Here at the HotWire, we are often asked technical questions about our products from customers and readers alike. In the realm of our journalistic responsibilities, we like clearing up any confusion they may have. With that, we present this week's Frequently Asked Question:

What is the difference between prestretched and restricted stretch?

To understand the difference between the two, we need to first explain what each type is. Restricted stretch is setting a stretch limit for a cable. These limits are often a percentage of stretch achieved at defined loads. Based on the designer's input specifications, we adhere to these limits while manufacturing the cable. These restricted cables are often found in military and special usage applications.

Prestretching is stretching a cable to a defined load. This is usually expressed as a percentage of the cable's minimum breaking strength.

The difference between these types of cable is that prestretching is an operation that generally doesn't need to conform to specific limits. Our cable is usually prestretched at 60% of minimum breaking strength - to eliminate structural stretch. In conforming to a customer's specific stretch limits (restricted stretch), we may prestretch the cable at a specific load which we determine to be the proper way to conform to a customers limits.

To sum it up, think of prestretching as an action, and restricted stretch as specification limits.

Hopefully that has cleared up any confusion our customers and readers may have had on that topic. If you have a question you would like answered in an upcoming edition of "Loos & Company F.A.Q.'s" please send an email to pbagshaw@loosco.com, and it could be our next featured article!