Type G vs. Type G-GC Cable
Type G and Type G-GC cables are both subtypes of mining and industrial cable that blend some of the best characteristics of portable power cables and heavy-duty industrial wires. Like portable power cords, they are flexible and perfect for use in different types of equipment while also being durable and suitable for harsh, heavy-duty applications like industrial wires.
For the most part, Type G and Type G-GC cables have an almost identical structure. Both feature bare copper conductors, EPDM insulation, and a CPE jacket. Their flexibility and durability are very similar as well as their resistance to moisture, ozone, abrasion, chemicals, UV, and flames. These cables have an impressive temperature rating of -40℃ to +75℃ in wet applications, and -40℃ to +90℃ for dry applications.The voltage rating for these cables is 2000 volts and they are frequently used for applications with voltages ranging between 600 V and 2000 V.
Both G and G-GC cables are used in oil drilling platforms and ships because they are ideal for water submersion as long as they are sealed properly. They are also suitable for a wide range of mining and industrial applications, including industrial equipment. Type G and G-GC are frequently used to supply power where ground wires are needed.
Differences Between Type G and Type G-GC Cables
Type G and Type G-GC cables are almost identical except for one difference in how these cables are constructed. This difference is often important in the context of mining equipment. Type G portable power and mining cable have four copper conductors and four ground wires, providing electrical current with a safe path to escape the electrical circuit. Type G-GC cable has three conductors, two ground wires, and an additional ground check which is a special type of conductor that checks the continuity of a grounding circle.
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What is a Ground Check Conductor and Why/When Are They Used?
Also known as a ground monitoring conductor, a ground check helps to de-energize power conductors and prevent accidents in the sudden event of ground continuity loss. If there is no ground check and the ground continuity is not maintained, then individuals are at risk of being electrocuted due to the exposure of conductive parts of the cable not being connected to the grounding circle.
Ground check conductors are recognizable by their bright yellow insulation. Aside from G-GC cables, there are other types of industrial cables that use a ground check conductor including SHD-GC and MPF-GC. For many mining applications, a ground check is a necessity.
If you plan to use G or G-GC for mining applications, you should first check if the equipment being used requires a ground check conductor for ground monitoring. Some examples of equipment that require a ground check conductor include mine pumps and conveyors. For any equipment that has this requirement, you should only use a Type G-GC cable. Otherwise, if there is no ground monitoring requirement, you can use either Type G or Type G-GC, as long as they meet your requirements when it comes to gauge and the number of conductors.