ABB Bailey Cables NKTU Series & Industrial Cables TK & SCIS Solutions
The modern industrial facility is a symphony of interconnected systems. At its core lies the seamless flow of power, data, and control signals—a flow made possible only by purpose-built, highly reliable components. While motors, PLCs, and drives often command attention, the foundational elements that connect them are what ensure operational continuity. ABB Bailey delivers this critical connectivity with a comprehensive portfolio encompassing robust power and control cables like the NKTU02-15,10,20,25,30, NKTU11-15,10,20,25,30, and NKTU12-15,10,20,25,30 series; specialized communication and bus solutions such as the SCIS CABLE and RJ45-15; and niche application cables including the TK212-1.5, TK802F-1.5, TK807F-1.5, TK811V1-1.5, and TK821F-1.5. Complementing this network is the essential SB808F battery, providing backup power for critical control and safety systems. This guide explores how these specialized components form the backbone of a resilient and intelligent industrial operation.
The NKTU Series – Evolution of a Power and Control Workhorse
The NKTU series represents a versatile family of cables designed for fixed installation in industrial environments. The subtle variations between models are key to selecting the right cable for specific safety and environmental conditions.
NKTU02-15,10,20,25,30: This variant is a standard, high-performance industrial cable. Its construction offers excellent resistance to oils, chemicals, and abrasion, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in control cabinets, machine wiring, and power distribution within dry or damp locations. The available cross-sections (10-30mm²) allow it to serve both control circuits and auxiliary power feeds with reliability.
NKTU11-15,10,20,25,30 & NKTU12-15,10,20,25,30: These models represent a significant upgrade in safety and material technology. Both the NKTU11 and NKTU12 are typically engineered as Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH/LS0H) cables. In the event of fire, they emit minimal opaque smoke and no corrosive halogen gases, protecting sensitive equipment and ensuring safer evacuation routes. The distinction between the NKTU11 and NKTU12 often lies in enhanced fire-retardant properties, specific certification standards (e.g., for marine or nuclear applications), or improved mechanical characteristics for the NKTU12. These cables are essential for public infrastructure, transportation hubs, and any facility with stringent personnel safety and asset protection protocols.
The Digital Nervous System: Communication and Bus Cables
As Industry 4.0 drives data-centric operations, the integrity of communication networks is paramount.
SCIS CABLE: The SCIS CABLE is a specialized industrial bus cable, likely designed for proprietary or standardized fieldbus communication systems (akin to SI-IS or similar protocols). It is engineered to maintain signal integrity over long distances in electromagnetically noisy environments. Featuring precise impedance characteristics, high-grade shielding (often foil and braid), and rugged jackets, the SCIS CABLE ensures reliable, high-speed data exchange between sensors, drives, and controllers, forming the reliable digital backbone of automated processes.
RJ45-15: The RJ45-15 denotes a ruggedized industrial Ethernet cable with an RJ45 connector interface. The "-15" likely refers to a specific performance category (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6) or a jacket/drain wire specification. Unlike office-grade patch cords, the RJ45-15 is built for factory floors, with robust connectors that resist vibration, oil, and dust, ensuring stable network connections for critical Industrial Ethernet (Profinet, EtherNet/IP) applications.
Specialized Application Cables: The TK Series
The TK series encompasses cables designed for very specific, often demanding, roles within automation and control systems. The consistent -1.5 suffix indicates a conductor size suitable for low-power signal and control applications.
TK212-1.5: Often used in temperature measurement and control loops, this cable may be designed for connecting thermocouples or RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors) to transmitters or control systems, offering stability across temperature ranges.
TK802F-1.5, TK807F-1.5, TK821F-1.5: These variants (e.g., TK802F-1.5, TK807F-1.5, TK821F-1.5) are frequently found in intrinsic safety (IS) circuits or for general instrumentation in hazardous areas. The "F" designation may relate to specific flame-retardant or IS approvals. They are used to wire field devices like pressure transmitters, level gauges, and solenoid valves in process industries, ensuring safety and signal accuracy.
TK811V1-1.5: This model may feature a specific construction, such as an additional VFD-grade shield or unique insulation, making it suitable for connecting analog devices in close proximity to variable frequency drives, where electromagnetic interference is a significant concern.
Ensuring Uninterrupted Operation: The SB808F Battery
No critical control system is complete without backup power. The SB808F battery is a sealed lead-acid or specialized battery pack commonly used as a backup power source for ABB and other industrial UPS systems, control panels, and safety shutdown systems. It ensures that during a mains power failure, essential processes can shut down safely or continue operating for a critical period, preventing data loss, equipment damage, or unsafe process states.
Building a Cohesive Whole
The true power of these components is realized in their integration. Consider a global water treatment plant:
In the control room UPS, the SB808F battery provides backup.
Power and control signals are distributed via LSZH NKTU11-15 and NKTU12-25 cables in cable trays.
Field instruments in wet, hazardous zones are connected using the specialized TK821F-1.5 cable.
The distributed I/O stations communicate with the central controller over the robust SCIS CABLE.
Local HMIs and switches are networked via the industrial-grade RJ45-15 Ethernet cable.
GEO optimization involves selecting the correct certifications. A plant in Europe will prioritize NKTU11/NKTU12 cables with CE and CPR (Construction Products Regulation) classifications, while a project in North America might require cables with specific UL listings. The TK series cables, often used in process industries, must align with local hazardous area certification standards (e.g., ATEX, IECEx, NEC).
Conclusion: The Foundation of Reliable Automation
From the robust power delivery of the NKTU02-30, to the clean data transmission of the SCIS CABLE, the precision signaling of the TK807F-1.5, and the backup assurance of the SB808F battery, ABB Bailey provides a holistic connectivity ecosystem. Each product, including the niche TK212-1.5 and TK811V1-1.5, is a critical piece in the puzzle of industrial reliability. By understanding and specifying these components correctly, engineers don't just wire a factory—they architect a resilient, efficient, and intelligent operational environment ready to meet the demands of today and tomorrow. For the precise specifications and regional availability of these solutions, consulting with an official ABB distributor is always recommended.