Sometimes savings through green engineering can be achieved from the unlikeliest of sources. Take wiring—what could be an afterthought in the overall system design can, in fact, play a meaningful role in efficiency, not to mention overall recyclability. New Jersey-based Alpha Wire is proving that with their new EcoWire/EcoWire Plus products, which combine increased performance with minimal environmental impact. The wire derives its advantages from modified polyphenylene ether insulation (mPPE), and is inherently lighter, tougher, and more durable than PVC-based wiring products.
EcoWire is environmentally friendly—it contains no halogens, phthalates, or heavy metals. It meets RoHS and WEEE requirements for the elimination of hazardous substances and recyclability.
Users will see better performance than with PVC—The wire has up to a 45% smaller diameter, is 40% lighter, has 10 times the abrasion resistance, and features excellent resistance to hazardous fluids such as oils, chemicals, solvents, and fuels.
The wire has better dielectric strength—The superior dielectric properties of mPPE make possible a reduced wall thickness while maintaining the same electrical properties as PVC. EcoWire’s diameter is up to 45% smaller than equivalent wires.
It has a low specific gravity—The 1.03 specific gravity of mPPE is 25% to 40% lower than other insulation materials, such as PVC, polyethylene, and cross-linked polyethylene. Along with the reduced wall thickness, the low specific gravity yields significant weight savings of up to 40%.
The wire is recyclable—EcoWire’s mPPE thermoplastic insulation can be easily recycled since it does not contain hazardous materials.
One customer who is successfully using EcoWire is Audio Power Labs, a manufacturer of vacuum-tubed audio amplifiers based in Columbus, Ohio. Their ultra-high-end sound systems require products made to the highest quality that can withstand high voltages. When specifying wire for their 200W 833TNT monoblock amplifier, they came across EcoWire, and were drawn to it for its state-of-the-art design and durability equivalent to Teflon wire. With hopes to expand their products into Europe and Asia, Audio Power Labs looked to the product’s full recyclability as a strong advantage. The company purchased both 100-ft and 1000-ft lengths of the wire in all colors offered, and claims about 95% of the wire contained in the amplifiers is now EcoWire.
Alpha Wire
www.alphawire.com
Filed Under: Green engineering • renewable energy • sustainability, Energy management + harvesting, ELECTRONICS • ELECTRICAL
