CabLab
Cable-Centric
Cable-Capable
NATA Accredited Cable and Insulation Testing Laboratory
Testing to AS/NZS 5000 and AS/NZS 1429 Standards
• Certification via our JAS/ANZ accredited partners
• Batch and sample testing tailored to individual needs
• Testing of cables – aged in normal service
• Factory auditing and supplier qualification
• Engineering and consultation services
• Pre-compliance testing and consultation
Our engineers have vast experience in the Australian cable industry, regulations and applicable standards.
We are equipped with top of the range equipment to conduct testing on all types of electrical cables in accordance with AS/NZS Standards.
Our mission is to help manufacturers and importers of the Australian market with compliance matters to their benefit and for the safety of all Australians.
BENEFITS
Technical Support
Compliance ensured long term
Variable testing frequency
Service tailored to your needs
Stopping non-compliant products
Worry free future
Our Service Portfolio
• Type Testing of electrical cables or cable ranges
• Certification via our JAS ANZ accredited partners
• Batch and sample testing tailored to individual needs
• Testing of cables aged in normal service
• Factory auditing and supplier qualification
• Engineering and consultation services
• Pre-compliance testing and consultation
We are accredited by NATA which is the formal recognition of our organisation’s competence to perform specific types of conformity assessment activities. Accreditation delivers confidence in reports, certificates and conformity statements. It underpins the quality of results by ensuring their traceability, comparability and validity.
WHY CHOOSE US?
• Highly skilled engineers
• Plenty of local experience
• Customer oriented support
• Competitive pricing
• Fast response and local
• We speak English, Chinese and Indian
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Our experienced engineers will provide you with information and guidance relating to technical matters to ensure you get the most out of your supplier.
QUALITY ASSURED
Remove the stress and be worry free, the cables you get are always compliant good quality assets.
TAILORED SERVICE
We will cooperate with you to define procedures, requirements and technical details to cover all your needs.
MUTUAL BENEFITS
Appoint us your partner laboratory. You will have all the above benefits at no cost, we get to do the testing.
For more information visit:
www.cablab.com.au
Asset Qualification
How do we qualify the cables?
Our experience shows that you should be suspicious. Overseas manufacturers are under tremendous pressure for more and more competitive prices. This encourages them to cut corners during production, resulting in major non-compliance issues. Most of these cables are supplied with test reports and certificates by the manufacturer. The truth is, usually these documents are technically invalid.
The industry practice is to manufacture a short length of the cable (aka ’golden sample’) and obtain the test report and certificate. However, when the purchasing company approves and the real mass production starts alterations are made to the design. They are not necessarily visible but can be identified with measurements.
The most often detected alterations are:
• decreased insulation and sheath thickness to save polymer
• smaller wires or different bunching process to save copper
• extensive use of reclaimed materials
• or even the use of completely new, untested raw material from a different, cheaper supplier.
• Rarely, but we have even seen cases where the accompanying test report turned out to be fake after all.
Our focus will always be to work together with you, for you!
Would you like to avoid costly product recalls that can also damage your company’s reputation?
CabLab has the solution for you. We still see large amounts of non-compliant cables on the Australian market contrary to the new regulations and the fact that these cables are EESS certified and come with test reports and approvals.
In today’s price driven world factories cut corners in order to decrease costs while maintaining profit, and they do so because they are not at risk, however the importer can suffer enormous damage.
Can you trust your supplier?
To make sure you do not get fake ones, request the supplier to obtain test reports from CabLab, a NATA accredited Australian laboratory. Inform the supplier that once they deliver the ordered cables, samples will be selected randomly by your team and the supplier will be required to get those tested too. This way they are forced to mass produce the same cable and bear all the testing costs. For the second round of tests, instead of full testing we can tailor a partial test procedure to your needs including only the most critical tests. CabLab will carry out the tests and compare the results with the first test report. Any findings will be reported back to you.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Our experienced engineers will provide you with information and guidance relating to technical matters to ensure you get the most out of your supplier.
QUALITY ASSURED
Remove the stress and be worry free, your cables are always compliant. It is like buying insurance except you can see it working and how it keeps away trouble.
LONG TERM CONTRACTS
Sign up for long term or periodic batch testing to receive our service at special price with payment plans and extra services tailored for your needs.
For more information visit:
www.cablab.com.au
Batch Testing for Quality Assurance
We can test a few critical items on your cable and compare our results with the report provided by the factory.
The frequency of batch testing can be tailored to your needs. Testing can be done on every shipment or once every 3-4 months. Tests can also be combined to cover multiple product ranges or multiple suppliers.
In case of any problems found you can reject the shipment.
If all the results are fine, you can distribute the cable knowing they are compliant and were checked by a NATA accredited, independent, trustworthy Australian laboratory and there will be no problem. Once the factory learns they need to supply 100% compliant cables at all times due to shipments being randomly tested, the testing frequency can be reduced, but the quality remains.
TYPE TESTING
We provide full type testing for all sizes and models of electrical cables. We are able to issue test reports for individual cables or for a complete range of similar cables.
NATA ACCREDITED
Our test reports are widely accepted as high quality, independent documents in Australia and through the ilac-MRA agreement in most countries of the world.
How can batch testing help?
Almost each week we receive a new request to test an imported cable. The cables always come with test reports and certificates. However, once tested, we usually find that the design of the cable was altered after the ’golden sample’ had passed the test and the test report had been issued. The most often detected alterations are: decreased insulation and sheath thickness to save polymer, smaller wires or different bunching process to save copper, extensive use of reclaimed materials or even the use of completely new and untested raw material from a different supplier. In some of the worst cases we found the test report to be fake after all. Would you be able to tell the difference between a real and a fake test report?
TYPE TESTING
We provide full type testing for all sizes and models of electrical cables. We are able to issue test reports for individual cables or a complete range of similar cables.
NATA ACCREDITED
Our test reports are widely accepted as high quality, independent documents in Australia and through the ilac-MRA agreement in most countries of the world.
LOCATED IN AUSTRALIA
We understand the Australian industry, the regulations, the special standards and thus our customer’s needs.
For more information visit:
www.cablab.com.au
Scope of Accreditation
Main standards:
• AS/NZS 3191 – Electric flexible cords
• AS/NZS 5000.1 – Electric cables – polymeric insulated. Part 1 – For working voltages up to and including 0.6 /1 (1.2) kV
• AS/NZS 5000.2 – Electric cables – polymeric insulated. Part 2 – For working voltages up to and including 450/750 V
• AS/NZS 5000.3 – Electric cables – polymeric insulated. Part 3 – Multicore control cables
• AS/NZS 1429.1 – Electric cables – polymeric insulated – working voltages 1.9/3.3 (3.6) kV up to and including 19/33 (36) kV
• AS/NZS 1972 – Electric cables – Underground coal mines – Other than reeling and trailing
• AS/NZS 4026 – Electric cables – For underground residential distribution systems
• AS/NZS 2276.1 – Cables for traffic signal installations Part 1: Multicore power cables
Underlying test methods:
• AS/NZS 3808 – Insulating and sheathing materials for electric cables
• AS/NZS 1125 – Conductors in insulated electric cables and flexible cords
• AS/NZS 1660.1 – Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors. Method 1: Conductors and metallic components
• AS/NZS 1660.2.1 – Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors. Method 2.1: Insulation, extruded semi-conductive screens and non-metallic sheaths – Methods for general application.
• AS/NZS 1660.2.2 – Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors. Method 2.2: Insulation, extruded semi-conductive screens and non-metallic sheaths – Methods specific to elastomeric, XLPE and XLPVC materials.
• AS/NZS 1660.2.3 – Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors. Method 2.3: Insulation, extruded semi-conductive screens and non-metallic sheaths – Methods specific to PVC and halogen free thermoplastic materials.
• AS/NZS 1660.2.5 – Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors. Method 2.5: Insulation, extruded semi-conductive screens and non-metallic sheaths—Methods specific to cables above 1 kV
• AS/NZS 1660.3 – Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors. Method 3 – Electrical tests.
• AS/NZS 1660.5.6 – Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors. Method 5.6 – Fire tests. Test for vertical flame propagation for a single insulated wire or cable.
General Testing / Inspection Service*
We are accredited by NATA which is the formal recognition of our organisation’s competence to perform specific types of conformity assessment activities. Accreditation delivers confidence in reports, certificates and conformity statements. It underpins the quality of results by ensuring their traceability, comparability and validity.
But please keep in mind, our services extend way beyond the accreditation scope and we provide the same high quality, precise and professional in everything we do.
ELECTRICAL TESTING
- Viscosity measurement of liquids from 2oC to 290oC (directly). Viscosity conversions, classifications (SAE; ISO), calculations, corrections etc.
- Humidity, dew point and temperature measurement, or checking of your readouts.
- Water Content (oven drying methods).
- Density & Specific Gravity measurement of liquids, solids, and semi-solids.
- Surface Tension (or Interfacial) of liquids.
- Melting & Congealing Point of grease, wax etc. by various methods, e.g. BS 894/IP 31; ASTM D566/ISO 2176/IP
132; ASTM D127/ISO 6244/IP 133; ASTM D938/IP 76. - Bulk Density; and Particle Size measurement (by sieving) of solids.
- Capacitance; Dielectric Constant; Dissipation Factor of materials or components.
- Volume or Surface/Bulk Resistivity of insulating or semi-conductive materials.
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS - Identification of materials (plastics, rubbers, contaminants, components, fillers, etc.).
- General/wet chemical testing; Sulphated/Ash contents, titrations, extractions, etc.
- Water (or soil) testing including Conductivity (EC), pH, Solids (TDS; suspended solids etc.); alkalinity, ‘hardness’
(Ca; Mg), etc. - Thermal analysis: Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) including OIT; any method.
- Gases or vapours: detection, identification & estimation using detector tubes.
- Moisture Content of solids or liquids by coulometric Karl Fischer technique.
- Infra-Red (FT IR) spectroscopy (with detailed interpretation) on most liquids and solids.
- Carbon Black & Mineral Filler content of polymers to AS 1660.2 & 1049; ASTM D1603 etc.
- Carbon Black Dispersion of polythene to AS 1660.2; AS 1049.
- Thermal Stability of PVC to AS 1660.2.
- Gases evolved during combustion of material from cables: IEC 60754-1 & 2 / AS 1660.5.3 & 4
MECHANICAL TESTING of MATERIALS - Penetration of wax (needle: ASTM D1321).
- Permeability tests on paper (Gurley).
- Torsional Modulus and Rigidity of rods by dynamic method.
- Mass and dimensional measurements (micrometres, callipers, rules).
- Durometer Hardness of Rubbers & Plastics (IRHD; Shore M, Barcol).
- Tensile Strength, Elongation and Modulus of polymers (& other materials) generally to ASTM D412, D638 &
D882; AS 1125 & 1660; ISO 37 & 527, etc. - Hot Set (degree of cure) tests on cross-linked polymers to AS 1660.2 & similar.
- Loss of Mass or plasticiser migration test for PVC/polymer compounds in air/”Paton” oven.
- Cell Oven and general thermal/oven ageing of polymers etc. under various conditions.
- ESCR (Environmental Stress Cracking Resistance) gen. to AS 1660.2.4, AS 1049, etc.
- General inspection & dimensional measurements, including under microscope.
MECHANICAL TESTS / INSPECTION of PRODUCTS - Microscopic examination & identification of contaminants in electric cable insulation.
- Micro-photography & detailed examination (can include dimensions, angles etc.).
- Insulation Resistance or Capacitance testing of assemblies or wire; cables.
- Volatility tests (e.g. ‘Noack’ or more specific temperature/usage): lubricants, oil, grease &c.
- Oil Separation – or antioxidant migration etc. – from wax, oil or grease-based compounds.
- Lubricant (fat or oil) or solids content in emulsions (e.g. for wire drawing etc.).
- We can advise you on the best way to approach or solve your materials / testing concern or problem.
Most tests include concise Results / Summary Report (Comprehensive Detailed Reports also available).
4 Cell Ageing Oven for Cable Testing
We manufacture a cell ageing oven for precision ageing of polymeric materials. The ovens comply with the temperature tolerances of AS/NZS 3808 and the dimensions set in AS/NZS 1660.2.3 Clause 2.1.1., thus allowing you to perform reliable tests on polymeric materials in accordance with Australian standards, such as AS/NZS 5000 series, AS/NZS 3191 and AS/NZS 1429.1 with excellent repeatability.
The ovens include individual air flow and temperature controllers for each cell to facilitate testing of your samples even at different temperatures. The new, improved design uses less energy, has excellent spatial temperature distribution and optimized temperature control to avoid overshoot issues. Overshoot is a common problem of many cable ovens on the market that can heavily influence results or even damage the test samples. Optional features are available upon costumer request. Ovens are supplied fully assembled with a user manual. For operation, each oven requires 240Vac/50Hz, 5A electricity via a standard IEC inlet and max. 20L/mins oil free, compressed air supply.
The ovens were designed in Australia and each piece is manufactured in a 4 cell configuration at CabLab’s headquarter, located in Melbourne, Victoria.
LOCAL SUPPORT
Locally design and manufacturing gives local support and peace of mind for the life of the oven.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Our experienced engineers will provide you with information and guidance relating to technical matters to ensure you get the most out of your supplier.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
We understand the Australian industry, the regulations, the special standards and thus our customer’s needs.
Factory Inspection
Beyond our asset qualification service, we also offer our expertise and knowledge in auditing the manufacturing facilities.
Our comprehensive assessment includes:
• Capabilities of factory
• Qualification and training of staff
• Quality Assurance policies
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Health and Safety
• Environmental Responsibility
FACTORY INSPECTION
Our experienced engineers will assess the supplier’s factory for additional security.
QUALITY ASSURED
Remove the stress and be worry free, the cables you get are always compliant good quality assets.
SERVICE LIFE ESTIMATION
Get a good picture of any cable’s remaining service life in the actual application and environment, rather than rule-of thumb calculations
TAILORED SERVICE
We will cooperate with you to define procedures, requirements and technical details to cover all your needs.
Service Aged Cable Test
Polymers used as cable insulation and sheath degrade over time due to exposure to high temperature, ultraviolet light, high humidity, electrical stress, radiation and other factors. We offer testing on cable pieces that had been installed and used in normal service for a certain period of time.
Testing the service aged cable at fixed intervals and plotting the results together with the initial unaged state results, a typical degradation rate can be established, the remaining service life of the cable can be estimated thus allowing for planned maintenance and replacement.
Factory Audits compliment any qualification test carried out before procurement occurs to further ensure the quality of the cables supplied.
Scope of Accreditation
Main standards:
• AS3191 – Electric flexible cords
• AS5000.1 – Electric cables – polymeric insulated. Part 1 – For working voltages up to and including 0.6 /1 (1.2) kV
• AS5000.2 – Electric cables – polymeric insulated. Part 2 – For working voltages up to and including 450/750 V
• AS/NZS 5000.3 – Electric cables – polymeric insulated. Part 3 – Multicore control cables
• AS1429.1 – Electric cables – polymeric insulated – working voltages 1.9/3.3 (3.6) kV up to and including 19/33 (36) kV
• AS1972 – Electric cables – Underground coal mines – Other than reeling and trailing
• AS4026 – Electric cables – For underground residential distribution systems
• AS2276.1 – Cables for traffic signal installations Part 1: Multicore power cables
Underlying test methods:
• AS3808 – Insulating and sheathing materials for electric cables
• AS1125 – Conductors in insulated electric cables and flexible cords
• AS1660.1 – Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors. Method 1: Conductors and metallic components
• AS1660.2.1 – Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors. Method 2.1: Insulation, extruded semi-conductive screens and non-metallic sheaths – Methods for general application.
• AS1660.2.2 – Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors. Method 2.2: Insulation, extruded semi-conductive screens and non-metallic sheaths – Methods specific to elastomeric, XLPE and XLPVC materials.
• AS1660.2.3 – Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors. Method 2.3: Insulation, extruded semi-conductive screens and non-metallic sheaths – Methods specific to PVC and halogen free thermoplastic materials.
• AS1660.2.5 – Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors. Method 2.5: Insulation, extruded semi-conductive screens and non-metallic sheaths—Methods specific to cables above 1 kV
• AS1660.3 – Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors. Method 3 – Electrical tests.
• AS1660.5.6 – Test methods for electric cables, cords and conductors. Method 5.6 – Fire tests. Test for vertical flame propagation for a single insulated wire or cable.
Come find us at. Unit 4, 174-186 Atlantic Drive, Keysborough, Victoria 3173, Australia.
Email us at. sales@cablab.com.au.
Website: Www.cablab.com.au
CabLab Pty. Ltd.