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igus® Canada

180 Bass Pro Mills Drive

Concord

Ontario L4K 0G9

+1 (800) 965-2496

+1 905 760-8688

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Cable Reel Systems vs. energy chain^® Cable Carriers

Cable reels have been used in cranes and other moving machines to manage and distribute cables. These cable reels are often large, slow, and require a lot of maintenance-- something that an energy chain system does without. Below we broke down the differences between cable reel systems and e-chain systems® to help you decide which one will work best for your needs.

Popular Applications in Industries:Theater and stage, Cranes, Bridges and movable structures.

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The main differences between cable reel systems & e-chain^® cable carriers:

Cable Reel Systems

igus® e-chain® systems

Adding or Replacing Cables

Replacing or adding cables in a cable reel system is a difficult process that causes a lengthy period of downtime.

Typical cable reel systems can only manage power and control cables and require special systems for additional cable types, i.e. fiber optics.

Replacing and adding cables to an e-chain system^® is quick and easy as they are always in a safe and accessible position.

With e-chain^® all types of cables and hoses can be guided in the same system.

Size Requirements

Motorized reels can require more than 20 feet of space to operate.

Maintenance

Cable reels have parts that need to be serviced regularly, which can require a crane and specialized training, as well as significant component lead times and costs.

Cable Protection

The composite cable used on a cable reel is not protected throughout the length of travel and can be cut or otherwise damaged in the trench or guide system.

energy chain systems^® require only a small vertical window for the cable loop (less than 3 feet is needed).

e-chain systems^® are virtually maintenance free and can easily be serviced without special equipment, tools or training.

Cables and hoses are protected within the energy chain in their own compartment for the entire length of travel, which eliminates the risk of cable failure.