ECOLAB

What is the ECOLAB certificate?

Network-cables as well as power-cables, have to be prepared for use in different environments. That is why there is a wide choice of diameters and number of strands available. Even coating and insulation have to be optimized regarding the environment. Depending on the application a cable may be able to transmit data in the necessary speed and ensure the necessary security but the insulation may be insufficient. Especially in areas where hygiene is of utmost importance, this has to be taken into account. A wrong type of rubber compound may disintegrate upon contact with sanitizers. Crevices or gaps can create a source of infection. For this reason, standards have been created to rate cables and plugs for such areas.

In addition to the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) "Ecolab" is one of the leading institutions to establish such standards for products used in areas in which hygiene is a critical factor. Ecolab itself is also a manufacturer for a selection of products used in this environment. Additionally, ECOLAB offers testing services which allow cable manufacturers to certify their products. This means that ECOLAB cables or plugs are not necessarily made by the company itself but that the product is ECOLAB certified.

The following points are typical examples for tests run during the ECOLAB certification process:

• Resistance to aggressive cleaners and sanitizers
• Resistance to bio-oils, greases and acids
• Resistance to temperature
• Waterresistance
• Free of halogens
• Corrosion resistance

By means of the certificate an ECOLAB cable or an ECOLAB plug proves more than just passive resistance  to necessary cleaning processes. Additionally, the certificate guarantees that no contaminating emissions are produced.