NFPA

It used to be difficult for machine designers to comply with the NFPA standard when using cables for moving applications. Until 2012, the NFPA standard did not allow the use of AWM cable. After the revision in 2012, the use of certain AWM cables is permitted, many of which can be used for highly flexible applications. Together with the UL standard, NFPA 79 is considered an important basis for compliance with the technical specifications for the electrical equipment of machines in America. Before a machine can be put into operation in the USA, it is checked whether the individual parts that make up a machine have been assembled correctly in accordance with the NFPA 79 standard.

The NFPA 79 standard describes the requirements that AWM cables must fulfil. Some of the most important requirements are summarised below.

• The standard allows AWM cable if the cable has been identified for use with the approved equipment and is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Many customers of igus® use chainflex® cables, for example, because they have been specially developed for moving applications and many of them bear the UL AWM mark.
• The NFPA 79 standard defines some of the cable construction requirements for AWM cables, including the minimum number of stranded wires, flame retardancy and wall thickness.
• The standard also requires that the cable fulfil all the requirements of the corresponding UL AWM style page.