Cable integrity: what should be protected from?

Protecting the integrity of the cables is really important for an operator working in this sector. This is one of the most visible aspects even for the end customer: when the integrity of the cables is not guaranteed, positioning them incorrectly or not protecting them optimally, elements are left that can be decidedly dangerous.
A badly protected cable can cause shocks in case of human contact, but also short circuits due to other circumstances caused by incorrect coverage, such as caused by contamination with water. Care must therefore be taken to cover them with suitable materials, appreciated for their durability and impermeability, but not only;  electrical cables should be carefully protected from all those factors that could damage them, be they children, pets or natural elements.
In this study we will see what the potential risks for cables are and how to protect them effectively to avoid unpleasant scenarios.
Some precautions may also be important as advice to be offered to the customer during the final work delivery phase.

Protect cables from pets

There is no doubt, rodents are among the worst enemies of cables. However, unless a house is affected by a constant phenomenon of mouse infestation, it is unlikely that the latter will constitute a real danger for home cables.
The only case in which attention must be paid is obviously when it is an open site, in an uncontrolled context that could give rise to the action of some unwanted guest.

On the contrary, there are very visible threats, which appear much more harmless, but which hide real pitfalls. Among the most common pets, the main enemies are certainly cats and dogs that bite electric cables with different but equally harmful frequency. Dogs, especially when they are puppies, are attracted to anything they can chew: if you leave any cable unattended, the risk of it being gnawed is really very high. Even for cat puppies, less attracted but potentially just as lethal, some specific precautions should be taken. Then, for both animals, there is a risk that they could take dangerous shocks.

Preventive measures must therefore be taken to ensure the safety of all inhabitants, while preserving electrical cables. Such as? inserting them in special containers and, where possible, placing them behind the appliances so as not to get in the way. Cables that cannot be hidden or made to flow into a raceway, should be grouped with adhesive insulating tape and locked (with Velcro or special clips) on the back of the tables or along the skirting boards. It is however essential to prevent electrical cables from hanging down, in general, and in the case of cats at home, to heights such that these attracted by the rocking are tempted to play with it, causing even serious damage.

Protection against water, excessive humidity and heat

The electric cables should be kept away from excessive heat sources, as the risk of overheating can lead to physical damage to the cables and thus cause a short circuit.
Other elements that can affect the integrity of the cables are excessive humidity and contact with water. In these cases, in addition to damaging the resistance of the cable, they could trigger fires in the electrical system and possibly in the building. In these cases, the classic ducts are essential to protect the cables, which should also necessarily be covered with insulating material, which guarantees further protection.

What systems exist to protect cables?

In addition to the precautions just indicated in the case of animals in the house, there are also protection systems that can be applied by default.

On the market there are various solutions to protect the integrity of the cables: for example, there are expandable nylon sleeves which allow flexibility and protection to the PVC corrugated fittings and also allow an excellent angularity. An always valid advice is to group the cables inside protective sheaths, perhaps expandable, into similar groups so as to organize and maintain the protected environment.

The possibility of choice is really wide also for what concerns the insulation materials that can be used; materials that must be chosen based on the type of cable. Whether the latter is made in inexpensive aluminium or with practical copper, linear or cross-linked polyethylene, PVC or rubber are among the most commonly used materials for protective coatings, but there are many others that can adapt to contexts more specific than the needs of civil installations.

Relying on an expert who advises both the cables to be used for your needs and the most suitable protective materials is certainly an opportunity that should not be underestimated.

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