PROFINET Installation Considerations

September 15, 2018

It is crucial to start a PROFINET project by reading the installation guidelines. The PROFINET guidelines help ensure your networks are stable and efficient. This year, some blogposts(like this one) will cover installation topics. Here are some tips and best practices for your PROFINET installation:

Routing PROFINET Cables

PROFINET Cabling should be routed appropriately and laid separately from other plant wirings:

  • Follow IEC 61918 / NEC code
  • Farther away from other voltage / interference points = better
  • Especially watch for high voltage power supply cables
  • Put different types of cables in separate cable trays or conduit
  • If crossing cables of different categories cross at right angles

Mechanical Protection

Help prevent wire/fiber breaks or short circuits:

  • Use cable trays or protection tubes
  • If there is heavy mechanical stress, use metal conduits
  • For medium stress, use plastic conduits
  • In areas where people step or climb use metal conduits/cable trays

Laying PROFINET Copper Cables

Laying copper PROFINET cables should be done carefully to avoid damage at the time of installation or afterward. Also, be sure to take the items below into account:

  • Tensile strength – if pulling the cable past the tensile strength it can be damaged, this can also occur if there is stress on the installed cable
    • Pull by hand if possible
    • Use strain reliefs if necessary
    • Do not use too much force
  • Bending radius – sharp bends can break the cable over time and cause reflections
    • Make sure all bends are within the allowed radii
    • If necessary use guide pulleys or cable channels to prevent kinks
  • Temperature Limits
    • Note cable temperature limits provided by the manufacturer
  • Avoiding Sharp edges – sharp edges can damage/break the cable over time
    • Use edge protection measures
    • De-burr sharp edges
  • Distortion / Pressure – cable damage can occur
    • Do not drive a tow motor on the cable for instance, do not twist the cable
  • Avoiding loops/kinks – kinks can cause damage to the cable over time
    • Rotate the cable from a cable drum rather than doing this by hand, unwind loops carefully to avoid twisting/distortion

For More Information on PROFINET Installation watch this webinar:

PROFINET Installation

-Nelly Ayllon