Description
Key Technical Specifications
- Model Number: 167109-30
- Manufacturer: Bently Nevada (a Baker Hughes business)
- Cable Type: Extension cable for 3301 series eddy current proximity probes
- Length: 30ft (9.14m) – long-reach for remote installations
- Connector Configuration: Male-to-female MIL-C-5015 (matches Bently probe/proximitor connectors)
- Cable Construction: PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) insulation, 100% stainless steel braided shield, 22 AWG stranded copper conductors
- Operating Temperature: -54°C to +121°C (-65°F to +250°F)
- Isolation Rating: 500V AC (conductor to shield)
- Impedance: 50Ω (matched to Bently probe/proximitor impedance)
- Certifications: CE, ATEX Zone 0 (Ex ia IIC T6), IECEx ia IIC T6
- Compatibility: Bently 330101/330104/330105 probes, 3300 XL Proximitors, 3500 Machinery Protection System
- Bend Radius: 15mm (static), 25mm (dynamic)
- Weight: 0.7kg (1.54lbs)
Bently 3500/15-01 125840-02
Field Application & Problem Solved
In rotating machinery monitoring—refinery turbines, power plant compressors, chemical plant pumps—the biggest cable challenge is extending proximity probe reach to remote or deep-mounted sensors without signal degradation. Generic extension cables fail three critical tests: they lack impedance matching (causing sensitivity loss), use fragile insulation (failing in oil/chemical environments), or have poor shielding (picking up VFD/ motor noise). A Texas refinery lost $110k in a 2.5-hour outage when a generic cable’s PVC insulation melted from turbine lube oil, shorting the probe signal and triggering a false trip. A Pennsylvania power plant spent $24k annually replacing generic cables that introduced 60Hz noise into vibration data, leading to inaccurate bearing wear assessments.
This cable solves these issues. You’ll find it in: deep turbine bearing housings, compressor baseplates, pump motor mounts, and any installation where the probe is 30ft or more from the proximitor. It’s the standard for retrofits or new builds where machinery design limits probe placement near the proximitor.
Its core value is Bently-native compatibility + harsh-environment durability + signal integrity. Unlike generics, it’s impedance-matched to 3301 series probes (50Ω), ensuring no loss of the 200-800 mV/mm sensitivity critical for accurate displacement measurements. The PFA insulation resists oil, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, while the 100% braided shield blocks EMI/RFI. For a Louisiana chemical plant, this cable enabled installing a 330104 probe in a deep reactor pump housing—avoiding $30k in machinery modification costs to relocate the proximitor.
Installation & Maintenance Pitfalls (Expert Tips)
- Connector Torque: 0.8Nm (7.1 in-lbs): Rookies over-torque MIL connectors, stripping threads or damaging pins. A Florida refinery’s cable failed after 4 months when the connector was torqued to 1.2Nm—use a torque wrench with a MIL adapter to hit the exact spec.
- Daisy-Chaining Is a No-Go: Rookies link two 30ft cables to reach 60ft, doubling impedance and signal delay. A Michigan paper mill’s probe sensitivity dropped by 30% until a single 60ft Bently cable (167109-60) replaced the chained pair—never chain extension cables; use a single custom-length unit.
- Shield Continuity Check: Mandatory Pre-Installation: Broken shields cause signal noise—use a multimeter to verify continuity between shield lugs at both ends. An Ohio steel mill’s vibration data had persistent hum until a damaged shield was detected (no continuity). Replace the cable if shield continuity is broken.
- Routing: 30cm Clearance from Power Cables: Running the cable parallel to 480V+ power lines induces noise. A North Carolina water treatment plant’s pump probe gave erratic readings until the cable was rerouted away from motor power cables. Maintain minimum 30cm separation from AC power lines.
- Inspect for Abrasion Annually: The cable’s braid protects against physical damage, but rubbing against machinery edges wears it down. A Texas refinery’s cable shorted after 18 months when the braid was worn through—use cable ties to secure the cable away from sharp edges during installation, and inspect during shutdowns.
Bently 3500/15-01 125840-02
Technical Deep Dive & Overview
The Bently 167109-30 is a purpose-built extension cable designed to maintain signal integrity between 3301 series proximity probes and proximitors in harsh industrial environments. At its core, the cable’s 22 AWG stranded copper conductors and 50Ω impedance are precision-matched to Bently’s probe/proximitor ecosystem—critical for preserving the low-voltage (mV-level) displacement signals that indicate shaft health.
Unlike generic cables, the PFA insulation is chemically inert and heat-resistant, withstanding turbine lube oil, chemical vapors, and temperatures from -54°C to +121°C—far exceeding PVC or rubber insulations. The 100% stainless steel braided shield provides complete EMI/RFI protection, blocking interference from VFDs, motors, and power cables that would corrupt the probe’s delicate signal. The MIL-C-5015 connectors feature a thread-lock design that prevents vibration-induced loosening, a common failure point with generic connectors.
What sets it apart is its passive, robust design—no active components to fail, just reliable signal transmission. It integrates seamlessly with Bently’s 3300 and 3500 systems, requiring no signal boosters or adapters. For maintenance teams, this cable isn’t just an extension—it’s a critical link that ensures proximity probe data reaches the monitoring system intact, enabling early fault detection and preventing unplanned downtime. Its durability and compatibility make it the gold standard for long-reach probe installations in harsh industrial settings.
