Six Key Considerations for Control Cable Installation
Release date:
2022-11-29 14:50
Source:
The cables that connect from the control center to various systems, transmitting signals or controlling operational functions, are collectively referred to as: Control cable Control cables are one of the five major cable categories, primarily used by industrial and mining enterprises, energy and transportation sectors, or any organization controlling circuits supplied with rated AC voltages of 450/750 volts or lower. They are typically protected by PVC insulation or a PVC jacket.
The function of control cables is to transmit electrical signals. In many densely populated urban areas—or in certain special environments—when it’s impossible to erect towers or lay overhead wires due to power safety concerns or limitations imposed by ground conditions, cables become the ideal solution for safely addressing these challenges. When installing control cables, there are several key points that require attention.
1. Under the eaves: Use standard LAN cables only when control cables cannot be directly exposed to sunlight or high temperatures. It is recommended to install them inside conduits. 2. On exterior walls: Avoid direct sunlight and prevent human damage to the wall surface. Additionally, be aware that cable temperatures can rise significantly when housed in metal conduits or cable trays—this elevated heat can drastically shorten the lifespan of many polymer-based materials. 3. Inside conduits (plastic or metal): If installed within conduits, pay close attention to potential damage to plastic pipes and ensure proper thermal insulation for metal conduits. Mechanical damage can lead to costly maintenance; repairing even a single break point typically requires at least two terminals. 4. Suspended applications/overhead cables: Always consider factors like cable sag, tension, and whether the cable is directly exposed to sunlight. 5. Directly buried underground cable trenches: Control cables perform best in environments with minimal moisture. Regularly inspect the trench to ensure it remains dry or adequately ventilated. If the cable’s shielding layer needs grounding, make sure to adhere to relevant industry standards. 6. Underground pipelines: For future upgrades or replacements, and to minimize stress from ground pressure and environmental factors, routing cables through auxiliary, slightly offset pipelines is highly recommended. However, don’t assume these pipelines will remain consistently dry, as moisture levels can still influence your choice of cable type. In particular, moisture in twisted-pair LAN cables can increase the capacitance of multi-conductor cables, reducing impedance and leading to increased near-end crosstalk.
Control cable performance: Waterproof, corrosion-resistant, and damage-proof, suitable for installation in tunnel construction or cable trenches. These control cables feature low operating voltage and current levels, while demanding high immunity to interference. Typically rated at 450/750V, they come in a wide variety of models—ranging from 61 cores depending on the specific specification—and can also be custom-made according to customer requirements. Generally, these cables have relatively small cross-sectional sizes. For applications with particularly stringent interference protection needs, shielded twisted-pair control cables are recommended. The cable is designed to operate continuously at temperatures no higher than 70°C, with short-circuit fault durations not exceeding 5 seconds. During installation, the cable conductor temperature must remain below 160°C. Additionally, when laying the cable, the ambient temperature should not fall below 0°C; otherwise, pre-heating is required.
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