How to Install an Inline Fuse
While there are many different types of fuses to help you achieve or maintain the power you need, an inline fuse can be a great component to ensure an even distribution of electricity for your circuit. So, if you need to add a fuse holder to your car or to some of the lighting in… Read more »
Electrical Cable Types
Just as there are many different types of connectors, the family of electrical cable types is equally as wide. Are you looking for the right cable for transferring signals and frequencies, or for use while in the field? Refer to our list of electrical cable types and applications below to see which cable is the… Read more »
What is Procurement Approval?
The military is a billion-dollar industry, and for military procurement approved suppliers and contractors, hard work, high-quality products, and the correct registrations and certifications can take business to new levels of success. Gateway Cable Company is a procurement approved supplier of military-grade products. What is procurement approval? Essentially, it means businesses like ours meet the… Read more »
What is an Ampere?
What is ampere in electricity? First, let’s answer the question, “What is a current?” Current is the measure of the rate at which electrons “flow” in a circuit. Ampere is a basic unit that measures current, and is frequently shortened to “Amp.” It’s a measure of the amount of electric charge that passes a point… Read more »
What is a NATO Field Plug?
In the realm of electrical connectivity, NATO field plugs stand out as reliable solutions tailored for specific needs, particularly within military contexts. So, what is a NATO field plug, and how does it function? Let’s dive deeper into its workings and applications. At its core, a NATO field plug is primarily designed for NATO ground… Read more »
How to Use a Terminal Block
In an earlier blog, we answered the question, “What is a terminal block?” Below, we’ll describe how to use a terminal block, whether it’s a screw-in or plug-in terminal block. If you need to organize connecting wires, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to properly set up a terminal block…. Read more »
What is NATO STANAG?
If you’re searching for military-grade electrical products, you may have stumbled upon the phrase “NATO STANAG.” What is NATO STANAG, exactly? STANAG is an acronym for STANdardization AGreement. There are many different STANdardization AGreements, such as STANAG 4007 or STANAG 4074, that outline the processes for developing electrical equipment (as well as many other types… Read more »
Electrical Connector Types
There are many different electrical connector types operating within virtually all industries. In fact, it can be overwhelming deciding which is best for your application. Gateway Cable Company is a leading provider of military-grade electrical products; our electrical connectors are primarily MIL-SPEC intervehicle connectors that conform to NATO STANAG. However, there are many other types… Read more »
What is CARC Paint?
Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) is a specially developed paint described in MIL-DTL-53072E. It’s used on military vehicles and electrical equipment to help protect against chemical, biological, and radioactive weaponry. CARC paint was designed to be easily cleaned after exposure to chemical and biological weapons, and isn’t damaged by the decontaminating solutions used during this… Read more »
What is an NSN?
If you’ve heard of NATO products, like slave cables and plugs, you might be wondering, “What is the NSN meaning?” An NSN NATO Stock Number is a 13-digit number used to locate a standardized Item of Supply (IoS) for easy recognition by NATO countries and certain non-NATO countries. This includes the United States of America…. Read more »
How Does Waterproofing Work?
Waterproofing is the process of giving an object, such as a cable, waterproof or water resistant properties. How does waterproofing work for cables? It’s simple — the cable is reinforced with a thick and sturdy material that prevents water penetration, even under pressure. Commonly used water-resistant materials for cable jackets include thermoplastic chlorinated polyethylene (CPE),… Read more »
What are Ozone-Resistant Materials?
Ozone is a more powerful oxidant than oxygen. Ozone in the ozone layer protects the surface of the Earth from solar UV radiation exposure. Ozone in the troposphere (ground level) is formed when nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds react in the atmosphere in the presence of sunlight. In contained areas, ozone can… Read more »
What is a Shielded Cable?
With so many cable options unavailable, you may be wondering, “What is a shielded cable?” Shielded cables are electrical cables with insulating conductors that are surrounded by a conductive layer. Usually, the shield is covered with a jacket, while the shield itself can be made of braided copper strands, conducting polymer, or a spiraled and… Read more »
What Does “Military-Grade” Mean?
Nowadays, “military-grade” has become a selling point for many different types of products, from smartphone cases to portable coolers. For many electrical components, such as connectors and receptacles, cable assemblies, and more, whether or not they’re “military-grade” is especially important. When it comes to product development, “MIL-SPEC” means designed to MIL-STD (or military standards). Read… Read more »
What is DFARS Compliance?
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) compliance refers to a series of cybersecurity regulations created by the Department of Defense (DoD) for suppliers and contractors who work externally. The goal behind these standards is to protect classified information and maintain a strong defense against security threats. Below, you’ll find more information on DFARS, how it… Read more »