice for applications where structured winding and protection are essential. This reel application ensures a neatly and tightly wound cable, ideal for situations where the cable must be managed linearly, such as with long cable lengths or automated systems.

With a reelable cable that withstands mechanical load, flexing and torsion, the Spreaderflex reel offers maximum protection against external influences such as dirt, moisture or mechanical damage. This makes it particularly suitable for harsh environments where the cable needs extra protection.

One of the biggest advantages is precise cable length: the reel allows you to accurately adjust and hold the cable, which is crucial for applications requiring exact positioning. In addition, the reel prevents tangling or knots in the cable, which can occur with less controlled storage methods.

The Spreaderflex reel is also excellently suited for automated systems, where the cable is mechanically wound and unwound. Choose the Spreaderflex reel if you want to combine control, protection and reliability in an efficient and durable system.

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The Spreaderflex basket is the ideal solution for applications where freedom of movement and dynamic use are central. This basket application is perfect for situations where the cable is not reeled linearly, but stored in a basket. This allows the cable to move multidimensionally – vertically, horizontally and even rotating – without torsion or kink stress becoming a problem.

With a highly flexible, reelable cable that withstands intensive mechanical load, the Spreaderflex basket offers space savings and speed. It is the best choice for compact installations or environments where the cable needs to be moved frequently and smoothly. In addition, the basket causes less wear during dynamic use, extending the cable's lifespan. Choose the Spreaderflex basket if flexibility, reliability and efficiency are top priorities.

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A reeling cable is used when the cable is wound and unwound on a cable drum. The cable must withstand repeated flexing, tensile load and mechanical stress during reeling. In crane applications, this often concerns power cables for moving installations, sometimes combined with fibre optics for data transmission.

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Flat braid is practical for earthing connections in situations where the connection must be mounted tightly or low. Round braid is suitable for applications where the connection needs more freedom of movement or where the mounting shape requires it. In both cases, cross-section, length, connection eyes, tinning and insulation determine the right version.

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A ship-to-shore cable is used to supply power to a yacht, ship or vessel while it is moored in a harbour. These cables are specially designed to function safely, durably and reliably in maritime conditions.

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We supply cables in cross-sections from 25 mm² to 240 mm², depending on the desired current capacity and application.

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A motorised cable drum is suitable for longer travel paths, heavier cables, or situations where the cable must be reeled in and out in a controlled way. A motor drum is also often the right choice at higher travel speeds or when cable tension needs to be precisely controlled. When selecting, we look at, among other things, cable length, cable diameter, weight, travel speed, mounting position and operating environment.

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There are two types of cables suitable for a spreader, it all depends on the application.

The question that needs to be asked is: whether it concerns a basket or a reeling application.

Based on this, you can choose the right type:

• Reel application? Then choose the Spreaderflex reel.
• Basket application? Then choose the Spreaderflex basket.

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A festoon cable is used in a cable trolley system, for example on cranes, hoists or other linearly moving installations. The cable hangs in loops and moves along with the cable trolleys. Therefore the cable must be suitable for frequent flexing and mechanical load. Festoon cables can be used for power, control and in some cases also for motor supply.

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We work exclusively with top brands such as Nexans (Titanex11), Prysmian, LAPP and Omerin, and connectors from Marechal, ten47, Powerlock, Cavotec, Souriau and ITT Canon.

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Yes, we supply complete cable assemblies including connectors and cable lugs. This means the cables are ready for immediate use, without extra assembly work.

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Yes, alongside single-core cables we also produce multi-core cable bundles, specially for rolling stock (rail industry) and the yacht building sector.

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In yacht building, yellow power cables are often chosen because they do not transfer colour and guarantee a professional, neat finish in luxury yachts and ships.

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