Getting it right: More than just manufacturing - 5 key considerations for successful cable networks
When selecting the right electrical cable for your project, quality manufacturing is often, understandably, the main concern.
But it’s only a small part of a much bigger puzzle; installation design, environmental challenges, third-party accreditations, logistics, lead times and sustainability measures are just a handful of the many other factors which are essential to consider.
Read on to find out why successful cable networks rely on more than just manufacturing.
1. Specification and legislative compliance – getting it right
Ensuring a cable’s longevity begins with selecting the right one for your project. For a cable that suits your project needs, ask yourself these questions:
- Is it the right cross-sectional conductor size to offer the required current carrying capacity?
- How will it be used in operation?
- What's the ambient temperature it will be operating in - and has the specification criteria been adjusted accordingly to accommodate this?
- What is the cable route like? Are there tight bends or turns?
- How will it be installed – overhead, underground, in cable ducts liable to flooding?
- What external factors will the cable be exposed to? Does it need to be UV resistant, or resistant to oils, chemicals, abrasions or tears? What about LSZH properties for internal installations?
- What regulatory and legislative compliance is needed? Does it need to be CPR compliant, or in accordance with specific standards in order to meet the installation requirements?
The closer your cable choice aligns with your project requirements, the longer it is likely to last. Keeping these questions in mind is a good starting point for creating a perfect match – and a durable, reliable cable network that keeps faults to a minimum.
2. The value of third-party verification
When working with new cables, quality and compliance are always expected. Verification from a third-party provides assurance that the cables supplied and installed not only meet industry standards for quality and reliability, but also safety.
Noted quality marks to look out for include BASEC, VDE, KEMA and the BSI Cable Testing Verification Kitemark – although regional marks may vary. For more information on which marks are applicable to your project, get in touch; our experts will be happy to help.
3. Storage and delivery to site
A high-quality cable is no use to you if it arrives damaged. A lot can happen in transit to compromise your cable. Keep an eye out for:
- Insufficient restraints or improper loading, which can result in movement enroute and damage to cable sheathing.
- Heavier cable drums, which can be safely palletised up to 2500 kgs but must otherwise be stood on their flanges to reduce the risk of collapse and damage during offloading.
- HiAb offloading, which can be risky if not handled properly. Forklift tines can easily pierce the cable sheath, so spreader bars should be used to avoid contact or pressure on the flanges. Re-reeling should maintain tension to prevent dragging, which can cause further scrapes and abrasions.
- Proper cable storage, which is essential both pre- and post-delivery for preventing damage. Avoid tessellating cable drums, and for outdoor storage, use heat-sealed end caps to protect exposed cable ends from moisture damage, applying UV wrap to cables with inadequate sheathing. Ideally, store cables for internal installations indoors.
- Timely delivery – late arrivals can delay electrical contractors, causing a domino effect of delays, additional costs and unnecessary site visits.
4. Proper installation and jointing
Improper cable terminations and jointing account for the majority of network failure, and it’s no wonder; installing joints is time consuming and highly skilled work.
It’s not as simple as just pulling the cable into place. If handled incorrectly, you risk damaging a component or components of the cable construction – which can cause premature cable failure. Likewise, exceeding the maximum pulling tension of the cable (which differs depending on the use or a pulling eye or pulling sock), exceeding the maximum sidewall pressure and compromising the minimum bending radius can all translate into faulty connections.
Jointing and connecting into legacy networks also has its challenges. Jointing PILC (paper insulated lead covered) and oil filled cables into XLPE insulation via the use of transition joints is a further level of complexity, due to the differences in materials and their properties.
Using quality jointing materials and having well trained, experienced technicians to complete the installation will ensure networks run smoothly. With all elements seamlessly calibrated and guidelines closely followed, you can secure an optimal connection and gain peace of mind about the safety and performance of your cables.
5. Sustainability
Being mindful of sustainability and extending a cable’s operational lifespan go hand-in-hand. Installing a network of compliant cables that are well suited to the performance demands, lowers the risk of maintenance and downtime in the future – lengthening cable life-spans and reducing unnecessary waste.
Whilst most grid power distribution cables are not specifically covered under Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, they should be disposed of in accordance with this guidance – with the exception of cables that may have been removed from sites with asbestos, which must be processed in a standalone facility.
Seeking strong sustainable credentials from your supply chain is also an essential part of your procurement process, and can help support your own targets. Documentation isn’t just about batch traceability; it provides deeper insight into embodied carbon and cable lifecycles, helping you to select the most sustainable solutions.
Why choose Eland Cables?
In the world of cables, quality is about more than the materials used; it's about choosing a supplier with a holistic approach that considers all aspects of the cabling process – from specification to logistics and technical support.
At Eland Cables, we go above and beyond to ensure that our cables meet the highest standards. Our third-party accreditations, logistical excellence, commitment to sustainability and expert technical support set us apart as not just a provider of quality cables, but a quality service, too. We take the time to understand all the factors impacting your project and discuss the most suitable solutions.
Protecting the environment and reducing our carbon emissions is at the core of our operations. In becoming signatories to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the United Nations Global Compact Sustainable Development Goals, we've publicly committed to reducing our carbon emissions and engaging in sustainable operations practices.
Anti-modern slavery and ethical considerations are just as important to us as environmental protections. We’re a registered Living Wage employer committed to looking after our employees by paying a ‘fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work’ – and providing health and wellbeing benefits to all.
To find out more, get in touch today.
