Electrical cables are the lifeline of industrial applications. Small as they are, a tiny fault or issues that come with wear and tear can cause massive headaches and frustrations. Thus, it is with no surprise that all organisations would want to take great care of their cable inventory.
Similar to other aspects of life, taking proper care of things indeed increases their lifespan. Strictly implementing and following some basic guidelines will extend the durability of your cables, including all forms of marine armoured cables, decreasing safety hazards and non-conformance issues and reducing downtime. This results in increased overall efficiency of an organisation. Check out these five effective ways for proper wire and cable care.
1. Choosing the right cable for the intended purpose
It’s wise to study the different types of cables available on the market to come up with the most suitable cable for your application. To top it all, prioritise safety at all times, so pick a cable type and size that works best for different factors such as ambient temperature, safety, carrying capacity, mechanical strength, and expected performance in its environment.
2. Make sure to utilise the best practices when installing your cables
The installation process plays a key role in the durability of your cable wire. Make sure to avoid twisting or kinking the wire and cable when installing, as it mechanically stresses and weakens the conductors. You should also avoid pressure and run-overs or any form of impact that could damage the jacket and insulation. Be aware of the minimum bend radius, although a good rule of thumb is to give some allowance so the cables are not placed under unnecessary strain.
There are various practices that include reversing cable ends from time to time, especially when your cables are exposed to extended use in harsh environmental conditions, like extremely hot or cold temperatures.
When in doubt, consult your electric wire and cable suppliers for recommendations given your industrial setting.
3. Make the required cable adjustments
While the length of cables differs in every situation, it is key to get the right length for your intended purpose. Having it too short can have it snap when placed under minimal stress, while having it too long can create loose tension, accidentally tripping people or allowing it to get caught in other machinery. It is also key to factor in the expansion and contraction of cables if they are used in areas with huge temperature fluctuations, although this might be more prevalent if the wire is not given enough length to account for shrinkage.
4. Establish on-time repairs
After installation, it’s important to establish aftercare. Inspect the cables regularly and fix them before they are damaged beyond repair. Remove all cut and crushed cables as leaving them may lead to unsafe conditions. Lastly, keep a stock of spare cable to immediately replace any damaged cable in case of a temporary fix. If not, you might have to be aware of reliable cable stockists and suppliers that hold a large stock of wires and cables.
5. Keep track of the dates and key information
Make sure to keep track of the dates and maintain a record of dates, including the installation date of cables, repair & maintenance schedules and the dates of every single failure. All these allow you to pinpoint the root cause of any malfunctions and help you develop a preventive plan in the future.
These are useful as different organisations might utilise their wires differently and place them under varying levels of stress in a huge array of environmental conditions. Knowing which wires work better for you and how you can circumvent certain limitations can help you find the most value in making use of your cable inventory.
Conclusion
Appropriate care and regular maintenance of your cable are crucial for safety, minimum downtime, and an efficient system. Make sure to use the five guidelines listed above to help your staff and maintenance personnel maintain all the electrical wires and other instrumentation cable types in Singapore. If you are unsure which cable stockist to look out for, check out this article that lists the qualities of a great supplier that you can rely on.
