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Technical Insights

Hermesys Armored RS-485 Cables: Unrivaled Resilience for Harsh Industrial Environments

In highly corrosive industrial sectors like petrochemicals and process control, communication systems are constantly besieged by acid-base vapors, oil, moisture, and mechanical impact. Hermesys introduces the RS-485 SWA (Steel Wire Armored) Cable with a PA12 corrosion-resistant jacket. Engineered for superior chemical resistance and mechanical durability, it provides a high-performance communication backbone for industrial automation in the most demanding environments.

Hermesys armored RS-485 cable cross-section
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Product Architecture & Multi-Layered Protection System

Designed with a multi-layered composite architecture, this cable is engineered to deliver high-speed signal stability, superior environmental resilience, and long-term operational reliability.

Conductors & Insulation

  • Conductor Architecture: 22 AWG (7/0.254mm) stranded tinned copper. This configuration provides superior conductivity and exceptional oxidation resistance for long-term reliability.
  • Insulation Layer: High-performance Foamed Polyethylene (Foamed PE). Its low dielectric constant ensures minimal signal attenuation and maintains high-speed data integrity.

Shielding & Armoring

  • Dual-Layer Shielding: Features an AL/Mylar foil wrap combined with a tinned copper braid (≥60% coverage). This composite design provides superior EMI suppression and maintains signal integrity in electrically noisy environments.
  • Mechanical Armor: 0.9mm helically wrapped galvanized steel wire (SWA) with ≥90% coverage. This robust armor provides a high-strength barrier against mechanical impact, crushing, and rodent damage.

Jacket & Moisture Protection

  • Water-Blocking Design: Integrated water-blocking tape prevents longitudinal moisture ingress, significantly enhancing reliability for outdoor and direct-buried applications.
  • Inner Jacket: Black Polyethylene (PE) providing exceptional UV resistance, abrasion protection, and high dielectric strength.
  • Intermediate Layer: Black PE bedding to reinforce structural integrity while maintaining cable flexibility.
  • Outer Sheath: High-performance PA12 (Nylon 12). This chemically inert layer provides an elite defense against acids, alkalis, oils, and a wide spectrum of organic solvents.

This Triple-Layer “PE + PE + Nylon” Protection System ensures sustained operational longevity, even in the presence of aggressive corrosion, high humidity, and severe mechanical impact.

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Electrical Performance & Transmission Characteristics

Parameter Test Conditions Nominal Value
Conductor DC Resistance 20°C ≤ 55Ω/km
Dielectric Strength DC 2 kV / 1 min No Breakdown
Characteristic Impedance 1 MHz 120±15Ω
Mutual Capacitance 800 Hz Approx. 42 pF/m
Attenuation 1 MHz ≤ 20 dB/km
Exceeding standard RS-485 impedance and transmission requirements, this cable is fully compatible with a wide range of automation protocols, including Modbus RTU, PROFIBUS DP, and BACnet MS/TP. Leveraging its superior conductivity and low-loss characteristics, it enables long-distance, low-BER (Bit Error Rate) data communication—providing a rock-solid signal link between Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and field instrumentation in chemical plants.
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Applications

Chemical & Petrochemical Facilities

Suitable for installation in acidic and alkaline gas areas, oil storage zones, and explosion-proof environments. Designed for RS-485 communication connections for PLCs, sensors, valve positioners, and other field devices.

Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants

Resistant to moisture and chemical corrosion. Suitable for long-term installation in outdoor environments or underground cable ducts.

Pharmaceutical & Food Processing

Meets cleanliness requirements and resists oils, fats, and alcohol-based solutions. The nylon jacket provides resistance to CIP/SIP cleaning agents.

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Manufacturing Excellence & Quality Control

Hermesys utilizes fully automated production lines integrated with real-time impedance control technology to ensure that every batch meets rigorous electrical consistency standards. Our manufacturing processes strictly adhere to ISO 9001 quality management protocols. Prior to dispatch, all cables undergo rigorous corrosion resistance and mechanical stress simulation tests to guarantee long-term stability in the most complex industrial environments.