Increase the lifespan of wires and cables with these maintenance tips

Wires and cables are used for power and data transmission.  They are also used to connect various components in electronic devices.  Just like any other electrical item, with time, wear and tear can take a toll on wires and cables, shortening their lifespan. However, with a few simple maintenance tips, you increase the life of your cables and wires. If you are planning to buy cables and wires, you will find these wires and cables maintenance tips useful: 

1.  Things you should do at the time of installing cables

  • Make sure that there are no scratches on the cables.
  • Ensure that there should not be creation of tension on the cable.
  • Ensure that wires and cables do not come in contact with any element that causes damage to them.

2.  Choose the right cables and wires

  • It is essential to choose the appropriate cable that is suitable for your industry usage. So, do understand the cable characteristics, current carrying capacity, and insulation material that are appropriate for the application. 
  • Train your staff for the periodic maintenance of cables so they can easily identify the signs of any failure.
  • It is recommended to choose the cable size that is suitable. You have to also look for things such as voltage drop, safety regulations, mechanical strength, and ambient temperature.

3.  Prevention of damage

  • Always try to avoid tension and run-overs.
  • Keep cables and wires away from direct flame.
  • Prevent any puncture, impact, or crushing that might damage the jacket of the wire.

4.  Make repairs on time

  • It is important to check cables and wires regularly to avoid any kind of major mishaps in the future.
  • Also, repair cables or wires immediately when needed.
  • Damaged and crushed cables must be removed before they lead to any accidents or unsafe conditions.

5.  Always maintain the records

  • Maintain the repository of wires and cables installed in your industry, in such a way that you have an idea about their lifespan and how long they work.
  • It is essential to maintain a record of the breakdown areas that occur usually.
  • Have a record of the cable in the laying procedure for future reference.
  • You must analyse the performance of cables and wires regularly.