/ Blog / four facts you didn’t know about power cables
In the thrilling world of manufacturing and supply chain, you often come across many power cables. Blue, red, yellow, and green skins often veiling the copper or aluminum inner linings of the cables. So common these items are that they are hardly given a second thought and unjustly dismissed as nothing more than inventory. But though they are the most basic component of any electrical system, they are also among the most complex. See below for some interesting facts that you may not have known about cables.
Copper Is Not Always Best
When most people think of cable wires, they tend to imagine the copper underbelly that veins through these cables. Copper is very common, which may lead people to believe that it is the best conductor of other alternatives, but the truth is that there are many different types that work best for certain conditions. Conductivity in relation to cable wires isn’t merely a function of the measures of resistivity but a combination of the size of the cables and the insulation material that is used. Hence, in cases where super-high voltages have to be used over long distances, it becomes economical for one to use aluminium cables as opposed to copper ones.
New Power Cables Are Not As Durable As You Think
Not all power cables are equal. There are some power cables that have been manufactured to last for a certain amount of time due to its intended use. The extent to which a cable lasts relies heavily on what it was built for. Some manufacturers design cables for a specific purpose, which is why you might have cables that have outlasted newer cables.
Cable Currency Is Not Stable
The capacity for cable currents is affected by many factors and subject to change. These factors include the prevailing ground or air temperature, the actual manner in which the laying has been carried out and the depth at which the cable has been laid.
The Cable Skin Is Not For Protection
The outer cable armor is often seen as a protector for the inner cables, but they are not entirely intended for that. In fact it is entirely possible that the armor could cause even more damage to wires should they be exposed to physical stress. This is because the type of armor that is used on most cables is made up of steel tape or steel wire, materials which are expected increase the tensile measure of the cables.
Additionally most people seem to believe that the cable armor can be used to protect the wires from moisture. This is not true. Exposing armored cables to water can easily lead to the destruction of the armor and lead to the wires eventually being exposed to moisture. Many people mistakenly believe that they can place cables in areas with moisture so long as they have cable armor but this move can potentially leave you vulnerable to dangerous accidents.