bisco industries Blog

Product Spotlight: Panduit Cable Tie Installation Tools

Choosing the right cable tie installation tool increases productivity and promotes worker safety resulting in the lowest installed cost. The GTS-E and GTH-E tools are part of the Panduit ergonomic series of hand-operated, tool-controlled tension, and cut-off cable tie installation tools. Their improved cable tie cut-off mechanism minimizes the impact of the installer’s hand by more than 40% which is the lowest in the industry!

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What is a Patch Panel?

Patch Panel Description

Patch panels are metal plates with an array of cut-outs designed to accept connection jacks. In most cases patch panels are fabricated to accept a single type of connection jack such as Cat6 ethernet jacks. In addition to being sold individually, patch panels are also available in kits that include jack modules, labels, and other related components. Patch panels are also commonly referred to as patch bays, patch fields, and jack fields.

Patch Panel Applications

Patch Panel Applications

Patch panels are installed on enclosures or racks to provide an easy way to organize connections. Patch panels are widely used in data center applications such as server enclosures as well as in music and television equipment. These applications require multiple connections from different sources into a single device making patch panels an ideal solution.

Patch Panel Configurations

Patch panels are available in many different variations. Key design variations include:

  • Jack module type
  • Patch panel material type
  • Unshielded patch panels vs. shielded patch panels
  • Flat patch panels vs. angled patch panels
  • Standard patch panels vs. high-density patch panels
  • Port labeling

Patch Panel Manufacturers

  • Assmann WSW Components
  • Belden
  • Leviton
  • Molex
  • Panduit

Learn More About Patch Panels

One of the leading patch panel manufacturers, Panduit, has compiled a comprehensive patch panel selection guide to help users learn about different patch panel configurations and select the ideal patch panel for their application. To view Panduit’s patch panel selection guide click here.

What is a Butt Splice?

Butt Splice Description

Despite their humorous name, butt splices are essential and widely utilized electrical connectors. In their most basic form butt splices are tubular metal connectors used to connect (splice) or terminate wire endings by crimping or soldering. Butt splice connectors may be used to repair damaged wiring, to increase overall wire length, to securely terminate wires, or to split from a single wire to multiple wires.

Although butt splices are available uninsulated many butt splices feature nylon or vinyl insulators that protect connections from environmental hazards and prevent short circuiting. In addition, most butt splice connectors utilize crimping thus eliminating the safety hazards and time constraints of soldering.

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Product Spotlight: Panduit PanelMax DIN Rail Wiring Duct

Cost Saving Wire Management

PanelMax DIN rail wiring duct is an innovative wire management solution from Panduit that maximizes the amount of useful space inside of industrial enclosures. In fact, PanelMax DIN rail wiring duct provides more flexibility in the panel layout and reduced material and installation costs.

Panel Layout with Standard Wiring Duct
Panel Layout with Standard Wiring Duct
Panel Layout with PanelMax DIN Rail Wiring Duct
Panel Layout with PanelMax DIN Rail Wiring Duct

PanelMax Wiring Duct Design Overview

The unique design of the PanelMax DIN rail wiring duct raises components (i.e. terminal blocks) above the panel surface and feeds wires directly into the wiring duct. The result is easier access to wires and components and faster terminations. Not only that, but PanelMax DIN rail wiring duct creates at least a 30% smaller footprint in the panel layout. PanelMax wiring duct is compatible with common DIN rail and DIN mounting components and satisfy a wide range of applications. In addition, all Panduit wiring ducts are UL Recognized and CSA certified with most carry the CE mark.

PanelMax Wiring Duct Key Features and Benefits

  • Unique slot progression for aesthetics and maximum slot capacity
  • Hinged and flexible cover acts as a ledge for wire installation and flexes for easy opening and increased channel access for maintenance
  • Integrated fastener slot accepts supplied screw fasteners to install DIN rail (user supplied rail)
  • Score-lines for easy removal of duct fingers and sidewalls
  • Accessories and tools that increase productivity and lower the installed cost
View Product Brochure >

Authorized Source for Panduit PanelMax Wiring Duct

bisco industries is your authorized distributor for Panduit PanelMax DIN rail wiring duct and accessories. bisco offers easy online access to product specifications as well as online pricing and availability. Bisco also conveniently offers associated items including enclosures, DIN rail terminal blocks, insulated wire, and ID labels. Make bisco your one-stop-shop and visit biscoind.com today!

What is Heat Shrink Tubing?

Heat Shrink Tubing Description

Heat shrink tubing (heatshrink) is plastic tubing used to protect cables and wires from harsh environments. When heat is applied to the tubing, it shrinks in diameter and length causing the tubing to tightly wrap around the inserted wire(s).

Heat Shrink Tubing Animation

Heat Shrink Uses

While the primary function of heat shrink tubing is to protect wires from harmful elements like oil and dust there are several other functions and benefits. Heat shrink tubing is also utilizied to insulate wires, bundle wires together, color-code wires for organization, relieve strain and stress on cables and neatly terminate the ends of braided sleeving.

Heat Shrink Sizing

Heat shrink tubing is available in many sizing options. Depending on the manufacturer, the shrink rate may be stated as a ratio or percentage. For example heat shrink tubing with a shrink ratio of 3 to 1 will shrink to one third of the original diameter. The expanded (original) diameter of the heat shrink should be 20-30% larger than thickest portion of of the application.

Heat Shrink Tubing Manufacturers

Heat shrink tubing was first invented in the late 1950’s by Raychem Corporation founder, Paul Cook. Today there are countless options available from many different manufacturers. Leading manufacturers include:

  • 3M
  • HellermannTyton
  • Alpha Wire
  • Panduit
  • Dunbar
  • Essentra (formerly Richco)
  • Thomas & Betts
  • Molex
  • TE Connectivity (Raychem)
  • Qualtek

Learn More About Heat Shrink

Selecting heat shrink tubing can be an overwhelming process but there are many resources available help guide users to the right solution. These resourses include Alpha Wire’s heat shrink tubing brochure and Panduit’s heat shrink selection guide . bisco industries’ team of product specialist are also standing by to assist you with any quesitons you may have. Email us here or call 1-800-323-1232.

bisco now on Amazon!

bisco has recently started listing stock on Amazon.com! Hoffman Enclosures is the first of several brands that will be offered on Amazon. In the coming weeks, bisco is targeting to add products from manufacturers such as Southco, Panduit, and Molex.

bisco’s Amazon’s listings allow users to conveniently locate product images and specifications along with estimated shipping dates for each part. This new initiative is part of bisco’s continuous effort to provide convenient and trusted ways for customers to shop online. One advantage of buying from bisco on Amazon is the added layer of customer support. In addition to Amazon’s customer service team you will have the complete support of bisco’s customer service team. Simply call into bisco’s customer service number or email the customer service team directly.

If you’re looking for an item not listed on Amazon visit biscoind.com to search bisco’s complete product offering.

Panduit Recognized With Innovation Awards

During the inaugural Cabling Innovators Awards in September, Panduit and three of their end users were recognized for their exemplary work in network design and installation.

  1. Panduit Patch Cabling – Platinum Award

Panduit and Cisco accepted a platinum award for Cisco’s Canadian headquarters which utilizes Panduit patch cabling to power this smart building.

  1. Panduit QuickNet Copper Cabling– Silver Award

Panduit also accepted a silver award on behalf of Royal Caribbean for contributions to the cutting edge, Quantum of the Seas ship. Quantum’s network infrastructure runs on Panduit QuickNet Copper and Fiber Pre-terminate cabling.

  1. Panduit Turn-Tell Labeling – Silver Award

Panduit and a Japanese network service provider received an award recognizing innovative network labeling. The network service provider used Panduit’s Turn-Tell labels on a large scale project that required individual labeling of thousands of connections.

Click to learn more about Panduit’s Cabling Innovators Awards.

Your Authorized Source for Panduit Innovation

bisco industries is proud to be an authorized Panduit distributor. We offer thousands of innovative Panduit products with stock availability available for purchase 24/7 at biscoind.com.  In addition, we have a network of dedicated sales representatives ready to answer your questions.  Whether you’re looking for network cabling, enclosures, or cable management solutions we’re here to help.  Contact us today!

Protect Against Short Circuits Using Cable Ties

Short circuits are a costly problem that often result in damage to electronic systems. A short circuit occurs when an electrical current travels down the wrong path causing excessive current flow through the power source. One of the most common causes of short circuiting is damage to wire and cable as a result of vibration and shock. A simple way to prevent vibration and shock damage is to secure cabling and wires using cable ties.

Short Circuit Protection Cable Ties

Leading cable tie manufacturer, Panduit, offers a variety of solutions specifically designed to protect against short circuiting. Panduit’s Pan-Steel self-locking cable ties and MS75 metal strapping are prime examples of these solutions. These Panduit short circuit solutions provide significant cost advantage over the conventional cable cleats by reducing material costs up to 50% while increasing labor efficiency as much as 200%.

Available in a variety of sizes, Panduit Pan-Steel self-locking cable tie solutions ensure cables remain contained in the event of a short circuit occurrence, minimizing disruption and damage to the facility. This system is engineered to withstand peak currents of up to 156kA.

The Pan-Steel line is just one line in Panduit’s expansive cable tie offering including:

bisco industries: Your Authorized Source for Panduit

Bisco is a premier authorized distributor of Panduit cable ties.  Our e-commerce site has been recently been updated with complete product info for all Panduit products as well as pricing and availability info. Visit bisco’s Panduit cable tie microsite to learn more.

Panduit: Helping Keep Safety Your Top Priority

From offices to assembly lines safety is a top priority. That’s why Panduit offers a complete suite of safety products to help you meet IEEE, OSHA and NFPA regulatory standards. Minimize risk and improve safety to keep operations running smoothly.

Popular Safety Products:

bisco industries is your authorized source for Panduit safety products. Visit biscoind.com to search safety products, find pricing, and place orders.

Contour-Ty: The Cable Management Solution for Limited Spaces

Contour-Ty cable ties from Panduit provide a low-profile solution for bundling wire, cable, and other products. The head of the cable tie features a slight bend allowing the tie to hug the contours of the bundled products. The outside teeth on the body of the cable ties also makes them ideal for use in high vibration applications. The Contour-Ty product line includes a variety of materials for indoor or outdoor use, as well as several sizes and colors. Find the Contour-Ty cable tie that’s right for your application on bisco’s newly upgraded Panduit microsite!

Panduit Contour-Ty Features & Benefits:

Key Features

Benefits

Low profile head Reduces overall bundle size and avoids snags in spaces with limited access
Outside teeth Provide cable protection; ideal for high vibration applications
Smooth round edges Prevent damage to cable bundles or finished product
Fully enclosed head Provides consistent strength
Parallel-entry design Results in a lower profile on cable bundles; limits exposure to sharp edges and protects workers’ arms/hands
Curved tip and aggressive grip Easy to pick up from flat surfaces; allows faster initial threading
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