With the talk of life expectancy being the need of the hour, I want to start this blog with a quote from the American author and computer scientist, Ray Kurzweil:
“Life expectancy is a statistical phenomenon. You could still be hit by the proverbial bus tomorrow.”
One of the important question to ponder, when constructing new builds or considering refurbishment is:
What is the life expectancy of the control cables in use?
To be frank, there are no minimum requirements for an expected lifetime in cable standards and specifications. And the majority of high-quality cable manufacturers always deliver the probably expected lifespan. Under ideal circumstances which means considerably reduced heating and lower loadings, we can find the examples of cables that have remained in safe use for over 50 years.
The parameters influencing the life expectancy of the control cable India
- The changes in the polymers of the control cable, used as insulation, eventually degrade over time. The chief instigator of this type of degradation is excessive heat. This can be caused by excessive current loading or from the environment in which the cable is used, such as heated spaces.
- Usage also has an effect on the life expectancy of a cable. If a cable is regularly heated or loaded over a 24 hour period they are sure to degrade faster than cables that are solely used during a working week. Commercial lighting is typically used continuously, whereas office equipment is only used for around 8 hours a day.
- It is possible to estimate the reduced lifespan of cables that are overloaded or overheated. With a standard PVC installation cable, there is an estimated life expectancy of 20 years, if they are operated at their 70°C rated temperature. However, if used regularly at 80°C this would be reduced to around 7 years, and above 100°C, it would only last for a few months.
Effect of Change in accessories
In general, cable conductors usually retain their performance for an indefinite period. If the accessories are often changed, it might result in crushing damage sometimes occurs at the exposed cable ends.
When using aluminum conductors, at times, there can be examples of corrosion or rusting, depending on the environmental conditions, which in turn can affect the conductivity of steel casing.
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UV effect
With the increased use of the cables outdoors, they become prone to a rapid degradation via ultraviolet exposure. If outdoor use is going to be employed, it is important for the cable to possess the properties of being UV resistant.
To conclude
With many different environmental and operational conditions which are likely to influence the longevity of control cables in service. It is important to consider all of these points before installing control cable India. If an incorrect cable is selected then its life expectancy can be drastically cut short; this generally means that more money spent. By sourcing the correct cable for the corresponding application you will be making a cost-effective decision which is sure to save you time and inconvenience in the future.
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