Bently Nevada 18745-03 – Proximity Probe Extension Cable for 3300/3500 Monitoring Systems

The Bently Nevada 18745-03 is a factory-style proximity probe extension cable, used to connect a Bently Nevada probe to its Proximitor sensor in machinery protection systems. From my experience, the “-03” suffix typically indicates a 3 m length, making it a straightforward fit for common layouts on compressors, turbines, and large motors. If you’re standardizing spares for 3300 or 3500 racks, this is the kind of cable that keeps installation consistent and troubleshooting simple.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• Drop-in compatibility – Designed for Bently Nevada proximity probe systems (3300/3500). You might notice it makes field replacement very predictable.
• Low-noise coax construction – Maintains signal integrity for stable gap and vibration readings, even near drives and switchgear.
• Pre-terminated ends – Factory connectors reduce installation errors and shorten turnaround during outages.
• Common length profile – The “-03” build is typically 3 m, which in many cases aligns well with bearing-to-rack routing in medium machinery trains.
• Rugged jacket – Built for industrial routing through trays or conduits; typically resistant to oil and plant contaminants.
• Backwards-friendly – Works with the established installed base so you won’t have to rework Proximitor settings or cable glands.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

Used across rotating equipment monitoring where proximity probes are installed:

• Steam and gas turbines – radial/axial shaft vibration and thrust position
• Compressors and expanders – sleeve bearing vibration on process-critical lines
• Pumps and fans – balance-of-plant assets in refining, chemicals, and power
• Large motors and generators – shaft position and vibration trending tied into 3500 racks

Advantages & Value

• Reliability you can standardize on – Stable signal quality reduces nuisance alarms in many cases.
• Compatibility with existing spares – Keeps probe/Proximitor pairings consistent across units.
• Lower install risk – Factory-terminated ends cut down on field wiring errors and retests.
• Procurement confidence – Clear part numbering (-03 length) helps site MRO planning and interchangeability.
• Support when you need it – We can assist with part cross-checks against your probe and Proximitor models before shipment.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet and routing – Use grounded metallic conduit or tray where practical; avoid parallel runs with VFD power cables.
• Bend radius – Maintain a gentle bend radius; tight kinks can degrade the low-noise coax performance.
• Terminations – Seat connectors fully at the probe and Proximitor ends; verify shield continuity.
• Ventilation and environment – Keep junction boxes dry; seal cable glands to prevent moisture ingress.
• Routine checks – Inspect connectors during outages, clean lightly if needed, and verify gap readings during machine run-up.
• Spare strategy – From my experience, keeping at least one 3 m spare per train can save hours during an unplanned stop.

Field note: A maintenance supervisor on a hydrocarbon compressor line told us they swapped an 18745-03 in under 15 minutes during a turnaround, and their shaft position trend came back clean without recalibration.

Quality & Certifications

• Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems
• RoHS-compliant materials in most builds
• CE marking typically applicable at the system level (when integrated with monitoring racks)
• Manufacturer’s warranty: 12 months from shipment

Related/Supporting Components

• Bently Nevada proximity probes (5 mm / 8 mm series) – for shaft vibration and position
• Bently Nevada Proximitor sensors (e.g., 3300/3300 XL/3500 series) – probe drivers
• 3500 monitoring rack modules – vibration and position measurement cards