By Eileen Harvey
In the fast-paced world of food and beverage manufacturing, reliable and secure data transmission is essential. Automation, robotics, real-time monitoring and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices are all heavily dependent on a strong Ethernet backbone. But the food and beverage (F&B) industry comes with a unique challenge: extreme hygiene requirements and frequent washdowns.
In these environments, cables are not only expected to provide high-speed, interference-free connectivity, but also withstand exposure to water, cleaning agents, oils, temperature fluctuations and mechanical stress.
Why Ethernet Cables Need Special Design in Food and Beverage Plants
Unlike standard industrial settings, F&B production lines face frequent high-pressure washdowns to comply with sanitation requirements, as well as exposure to caustic cleaning agents like sodium hydroxide or chlorine-based sanitizers. They also face extreme temperatures in cold storage, freezers and cooking areas, and oil, fat and sugar residues that can degrade materials. They need strict contamination control to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Cables that aren’t built for these conditions can experience: jacket degradation or cracking; water ingress leading to signal loss; bacterial growth in cable cracks; and premature failure, leading to costly downtime.
Hygiene and Washdown Requirements for Ethernet Cables
The primary goal in food processing environments is to maintain cleanliness and prevent contamination. Cables must meet three major requirements. First is IP (ingress protection) ratings. To meet these ratings, lookfor cables rated IP67 or IP68, which resist dust and water ingress. For connectors, IP69K is ideal for high-pressure washdowns. The second type of requirement is NSF and FDA compliance.NSF-certified materials ensure the cable jacket is safe for use in food zones. FDA CFR 21 compliance indicates food-grade materials. The third requirement is smooth, non-porous surfaces, which prevent bacteria build-up and make cleaning easier.
Choosing the Right Jacket Material
The cable jacket is the first line of defense against water, cleaning chemicals, oils and physical damage. Here are the most common choices for the food industry:
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) Jackets: They have excellent chemical resistance, are Flexible in both high and low temperatures and withstand frequent bending. They are best for areas with continuous motion or flexing, like robotic arms.
- PUR (Polyurethane) Jackets: They have superior abrasion resistance, excellent resistance to oils and fats and good flexibility. They are best for oily, greasy environments or conveyor belt systems.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Jackets: They are cost-effective, have good general chemical resistance and are less flexible than PUR and TPE. They are best for fixed installations away from heavy mechanical wear.
Shielded vs. Unshielded Cables in F&B Plants
Given the heavy machinery, motors, and high-frequency equipment in production areas, electrical noise can be a serious concern. Both shielded and unshielded cables have their benefits. Unshielded (UTP) cables are lighter and more flexible, more cost-effective and suitable for low-interference areas.
Shielded (STP/FTP) cables protect data signals from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and are ideal for high-noise environments with variable frequency drives (VFDs). They are recommended for automation equipment and robotics. For maximum reliability in F&B plants, shielded cables are generally the safer choice.
Temperature Considerations
Ethernet cables in food and beverage plants may need to function in cold storage/freezers (-40°C to -20°C), hot processing areas (up to +105°C) and outdoor loading docks (variable weather conditions). Ensure your cable is rated for the entire temperature range it will encounter.
Cable Standards and Compliance for Food Industry Applications
When selecting Ethernet cables, ensure compliance with:
- ISO 14159 – Hygiene requirements for food machinery
- EN 1672-2 – Food machinery safety and hygiene
- UL CMX/CMG/CM – Flammability ratings for cables
- RoHS Compliance – Restriction of hazardous substances
Industrial Ethernet Cable Categories for F&B Applications
While Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6a are all used, your choice depends on speed, bandwidth and future-proofing. Cat5e handles up to 1 Gbps and is suitable for sensors and basic PLC connections. Cat6 brings up to 10 Gbps at shorter distances and is good for automation lines. Cat6a handles a full 10 Gbps at 100m and is ideal for high-speed IIoT and vision systems
For high-data applications like vision inspection systems, Cat6a is preferred.
Application Examples in Food and Beverage Plants
Examples are conveyor belt automation, robotic packaging arms, vision inspection systems, temperature and humidity sensors, weighing and batching equipment, and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) panels. In all these cases, cables must be reliable, easy to clean and resistant to chemicals.
Recommended Products
Here are some Industrial-grade Ethernet cables that meet the hygiene and durability needs of the food industry:
- TPE-jacket shielded Ethernet cables – Chemical resistance + flexibility
- PUR-jacket Cat6 cables – Oil resistance + abrasion resistance
- PVC-jacket Cat5e shielded cables – Cost-effective for fixed runs
Maintenance Tips for Ethernet Cables in Washdown Areas
We offer four tips. First, avoid sharp bends by maintaining proper bend radius to extend lifespan. Second, conduct regular inspection, looking for jacket cracks or discoloration. Third, use proper connectors, such as IP69K-rated connectors for wet areas. Fourth, separate data and power cables to reduce EMI risk.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What IP rating should Ethernet cables have for food and beverage plants?
A: For washdown areas, IP67 or IP69K is recommended to protect against water ingress.
Q2: Are PUR cables better than PVC for food industry use?
A: Yes, PUR offers better resistance to oils, fats and abrasion, making it more suitable for harsh environments.
Q3: Can standard office Ethernet cables be used in food processing areas?
A: No, they lack the chemical resistance, waterproofing and compliance standards needed for these environments.
Q4: Which cable category is best for high-speed vision systems?
A: Cat6a is ideal, as it supports 10 Gbps over longer distances.
Choosing the right Ethernet cable for food and beverage plants isn’t just about data transmission it’s about ensuring safety, hygiene and uptime. By selecting the correct jacket material, shielding type and compliance-certified cables, you can keep your automation systems running reliably while meeting the industry’s strict hygiene standards.
Whether you need TPE for flexibility, PUR for oil resistance or PVC for budget-friendly fixed installations, there’s a solution designed for your exact needs.
