Reliability and durability

The two major considerations for the network infrastructures are the reliability and durability of the installation. In order to measure the positive contribution made by CABLOFIL®, even when overloaded with cables, a series of independent tests were carried out.

Independent tests

The aim is to develop a detailed understanding of the short-term or long-term benefits of using CABLOFIL, as opposed to conventional flat-bottomed supports, for Cat. 5e and Cat. 6 cables. CABLOFIL had its cable trays tested by Intertek Testing Services, a division of ETL, the world's leading provider of testing, inspection and certification services.

Measurements

For the two tests described below, parameters relating to cable characteristics (NEXT, FEXT, Attenuation return Loss, etc.) are measured in different configurations. The main parameter selected for comparison purposes is Return Loss. the aim is to define a cable's impedance regularity. Each irregularity causes the signal to return to its source.

Test for reliability under load

90 metres of Cat. 5e and Cat. 6 cables are tested with no load, before being subjected to mechanical stress equivalent to the weight of 40 cables stacked together. measuring and comparing the Return Loss for each configuration determines the effect of the support.

Results:
The tests show that, for a Category 5e or Category 6 cable subjected to a load of 40 cables, there is no significant difference in behaviour between CABLOFIL cable tray and a support with a flat base.

CABLOFIL® not loaded	CABLOFIL® under load
Flat surface not loaded	Flat surface under load

Test of durability under load

In order to establish how data cable installations change over time, the equipment is subjected to a simulated 15-year aging process based on extremely stringent military standards and the same tests are performed. The cables and supports undergo 200 cycles over large temperature variations (-40°C to +85°C) over a period of 2 weeks.

Return Loss Pair 1	Return Loss Pair 1
Frequency (MHz)	Distance from Limit (dB)

Results:
The cable supported by CABLOFIL, an open and ventilated system, performs better than a closed systems with a flat-bottom which does not allow heat to dissipate.
If you would like more details on these results, please contact our technical support service.