Bently Nevada 16710-65 Interconnect Cable

Product Overview

The 16710-65  is a heavy-duty, 3-conductor shielded interconnect cable designed to maintain signal integrity between proximity transducers and monitoring systems. Engineered for the Bently Nevada 3300 and 3500 Machinery Protection Systems, this cable is essential for transmitting critical vibration, position, and speed data in high-interference industrial environments. Its armored construction provides superior mechanical protection against physical abrasion and crushing forces commonly found in oil refineries, power plants, and heavy manufacturing facilities. By utilizing high-grade 22 AWG wiring and robust shielding, the 16710-65 effectively eliminates electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can cause false alarms or signal drift. Implementing genuine Bently Nevada cabling is a vital strategy for ensuring the reliability of Turbomachinery Instrumentation (TSI), directly reducing unplanned downtime through stable, high-fidelity data transmission.

Suffix Breakdown

The model number 16710-65 follows a specific Bently Nevada configuration logic for length and termination:

• 16710: Specifies the base cable assembly type. This includes a 3-conductor, 22 AWG (0.5 mm2) shielded wire housed within flexible stainless steel armor. The assembly features a pre-installed 3-socket plug at the sensor end and terminal lugs at the monitor end.

• -65: Indicates the total cable length. In this configuration, the cable is precisely manufactured to a length of 65 feet (approximately 20 meters), allowing for significant distance between the field-mounted junction box and the centralized control cabinet.

Technical Specifications

Technical FAQs

Does the armored jacket provide environmental sealing?

The stainless steel armor provides exceptional mechanical protection against impact and abrasion; however, it is not a liquid-tight seal. For applications involving constant immersion or heavy chemical spray, the cable should be routed through additional liquid-tight conduit or housed in sealed trays.

Can this cable be shortened in the field?

While the terminal lug end can technically be trimmed, it is not recommended as it destroys the factory-certified termination. Field modifications can introduce impedance mismatches or shielding gaps. It is best practice to order the specific length required for the installation.

Is the shield connected to the socket plug?

The shield is typically isolated at the sensor end plug to prevent ground loops. In a standard Bently Nevada installation, the shield should be grounded only at the monitor rack or the common point in the signal conditioning housing.

Engineering & Installation Guide

Shielding and Grounding Integrity

Proper grounding is the most critical factor when installing the 16710-65. The cable shield must be terminated at the instrument ground in the 3500 rack or the Proximitor housing. Ensure the shield is not inadvertently grounded at the sensor end or at any intermediate junction boxes. "Floating" the shield at the sensor end prevents circulating ground currents that can corrupt low-voltage vibration signals.

Bend Radius and Mechanical Stress

Despite the flexible armor, the cable has a minimum bend radius that must be respected to prevent internal conductor fatigue. Avoid sharp 90-degree bends. When securing the cable to machine supports or tray systems, use stainless steel ties or clamps that do not compress the armor, as internal insulation damage can lead to intermittent short circuits.

Hazardous Area Routing

In Class 1 Div 1 or Zone 0/1 environments, ensure the armored cable is installed in accordance with local explosion-proof or intrinsically safe wiring standards. The armor provides mechanical protection but does not replace the need for certified cable glands or seals where the cable enters a pressurized or flameproof enclosure.