Old Electrostatic Cable

Question:

Where can I find 100 kV cable for my electrostatic paint system that has 1 mm or 0.062-inch stranded conductor in a 0.375-inch polyethylene insulation. I have located a similar cable, but the conductor is solid wire and not as flexible, nor does it allow insertion of a needlepoint connector into the conductor. My application equipment is of a really early vintage, and the manufacturer is no longer in existence. Can you help me? D.S.

Answer:

Buying wire is funny business. I use solid #20 AWG copper in several colors to wire my model railroad. Everyone wants to sell me stranded wire. I had to special order the wire in 1,000-ft reels to get what I needed. On the other hand, you want stranded wire and can only find solid-funny business.

I would first contact suppliers of wire and cable. Normally, I would say look in the phone book. Since this is 2001, I will say look them up on the Internet. Next, I would contact existing suppliers of electrostatic spray equipment. They can be found under Painting Equipment, electrostatic spray on the Suppliers page at www.pfonline.com or on page 491 in the 2001 PF Directory and Technology Guide.