Environment Comparison
Cable ratings below are from the Turck Reelfast Bulk Cable catalog (B2103) and Turck Connectivity Part Number Key (B2401). Ratings are general statements for materials at room temperature, so confirm the listing on each product page.
| Environment |
What Kills Standard Cordsets |
What to Look For |
Turck Codes |
| Weld cells | Weld slag and spatter melt through PVC and TPU jackets, which Turck rates poor for spatter | TPE Weldlife jacket; aramid overbraid for extreme spatter (tolerates short spikes to 200 °C); PTFE-coated coupling nut option | /S1587, /S3415, /S1092 |
| Washdown and food | Cleaning chemicals and high-pressure water attack jackets and corrode brass nuts | Stainless steel coupling nut; chemical-resistant jacket; IP69K rating on the product page | V in the part number = stainless steel |
| Drag chains and robots | Continuous bending breaks conductors in cable built for static runs | Flexlife-20 cable, rated for 20 million cycles when properly installed (TPE or TPU) | /S101 |
| Hazardous locations | Code requires listed cable and wiring methods | ITC-ER or PLTC-ER cable for Class I Div 2 exposed runs; direct burial, armored, and Extremelife options | P- prefix (process cordsets) |
Ordering Notes That Prevent Mistakes
- Read the suffix: Turck marks special cable with modification numbers such as /S101 or /S1587 at the end of the part number. Two cordsets with the same prefix can have very different jackets.
- Weld cell plus motion: a robot weld dress pack needs both spatter resistance and flex life. TPE Flexlife cable is rated weld spatter resistant in the Turck catalog, so compare it with Weldlife for your application.
- Hazardous locations are part specific: the approval belongs to each part, not the category. Match the listed approval on the product page to your area classification.
- Need cable only? The same Weldlife, Flexlife, washdown, and ER-rated constructions are sold cut to length in Bulk Cable.
Application Cordset FAQ
What makes a cordset suitable for welding?
Weld field cordsets use jackets that resist weld slag buildup, such as Turck's TPE Weldlife cable. For extreme spatter, Turck offers an aramid overbraid that replaces separate weld sleeving and tolerates short temperature spikes up to 200 °C. Standard PVC and TPU jackets are rated poor for weld spatter.
What should I look for in a washdown cordset?
Look for a stainless steel coupling nut, a jacket rated for the cleaning chemicals you use, and an IP69K rating for high-pressure, high-temperature washdown. In Turck part numbers, V indicates a stainless steel coupling nut. Check the ingress rating and jacket material on each product page.
How many flex cycles can a drag chain cordset handle?
Turck Flexlife-20 cable is guaranteed for 20 million flex cycles when properly installed, in tick-tock, torsional, C-track, or combined motion. Turck identifies Flexlife-20 cordsets with the /S101 suffix. Standard PVC cable is intended for static installations.
Can cordsets be used in Class I Division 2 areas?
Yes, when the cable carries the right listing. Turck process cordsets use ITC-ER and PLTC-ER cable, and Exposed Run listed cable is permitted in Class I Division 2 locations when supported at intervals of no more than 1.8 m (6 ft) per NEC 501.10. Confirm each part's approvals against your area classification.
Need a Cordset for a Tough Environment?
Tell us the environment, the connector, and how the cable moves, and the Automation Distribution team will match the jacket, coupling nut, and listing.
Contact Automation Distribution
