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12 May, 2023
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The Ultimate Guide to Electrical Cables Types, Laying & Safety.
Introduction :
Electric cables are an essential component of any electrical system, and it plays a crucial role in transmitting electricity from one point to another. When it comes to laying these cables, it is essential to understand the different types of cables available in the market –
Types of Cable :
There are several types of electric cables available, including:
Power Cables: These are used for transmitting high-voltage electricity from power plants to substations.
Control Cables: These are used for transmitting low-voltage electricity for control purposes in electrical systems.
Instrumentation Cables: These are used for transmitting low voltage signals from sensors and other instruments.
Communication Cables/ Signal Cable: These are used for transmitting data and voice signals. It’s Available in different lengths and May have various connectors on either end to fit different devices.
Optical Fiber Cable: The Fiber Optics cable transmits data signals hundreds of miles significantly faster than those used in traditional electrical cables. optical fiber cable refers to the technology that transmits information as light pulses along a glass or plastic fiber. A fiber optic cable can contain a varying number of these glass fibers — from a few up to a couple hundred.
Laying Electric Cables :
The process of laying these cables involves several steps, including:
Planning: This involves identifying the route for the cable, determining the length of the cable required, and selecting the appropriate type of cable for the specific application.
Preparation: This involves preparing the trench or conduit for the cable, installing the cable support structures, and placing the cable rollers.
Cable Laying: This involves laying the cable in the trench or conduit, using the cable rollers to ensure that the cable is not damaged during the process.
Jointing and Termination: This involves joining two or more cables together using connectors, Lug (CU/Al ), and Jointing Kit and terminating the cables at the ends to connect them we Use Double/ Single Compressor Gland to the electrical system.
Types of Cable Laying :
There are two main types of cable-laying methods:
Under The surface
-Sand +Bricks method: A trench that is 45 cm broad and 1.5 meters deep is dug. We use 12 bricks for every meter of length. Then the trench is covered with a 10 cm thick layer of fine sand. The cable is laid over the sand bed. The sand bed protects the cable from moisture from the ground.
-HDPE/DWC/GI Pipe method: A DWC HDPE pipe (Double Wall Corrugated High-Density Polyethylene pipe) is widely used for electrical work. Well, the wires which are used for the transmission of electrical power are filled inside these pipes and then they are used either underground or underwater. GI Pipe is Mainly used for Cable Road crossing.
Above The surface
-Conduit / Saddles: These are typically used to fix cables to walls or other surfaces. Saddles are used to secure conduit to a surface. The most common saddles are the Metal Half and Full Saddles. They are also available in PVC.
-Cable Tray: Cable trays are a mechanical support system that can support electrical cables used for power distribution, control, and communication. They are the perfect solution for running large quantities of power or data cables overhead or under-floor.
Safety Tips for Electrical Cables :
Cables can be dangerous if not handled properly. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when working with electrical cables:
Always turn off the power before working with electrical cables.
Use proper tools and equipment, including insulated gloves and safety glasses.
Make sure the cables are properly grounded.
Do not exceed the maximum amperage rating of the cables.
Use a cable route marker to indicate the routing path of the underground cables.
Use a Cable tag to Identify the cable, and what electrical equipment is connected with them.
Conclusion :
In conclusion, laying these cables is an important process that requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Whether you choose direct burial or conduit laying, it is important to work with an experienced electrician who can help you make the right decisions for your specific needs.