Underground cable installation is a vital part of modern infrastructure development that requires special tools and equipment to lay electrical earth cables and other kinds of cables efficiently and safely. Among the most essential equipment required in most cable installations are drums for reeling cables. Basically, the primary purpose of cable reeling drums and their main components is to carry different types of electrical cables, fibre optic cables, and wire products.
When using a cable drum for transporting cables and wires, proper equipment handling is necessary. It is crucial to ensure the efficiency and safety of every underground cable installation project. To better understand its importance, this article tackles why proper cable drum handling is necessary for cable installations and what pieces of equipment are essential for handling cable drums correctly.
What is Cable Drum Handling?
Cable drums are mainly intended for securing cables from damage and for storing them properly so that they can be used efficiently later. These drums usually come in huge sizes, so it is necessary to handle and store them properly in order to avoid any undesirable impact or damage to the cables and to the drums themselves. Moreover, when you mishandle cable drums, it can void your warranty with the manufacturer, especially if the cables have been compromised as a consequence.
To ensure proper handling of cable drums, here are some important pieces of advice you should follow:
- Avoid moving the cable drum by directly dropping it from the transport vehicle, as it can cause potential damage to both the cables and the drum.
- When moving cable drums, always utilise proper lifting machines, such as forklifts and cranes.
- When hoisting wires or cables, make use of a spreader bar to keep the lifting chain from directly pressing against the drum, which can then damage the drum or weaken the chain.
- Ensure the complete and safe lifting of the cable drums by lifting them at 90° to the flanges. Be sure to extend the forks past both flanges.
- Make sure to roll the cable drums for short distances only and in directions that will not cause the cables inside the drums to loosen. Otherwise, cable tangling or kinking may occur.
Essential Cable Drum Handling Equipment
When it comes to proper cable drum handling, there are certain pieces of equipment that are essential for ensuring the efficiency and safety of cable installation projects. These pieces of equipment guarantee that cable drums are handled carefully during every phase of the installation procedure. Among the most important equipment for cable drum handling are cable jacks and cable drum trailers.
- Cable Jacks
Cable jacks are screw-type or hydraulic devices that are used to lift cable drums during the installation process. These devices are available with different lifting capacities. Their main purpose is to ensure correct and safe handling of cable drums, regardless of their sizes and weights.
- Cable Drum Trailers
Cable drum trailers provide cable drums with a secure and safe transport that they need between job sites. The construction of these trailers enables them to hold onto cable drums securely without denting or damaging them during transportation. This ensures maximum protection of the cables during their trips.
Conclusion
Cable drums are essential equipment that should not go missing in any cable installation project, as they make the entire process a lot easier and more efficient. However, to maximise the capabilities and benefits of cable drums, it is necessary to handle them properly, especially during cable installation. With proper cable drum handling, you can ultimately prevent any potential damage from happening to your cables and drums and ensure the full safety and efficiency of your operations.
Should you need the most trusted and high-performing cable drums in Singapore for a cable installation project, Cable Source is the expert you can count on! Cable Source takes pride in providing the most excellent cable drums that can improve the efficiency of your industrial projects involving cables and wires. Aside from this, we are also a leading provider of an extensive range of industrial cables, spanning from earth cables and solar cables to offshore cables and marine cables.
Feel free to visit our website or reach out to us anytime to find out more about our products and services. We will be more than happy to help you meet all your cable needs.
