SAB VFD XLPE TR, TR D and TR Lean Cables Review: Specs, Price and Applications
Updated: 4 days ago
SAB’s VFD XLPE TR family provides foil-and-braid-shielded motor cable with Class K tinned-copper conductors. This comparison distinguishes standard Series 3568 TR, the TR D drain-wire variant and reduced-diameter Series 3566 TR Lean. SAB does not recommend these constructions for cable tracks; Lean also carries a recommendation for installations no longer than 100 ft.
Quick Verdict
Choose standard TR as the baseline, TR D when the specified termination needs its drain-wire construction, or Lean when its smaller diameter and short-run scope fit the machine. These are separate ordering identities. None becomes continuous-flex Auto TR through a similar family name or a flexible-feeling jacket.
SAB VFD XLPE TR, TR D and TR Lean Cables at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Standard TR | Series 3568; Class K; overall foil and braid |
TR D | Series 3568 with specified drain wire in addition to foil/braid |
TR Lean | Series 3566; reduced outside diameter; recommended for runs ≤100 ft |
14 AWG diameter comparison | TR 35681404: 13.3 mm; D 35681404D: 13.3 mm; Lean 35661404: 11.9 mm; all ±10% |
Track suitability | Manufacturer: application in track not recommended for all three |
Approval-specific voltage | 600 V UL/cUL; 1000 V WTTC and CSA AWM; use applicable cable marking |
Temperature scope | UL/cUL/CSA up to 90°C; separate static range −40 to +105°C |
Published bending radius | Minimum 12 × cable outside diameter; exact installation and duty apply |
Shield construction | Overall foil plus tinned-copper braid |
Procurement | Request a quote for exact part number, conductor sizes, length and terminations |
Design and Engineering Assessment
The useful comparison begins with the route and termination. Standard TR and TR D share a family designation, but the drain construction changes the ordered cable and termination task. Lean changes the diameter and published application scope. Those differences should remain visible in drawings, bills of materials and replacement records.
TR D’s drain wire is not an additional continuous shielding surface. The construction includes foil and braid plus the specified drain arrangement. Treating the word triple as proof of a third independently enclosing shield would overstate the physical construction. Follow the termination design for the actual selected cable.
Lean’s diameter reduction is measurable rather than universal. The published 14 AWG examples are 13.3 mm for TR and TR D, versus 11.9 mm for Lean, with ±10% tolerance. Equal diameters in that one TR/TR D comparison do not establish equal weight or construction across every gauge.
Standard TR as the Reference Construction
Use the standard TR part as a defined starting point for the electrical and mechanical layout. Select conductor gauge, installed length and termination method from the actual motor circuit. The family description does not supply a universal allowable current.
Review conductor count carefully. Published four-conductor examples include the ground, rather than providing four phase-power conductors plus an extra ground. Confirm the terminal diagram before assigning cores or ordering connectors.
TR D and Drain-Wire Termination
Specify the exact D part number and drain arrangement. A drain can support the intended shield termination, but its role must be distinguished from the protective conductor. Do not assign circuit or fault-current functions merely because a bare or tinned conductor is present.
Document the termination at both ends and any junction. Preserve the required shield coverage and mechanical restraint through the connection. The presence of a drain does not compensate for an unsuitable gland, damaged braid or a termination layout that conflicts with the drive documentation.
TR Lean and the Short-Run Boundary
SAB recommends Lean for installations of 100 ft or less, approximately 30.5 m. Treat this as a selection boundary for the reduced-diameter product. It is not a guarantee that every motor and drive accepts a 100 ft lead without further checks.
Compare the actual gauge-specific diameter against gland and route requirements. A smaller diameter can ease installation, but electrical duty and the manufacturer’s run-length recommendation remain part of the selection. Do not extend Lean beyond that scope simply because standard TR is discussed for longer routes.
Shared Ratings and Distinct Installation Limits
All three publish a 12×OD minimum bending radius and do not recommend track service. Plan the actual ordered diameter and tolerance into the route. Choose an appropriate continuous-flex product when repeated carrier movement is required.
Keep approval-specific voltage values separate, and distinguish the static temperature range from the 90°C approval entry. A 3000 V test entry is a test condition, not a normal operating-voltage rating. Match the exact cable marking to the installation requirement.
Drive Compatibility, Acceptance and Purchasing
Confirm lead length, drive output arrangement and motor insulation requirements for the complete connection. Shielding supports electromagnetic compatibility but does not guarantee zero interference or eliminate the need for a suitable grounding and termination design.
Inspect delivered part numbers and cable markings before cutting or assembly. Verify conductor identities, length, terminations and electrical checks under the machine’s approved commissioning process. Record the specific variant so maintenance does not substitute a visually similar cable with a different duty or construction.
Applications and Selection
Shielded motor-power connections in industrial machinery with installation and occasional flexibility requirements that do not require cable-track service.
For SAB VFD XLPE TR, TR D and TR Lean Cables, define the actual machine duty before selecting an ordering configuration. Include the required operating point, available installation space, environment and control interfaces. The specification table describes the product or family; the surrounding machine determines which of those features matters for the intended job.
Price and Value
Request separate configuration-specific quotations for TR, TR D and Lean. Compare the same gauge, actual length, delivered assembly and termination work. A reduced jacket diameter does not alone establish lower installed cost.
Preserve each variant as a separate ordering identity. Include service availability and replacement routing in the comparison, especially where a selected gland or tight passage depends on the cable’s actual diameter.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Explicit standard, drain-wire and reduced-diameter choices
Shared foil/braid shielding and published configuration data
Lean provides a documented smaller-diameter option for its short-run scope
Limitations
All three are not recommended for cable-track service
Lean is recommended only for installations up to 100 ft
Drain configuration and approval scopes still require exact-part verification
Who Should Consider SAB VFD XLPE TR, TR D and TR Lean Cables?
Machine builders selecting between standard motor-supply cable, a drain-wire variant and a reduced-diameter short-run construction, while preserving each variant’s part number and installation scope.
SAB VFD XLPE TR, TR D and TR Lean Cables FAQ
Are TR, TR D and Lean the same cable under aliases?
No. TR D adds a specified drain arrangement and Lean has a different series and reduced diameter. Keep separate part identities.
What does D change?
It identifies the drain-wire construction alongside the foil and braid. Confirm the exact part and termination requirements.
Is the drain a third enclosing shield?
No. A drain conductor is not itself an independently enclosing shielding layer. The physical shield construction includes foil and braid.
What is Lean’s stated length recommendation?
SAB recommends installations of 100 ft or less, approximately 30.5 m. The selected drive and motor may impose additional limits.
Are these recommended for continuous carrier travel?
No. SAB lists application in track as not recommended for these three constructions.
Does the 3000 V test value mean 3000 V operation?
No. It is the published testing voltage. Use the separate approval-specific operating-voltage ratings.
Does four conductors mean four plus ground?
In the cited configurations the count includes ground. Confirm the exact part and terminal allocation.
What decides between the three variants?
Use the circuit, required drain termination, exact outside diameter, installed length, environment, movement and applicable cable marking.
Prices are indicative and may change. Confirm the final configuration, commercial terms and delivery schedule before ordering.
