A digital instrument supplied by Belden helps decide the suitable variety of cables that may be safely put in inside a particular conduit dimension. This calculation considers components akin to cable diameter, conduit kind, and fill percentages outlined by electrical codes. As an example, a person would possibly enter the outer diameter of their chosen Belden cable and the interior diameter of their chosen conduit. The instrument would then calculate the utmost variety of these cables allowed inside that conduit, making certain compliance with laws.
Correct conduit fill calculations are important for protected and compliant electrical installations. Overfilling a conduit can result in warmth buildup, damaging the cable insulation and probably inflicting a fireplace hazard. Moreover, correct fill ratios guarantee environment friendly cable pulling and upkeep. Traditionally, these calculations had been carried out manually utilizing complicated formulation and tables. Digital instruments simplify this course of, lowering the chance of errors and saving precious time for installers and engineers.
The next sections will delve deeper into the technical elements of conduit fill calculations, the related electrical codes and requirements, and the particular options and advantages supplied by Belden’s instrument.
1. Conduit fill calculation
Conduit fill calculation types the core performance of Belden’s conduit fill calculator. Figuring out the suitable variety of cables inside a conduit is essential for electrical security, code compliance, and environment friendly set up. Belden’s instrument simplifies this complicated course of, permitting customers to shortly and precisely decide fill capability primarily based on related parameters.
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Cable Diameter
Cable diameter considerably influences conduit fill. Bigger diameter cables occupy more room, lowering the variety of cables that may match inside a given conduit. Belden’s calculator considers the outer diameter of chosen Belden cables to make sure correct calculations.
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Conduit Sort and Measurement
Totally different conduit varieties (e.g., PVC, EMT, inflexible) have various inner dimensions. Conduit dimension, usually measured by interior diameter, immediately impacts the obtainable house for cables. Belden’s instrument accommodates numerous conduit varieties and sizes, offering particular fill calculations primarily based on person enter.
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Fill Share
Electrical codes (NEC, CEC) specify most fill percentages for conduits to forestall overheating and guarantee protected cable pulling. Belden’s calculator adheres to those laws, calculating fill percentages primarily based on cable and conduit dimensions and alerting customers to potential violations.
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Variety of Cables
The final word output of a conduit fill calculation is the utmost variety of cables allowed inside the specified conduit. Belden’s instrument gives this important info, enabling customers to design and set up cabling programs that adjust to security requirements and optimize conduit utilization.
By integrating these aspects, Belden’s conduit fill calculator streamlines a important side {of electrical} system design. Precisely figuring out cable capability inside conduits ensures compliance, prevents security hazards, and promotes environment friendly set up practices. This instrument empowers customers to make knowledgeable choices primarily based on exact calculations, eliminating the necessity for guide calculations and lowering the chance of errors.
2. Belden Cable Choice
Belden cable choice performs an important function in correct conduit fill calculations. The precise traits of a selected Belden cable immediately influence the utmost variety of cables that may match inside a conduit whereas adhering to security laws. Understanding the interaction between cable properties and conduit fill is important for environment friendly and compliant installations.
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Cable Outer Diameter
The outer diameter of a Belden cable is a main think about conduit fill calculations. Bigger diameter cables occupy more room inside a conduit, lowering the general fill capability. For instance, a Belden 10 AWG cable could have a bigger outer diameter than a Belden 22 AWG cable, which means fewer 10 AWG cables can slot in the identical conduit. Correct measurement and enter of cable outer diameter into the conduit fill calculator are important for acquiring appropriate fill capability outcomes.
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Cable Jacket Materials
The jacket materials of a Belden cable can affect its flexibility and general diameter. Totally different jacket supplies have various thicknesses and properties. Whereas jacket materials won’t immediately influence the calculated fill proportion as considerably because the outer diameter, it will possibly have an effect on the benefit of set up, particularly in conditions with tight bends or restricted house. Contemplating jacket materials throughout cable choice can contribute to a smoother set up course of.
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Cable Building
The development of a Belden cable, together with the variety of conductors and shielding kind, can influence its general diameter and suppleness. As an example, a shielded cable will usually have a bigger outer diameter than an unshielded cable of the identical gauge. This distinction in building have to be accounted for throughout cable choice and enter into the conduit fill calculator to make sure correct outcomes and keep away from overfilling the conduit.
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Utility Necessities
The precise utility for the Belden cable influences the selection of cable kind and, consequently, its influence on conduit fill. Totally different functions might require particular cable traits, akin to shielding for industrial environments or fire-resistant jacketing for plenum areas. These necessities dictate the cable choice, which then informs the parameters used within the conduit fill calculation.
By rigorously contemplating these components throughout Belden cable choice, installers can optimize conduit fill calculations and make sure the protected and environment friendly set up of cabling programs. Correct cable information enter into Belden’s conduit fill calculator is paramount for attaining compliant and efficient outcomes. Selecting the proper cable for the appliance whereas understanding its bodily traits contributes considerably to the general success and longevity of the put in cabling infrastructure.
3. Conduit Measurement Enter
Conduit dimension enter is a important parameter inside Belden’s conduit fill calculator. Correct conduit dimensions are important for figuring out the allowable cable fill. The interior diameter of the conduit immediately dictates the obtainable house for cables. Inputting an incorrect conduit dimension can result in vital errors in fill calculations, leading to both overfilling or underutilizing the conduit. Overfilling presents security hazards attributable to warmth buildup and potential harm to cable insulation, whereas underfilling can necessitate expensive rework. For instance, utilizing a one-inch conduit’s interior diameter within the calculator when the precise put in conduit is three-quarter-inch would yield an erroneously excessive allowable cable depend. Conversely, inputting a bigger conduit dimension than the precise set up may lead to inadequate capability for the supposed cables.
The conduit fill calculator depends on exact conduit dimensions to carry out correct calculations. This enter, together with cable diameter, permits the calculator to find out the fill proportion primarily based on related electrical codes (e.g., NEC, CEC). These codes stipulate most fill percentages for various conduit varieties to make sure protected and compliant installations. Contemplate a situation the place a number of cables of various diameters are put in inside a single conduit. Correct conduit dimension enter is essential to make sure that the mixed cross-sectional space of all cables doesn’t exceed the permitted fill proportion. Failing to account for the precise conduit dimension may result in violations {of electrical} codes and probably hazardous circumstances.
Correct conduit dimension enter is prime to the efficient use of Belden’s conduit fill calculator. Exact measurements guarantee compliance with electrical codes, forestall security hazards, and optimize conduit utilization. Understanding the direct relationship between conduit dimension and allowable fill capability is paramount for professionals designing and putting in cabling infrastructure. Neglecting this important enter can have vital penalties, impacting each the protection and performance of {the electrical} system.
4. Code Compliance (NEC/CEC)
Adherence to nationwide and regional electrical codes is paramount for protected and practical cabling installations. Belden’s conduit fill calculator performs a significant function in making certain compliance with these codes, particularly the Nationwide Electrical Code (NEC) in the USA and the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) in Canada. These codes present stringent tips for conduit fill percentages to mitigate dangers related to overheating, guarantee environment friendly cable pulling, and preserve system integrity. Ignoring these laws can result in hazardous circumstances and code violations.
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NEC Chapter 9, Tables 1 & 4
NEC Chapter 9, Tables 1 and 4, present particular tips for conduit fill percentages primarily based on the quantity and kind of conductors. These tables dictate the utmost allowable fill primarily based on conductor dimension, conduit kind, and the variety of conductors inside the conduit. Belden’s conduit fill calculator incorporates these tables to make sure calculated fill values adjust to NEC laws. For instance, a person calculating fill for a conduit containing a number of Belden cables would depend on the calculator to make sure adherence to the suitable NEC desk and keep away from exceeding permissible fill limits.
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CEC Part 12-900
Much like the NEC, the CEC Part 12-900 outlines laws for conduit fill. These laws outline permissible fill percentages primarily based on conductor kind, conduit materials, and the variety of conductors. Belden’s conduit fill calculator considers these CEC stipulations to make sure calculations are compliant with Canadian electrical codes. That is essential for initiatives inside Canada and ensures protected and legally compliant installations.
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Conductor Temperature Rankings
Each NEC and CEC handle conductor temperature rankings, that are essential for protected operation. Overfilling a conduit can result in extreme warmth buildup, exceeding the temperature ranking of the conductors and probably inflicting insulation harm or hearth hazards. The conduit fill calculator considers these temperature rankings by adhering to prescribed fill percentages, making certain that calculated fill values preserve conductor temperatures inside protected working limits.
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Derating Elements
When a number of conductors are bundled inside a conduit, derating components come into play. These components, outlined by each NEC and CEC, modify the ampacity of conductors to account for the elevated warmth generated inside a confined house. Belden’s conduit fill calculator not directly addresses these derating components by making certain compliance with most fill percentages, which in flip limits the variety of conductors and mitigates the necessity for vital derating.
Compliance with NEC and CEC laws is non-negotiable for electrical security and venture legality. Belden’s conduit fill calculator gives an important instrument for making certain adherence to those codes by precisely calculating fill percentages and alerting customers to potential violations. Correct use of this calculator ensures installations meet security requirements, minimizing dangers and selling the longevity of cabling infrastructure. Integrating code compliance immediately into the calculation course of simplifies design and set up, contributing to environment friendly and legally sound electrical programs.
5. Fill Share
Fill proportion represents a important parameter inside Belden’s conduit fill calculator and immediately pertains to the allowable quantity of cables inside a conduit. Expressed as a proportion of the conduit’s cross-sectional space, the fill proportion dictates how a lot of the conduit’s inside could be occupied by cables. Electrical codes, such because the NEC and CEC, mandate particular fill proportion limits primarily based on conduit kind and the variety of conductors to forestall overheating and guarantee protected cable pulling. Exceeding these limits can create hearth hazards attributable to warmth buildup, harm cable insulation, and make future upkeep or upgrades troublesome. For instance, a 40% fill proportion for a particular conduit and cable kind signifies that the mixed cross-sectional space of all cables inside that conduit can’t exceed 40% of the conduit’s inner cross-sectional space. Belden’s calculator ensures compliance by calculating the fill proportion primarily based on person inputs for cable and conduit dimensions and flagging potential violations of prescribed limits.
The connection between fill proportion and conduit fill calculations is prime. Correct willpower of the fill proportion is essential for protected and compliant installations. Contemplate a situation the place a number of cables with various diameters are run by way of a single conduit. The calculator considers the cumulative cross-sectional space of all cables relative to the conduit’s inner space to find out the general fill proportion. This calculation ensures the set up adheres to code necessities and avoids potential hazards. Moreover, understanding fill proportion permits for optimization of conduit house. Whereas staying inside code limits, maximizing the allowable fill proportion minimizes materials prices and set up complexity. As an example, deciding on a barely bigger conduit dimension would possibly enable for a better fill proportion and accommodate future cable additions with out requiring full conduit substitute.
Correct fill proportion calculation, facilitated by Belden’s conduit fill calculator, is important for protected and compliant cable installations. This parameter immediately impacts system security, maintainability, and adherence to electrical codes. Ignoring fill proportion limitations can result in hazardous circumstances and dear rework. A radical understanding of fill proportion and its implications empowers installers to design and implement strong, environment friendly, and code-compliant cabling infrastructure. By integrating code necessities and exact calculations, Belden’s instrument streamlines the method and mitigates dangers related to improper conduit fill.
6. Variety of Cables
The “variety of cables” represents a important output derived from Belden’s conduit fill calculator and signifies the utmost amount of cables permissible inside a particular conduit whereas adhering to related electrical codes and security requirements. This determine immediately outcomes from calculations primarily based on cable diameter, conduit dimensions, and permitted fill percentages as outlined by laws just like the NEC and CEC. The calculated variety of cables ensures protected operation by stopping overheating, facilitating environment friendly cable pulling, and supporting system maintainability. Exceeding this calculated restrict can result in hazardous circumstances, together with hearth dangers attributable to extreme warmth buildup, harm to cable insulation from compression, and difficulties in future upkeep or upgrades.
Contemplate a situation the place an installer plans to run a number of Belden information cables by way of a single conduit. The conduit fill calculator, utilizing enter parameters like cable outer diameter and conduit interior diameter, determines the utmost variety of cables allowed. For instance, the calculator would possibly decide {that a} particular three-quarter-inch conduit can safely accommodate a most of twelve Belden 9 AWG cables. Trying to put in greater than twelve cables would violate code laws and probably create unsafe circumstances. This calculated restrict ensures the set up stays compliant and mitigates dangers related to overfilling. Conversely, underutilizing the conduit by putting in considerably fewer cables than the calculated most would possibly result in inefficient use of assets and potential difficulties in future enlargement.
Correct willpower of the permissible variety of cables, a key operate of Belden’s conduit fill calculator, is important for protected and compliant cable installations. This calculated worth immediately impacts system security, maintainability, and adherence to electrical codes. Ignoring the calculated restrict can result in hazardous circumstances, code violations, and dear rework. Understanding the importance of this output empowers installers to design and implement strong, environment friendly, and code-compliant cabling infrastructure. This, in flip, contributes to the general longevity, reliability, and security of {the electrical} system.
7. Security and effectivity
Security and effectivity are intrinsically linked to the right use of a conduit fill calculator, such because the one supplied by Belden. Correct conduit fill calculations are essential for stopping hazardous circumstances and making certain the long-term performance of cabling infrastructure. Overfilling a conduit can result in extreme warmth buildup attributable to restricted airflow across the cables. This warmth buildup can exceed the temperature ranking of the cable insulation, probably inflicting degradation, and in excessive instances, hearth. Conversely, underfilling, whereas not a direct security hazard, can result in wasted assets and complicate future enlargement efforts. For instance, if a conduit is considerably underfilled, including extra cables later would possibly necessitate expensive and time-consuming substitute of the complete conduit run. Correct use of a conduit fill calculator mitigates these dangers by making certain the set up adheres to established security requirements and optimizes conduit capability.
The effectivity advantages lengthen past materials utilization. Accurately stuffed conduits simplify cable pulling throughout set up. Overfilled conduits create extreme friction, making it troublesome and time-consuming to tug cables by way of. This could result in cable harm throughout set up and improve labor prices. Moreover, correct fill calculations contribute to the long-term maintainability of the system. Accessing and changing particular person cables inside a appropriately stuffed conduit is considerably simpler than in an overfilled one. This reduces downtime and simplifies upkeep procedures. Contemplate an information heart surroundings the place downtime can have vital monetary implications. Environment friendly cable administration, facilitated by correct conduit fill calculations, turns into essential for minimizing disruption throughout upkeep or upgrades. This proactive method to cable administration, enabled by instruments like Belden’s conduit fill calculator, contributes to each the protection and operational effectivity of the general infrastructure.
In abstract, security and effectivity are integral issues in conduit fill calculations. Belden’s conduit fill calculator gives an important instrument for making certain installations meet security requirements and optimize useful resource utilization. Correct calculations decrease dangers related to overheating and promote environment friendly cable administration, contributing to the longevity, reliability, and general security of the cabling infrastructure. Ignoring these ideas can result in hazardous circumstances, elevated prices, and operational inefficiencies, underscoring the sensible significance of understanding and making use of correct conduit fill calculation methodologies.
8. On-line Instrument Accessibility
On-line accessibility of Belden’s conduit fill calculator considerably impacts its usability and general effectiveness. Prepared entry to this instrument empowers professionals to carry out correct calculations anytime, wherever, streamlining venture planning and execution. This accessibility eliminates reliance on guide calculations or outdated software program, lowering the chance of errors and making certain compliance with present electrical codes. Analyzing the aspects of on-line accessibility reveals its significance in fashionable cabling infrastructure design and set up.
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Ease of Entry
Ease of entry is paramount for a continuously used instrument like a conduit fill calculator. Belden’s on-line platform gives rapid entry with out requiring downloads or installations. This permits for fast calculations on-site, lowering venture delays. As an example, a discipline technician can readily entry the instrument on a cell system to find out the proper conduit dimension for a particular cable run, eliminating the necessity to return to the workplace or seek the advice of printed tables.
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Machine Compatibility
Compatibility throughout numerous units, together with desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, enhances the instrument’s utility. Whether or not within the workplace or on the job web site, professionals can entry the calculator on their most well-liked system. This flexibility ensures constant entry to correct calculations no matter location. A venture supervisor utilizing a pill throughout a web site survey can immediately confirm conduit fill compliance, streamlining decision-making and stopping potential rework.
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Up-to-Date Data
On-line availability ensures entry to probably the most present model of the conduit fill calculator, incorporating the most recent code updates and Belden product info. This eliminates the chance of utilizing outdated info or software program, which may result in non-compliant installations. For instance, adjustments in NEC or CEC laws relating to fill percentages are instantly mirrored within the on-line instrument, guaranteeing calculations adhere to present requirements.
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Integration with Different Assets
On-line instrument accessibility facilitates seamless integration with different on-line assets. Customers can shortly cross-reference cable specs, conduit dimensions, and code necessities from numerous sources, making certain complete and correct calculations. This built-in method streamlines the design course of and reduces the potential for errors arising from utilizing disparate info sources.
On-line accessibility transforms Belden’s conduit fill calculator into a robust and versatile instrument for professionals within the electrical and cabling industries. The power to entry up-to-date info, carry out calculations on numerous units, and combine with different on-line assets considerably enhances venture effectivity, accuracy, and code compliance. This streamlined method to conduit fill calculations contributes to safer, extra dependable, and cost-effective cabling infrastructure initiatives. By leveraging the advantages of on-line accessibility, Belden empowers professionals to make knowledgeable choices and execute initiatives with confidence.
Often Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to conduit fill calculations, particularly specializing in the appliance and advantages of Belden’s on-line instrument.
Query 1: Why is correct conduit fill calculation essential?
Correct conduit fill calculation is important for making certain electrical security, code compliance, and environment friendly cable set up. Overfilling a conduit can result in warmth buildup, probably damaging cable insulation and creating a fireplace hazard. Underfilling can restrict future enlargement and necessitate expensive rework. Appropriate calculations optimize conduit house and guarantee long-term system efficiency.
Query 2: How does Belden’s conduit fill calculator guarantee code compliance?
Belden’s calculator incorporates the most recent NEC (Nationwide Electrical Code) and CEC (Canadian Electrical Code) laws relating to conduit fill percentages. Through the use of cable and conduit dimensions as inputs, the calculator ensures calculated fill values adhere to those codes, minimizing the chance of violations and selling protected installations.
Query 3: What parameters are required to make use of Belden’s conduit fill calculator?
The calculator requires particular inputs, together with the outer diameter of the chosen Belden cable(s), the interior diameter of the chosen conduit, and the conduit kind. Correct enter of those parameters is essential for acquiring dependable and compliant outcomes.
Query 4: Can Belden’s calculator be used for combined cable varieties inside a single conduit?
Whereas Belden’s calculator primarily focuses on Belden cables, the ideas of conduit fill calculation apply to combined cable eventualities. Customers can adapt the instrument by rigorously calculating the mixed cross-sectional space of all cables inside the conduit and making certain the whole fill proportion stays inside code-defined limits.
Query 5: What are the advantages of utilizing a web based conduit fill calculator over guide strategies?
On-line calculators, like Belden’s providing, streamline the calculation course of, lowering the chance of guide errors. In addition they present entry to the most recent code updates and product info, making certain calculations stay compliant and correct. On-line accessibility permits for fast and handy calculations anytime, wherever.
Query 6: How does conduit fill calculation contribute to long-term system maintainability?
Accurately stuffed conduits facilitate simpler cable pulling throughout set up and simplify future upkeep or upgrades. Correct fill permits for accessible cable tracing, substitute, and additions, minimizing downtime and lowering the complexity of upkeep procedures.
Correct conduit fill calculations are elementary for protected, compliant, and environment friendly cable installations. Using assets akin to Belden’s on-line conduit fill calculator ensures initiatives adhere to trade finest practices and maximize the longevity and efficiency of cabling infrastructure.
The next part gives sensible examples and case research illustrating the appliance of conduit fill calculations in real-world eventualities.
Sensible Ideas for Conduit Fill Calculations
This part gives sensible steerage for using conduit fill calculations successfully, making certain protected and compliant cable installations. The following tips emphasize finest practices and spotlight potential pitfalls to keep away from.
Tip 1: At all times Seek the advice of the Newest Electrical Codes (NEC/CEC)
Electrical codes are topic to alter. Referencing the latest variations of NEC and CEC ensures compliance with present laws relating to conduit fill percentages and different related parameters. Utilizing outdated info can result in non-compliant and probably unsafe installations.
Tip 2: Exactly Measure Cable and Conduit Dimensions
Correct measurements are essential for dependable calculations. Use calibrated devices to find out the outer diameter of cables and the interior diameter of conduits. Even small measurement errors can considerably influence fill calculations and result in inaccurate outcomes.
Tip 3: Account for Cable Jacket Materials and Building
Cable jacket materials and building can affect general diameter and suppleness. Contemplate these components when deciding on cables and inputting information into the conduit fill calculator. Totally different jacket supplies and cable constructions can have an effect on the variety of cables that may match safely inside a conduit.
Tip 4: Contemplate Future Growth Wants
When designing cabling infrastructure, anticipate future enlargement necessities. Keep away from filling conduits to their most capability to accommodate potential future cable additions. This proactive method minimizes the necessity for expensive and disruptive conduit replacements later.
Tip 5: Doc Calculations and Cable Data
Keep detailed data of conduit fill calculations and cable specs. This documentation proves invaluable for future upkeep, upgrades, and troubleshooting. Correct documentation ensures consistency and facilitates environment friendly system administration.
Tip 6: Confirm Calculations with Belden’s On-line Instrument
Make the most of Belden’s on-line conduit fill calculator to confirm guide calculations or estimations. The net instrument gives correct and up-to-date outcomes, making certain compliance with present codes and minimizing the chance of errors. This verification step provides an additional layer of assurance to the design course of.
Tip 7: Contemplate Derating Elements for Bundled Conductors
When a number of conductors are bundled inside a conduit, ampacity derating could also be vital. Seek the advice of the related electrical codes (NEC/CEC) to find out acceptable derating components and modify cable choice accordingly. This ensures protected working temperatures are maintained inside the conduit.
Adhering to those sensible ideas enhances the accuracy, security, and effectivity of conduit fill calculations. Correct utility of those ideas contributes to strong, compliant, and maintainable cabling infrastructure.
The next conclusion summarizes the important thing takeaways and emphasizes the significance of correct conduit fill calculations in making certain the protection and efficiency {of electrical} programs.
Conclusion
Correct conduit fill calculation is paramount for making certain the protection, compliance, and longevity of cabling infrastructure. Exploration of obtainable instruments, akin to Belden’s on-line conduit fill calculator, reveals the significance of adhering to established electrical codes (NEC/CEC) and understanding the interaction between cable dimensions, conduit dimension, and fill percentages. Correct utility of those ideas mitigates dangers related to overheating, simplifies set up and upkeep procedures, and optimizes useful resource utilization.
Secure and environment friendly cabling installations necessitate a radical understanding of conduit fill calculations. Continued adherence to evolving trade requirements and utilization of obtainable digital instruments will additional improve the design, implementation, and upkeep of sturdy and dependable cabling programs. Investing in correct conduit fill calculations upfront safeguards towards potential hazards and contributes considerably to the long-term efficiency and sustainability of important electrical infrastructure.
