Description
Product Introduction
The ABB 3BSE018741R50 is a 50-meter preassembled sensor cable designed for ABB web tension measurement systems. It provides the electrical connection between compatible load cells and the associated tension electronics used in paper, film, textile, converting, and steel processing machinery.
Unlike a standard industrial instrumentation cable, this assembly is manufactured specifically for ABB force measurement equipment. The connector configuration, shielding, and cable characteristics are selected to maintain accurate low-level load cell signals over long cable runs. Verify the connector style and cable length before ordering.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Part Number | 3BSE018741R50 |
| Product Type | Cable with Male Plug Connector |
| Cable Length | 50 m (164 ft) |
| Connector Type | Factory-installed Male Plug |
| Application | Web Tension Measurement |
| Compatible Load Cells | PFTL 101, PFTL 201, PFCL 201 Series |
| Compatible Electronics | ABB PFEA Series Tension Electronics |
| Installation | Sensor-to-Electronics Connection |
| Temperature Range | -25°C to +90°C |
| Test Voltage | 1000 VAC |
| Cable Construction | 4 × AWG17 Shielded Cable |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
Sometimes the problem isn’t the load cell.
A tension control system begins showing unstable readings. Engineers replace amplifiers, recalibrate sensors, and even suspect the PLC. After several hours, the actual fault is found—a damaged cable caused by years of continuous flexing inside the machine frame.
Signal cables fail quietly.
They usually fail intermittently first.
Typical Applications
Paper Mills — Reel tension measurement — Carries low-level force signals from PFTL load cells to the tension controller.
Steel Processing — Strip tension monitoring — Maintains stable signal transmission over long machine frames.
Plastic Film Production — Winder and unwinder control — Supports accurate web tension measurement during continuous operation.
Textile Manufacturing — Fabric tension control — Connects force sensors in high-speed processing equipment.
Printing & Converting — Roll-to-roll machinery — Preserves measurement accuracy despite long installation distances.
Field Case Study
A packaging plant experienced random web breaks on a high-speed laminating line. The load cell repeatedly passed calibration, but the measured tension fluctuated unpredictably.
Inspection revealed insulation damage approximately 30 meters from the control cabinet where the cable passed through a cable tray with repeated vibration.
Replacing the 3BSE018741R50 restored stable sensor readings immediately without replacing the load cell or controller.
- 3BSE018741R50
- 3BSE018741R50
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
We don’t just ship cables; every cable assembly is inspected before shipment.
- Inbound Inspection
- Verify ABB identification label.
- Confirm cable length.
- Inspect connector molding and locking mechanism.
- Electrical Testing
- Continuity test on every conductor.
- Shield continuity verification.
- Insulation resistance measurement.
- Connector pin inspection.
- Mechanical Inspection
- Check jacket integrity.
- Verify strain relief.
- Inspect connector threads and sealing surfaces.
- Identification Verification
- Confirm part number.
- Verify connector orientation.
- Record manufacturing identification when available.
- Final QC
- Protective connector caps installed.
- Moisture-resistant packaging.
- Shock-protected shipment.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
⚠️ Don’t substitute a generic instrumentation cable.
ABB load cell systems rely on proper shielding and connector configuration. Using a different cable may introduce electrical noise and unstable tension readings.
⚠️ Protect the cable routing.
Most failures occur where the cable exits the machine frame or enters flexible cable carriers.
❗ Never pull on the connector body.
Always grip the connector housing during installation. Pulling on the cable jacket eventually damages the internal conductors.
⚠️ Measure before replacing electronics.
In our field experience, damaged cables often produce symptoms that look like amplifier or load cell failures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is the ABB 3BSE018741R50 a PLC or DCS module?
No.
It is a 50-meter sensor connection cable for ABB web tension measurement systems.
Q2. Which load cells is it designed for?
ABB specifies compatibility with the PFTL 101, PFTL 201, and PFCL 201 load cell families.
Q3. Can the cable be shortened?
It is technically possible, but generally not recommended. Altering the factory cable may affect shielding performance, connector integrity, and long-term reliability.
Q4. Is this cable suitable for outdoor installation?
It is intended for industrial environments. If installed outdoors, additional protection against UV exposure, moisture, and mechanical damage should be provided according to ABB installation practices.
Q5. What warranty is typically available?
Professional industrial surplus suppliers generally provide a 12-month warranty against manufacturing or functional defects.
Q6. Can I replace it with a standard four-core cable?
Not recommended.
The factory cable includes the correct connector assembly and electrical characteristics for ABB tension measurement systems. Generic cable substitutions can introduce measurement errors.
Q7. What should I verify before ordering?
Confirm the following:
- ABB Part Number: 3BSE018741R50
- Cable Length: 50 meters
- Connector Style: Male Plug Connector
- Load Cell Model (PFTL/PFCL Series)
- Tension Electronics Model (PFEA Series)
- Machine Cable Routing Requirements
Finally, compare the installed cable assembly with the machine’s electrical drawings before replacement. A connector mismatch is far easier to prevent than to troubleshoot after installation.
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