Cable Engineering: Requirements for Control Cable Installation

2022-01-13


  The control cables used in cable engineering are polyethylene-insulated and polyethylene-sheathed, suitable for industrial and mining enterprises, power and energy transportation management departments, and control and maintenance circuits with a rated AC voltage of 450/750 V or less. So, what should we pay attention to during the installation of these control cables?

 Cable Engineering

  Common issues in the installation of control cables in cable engineering:

  1. During the installation of control cables in cable engineering projects, it is common to cross reconstructed roads, highway bridges, and tunnels. Due to climatic conditions or other factors, substantial amounts of water often accumulate in control cable trenches. During the laying process, cable terminations are inevitably submerged in water; moreover, loosening of cable ties or damage to plastic sheathing can allow water to ingress into the cable. In addition, during pile driving and pipeline burial, the external protective conduit—sometimes even the steel armor—may be scratched. This problem is particularly pronounced when mechanical equipment is used for cable pulling.

  2. When laying control cables, select sturdy, level road support points and cable pits. The ball-screw jack support frame used must operate smoothly, be securely fastened, and provide reliable support, ensuring that the inner bore of the cable pit remains vertical and the wire rope drum remains horizontal during lifting and lowering. After removing the lithium-battery protection board from the cable reel, it should be stored in a centralized location to prevent steel nails from causing foot injuries.

  3. To facilitate future upgrades, cable installation projects employ auxiliary conduits to protect control cables during dismantling and replacement, as well as to shield them from external pressure and the surrounding environment. Auxiliary conduits represent an excellent solution.

  4. Winter temperatures are slightly lower. When there is heavy snowfall, if the control cable is made of a rigid conductor, it is less likely to deform, and the snow will naturally fall off the transmission lines.

  What inspections should be carried out during the acceptance of cable lines in cable engineering projects?

  1. Cable specifications comply with regulations, cables are neatly arranged, free from damage, and equipped with complete, accurate, and clearly legible labels;

  2. The fixed bending radius and relevant spacing of cables in cable engineering, as well as the wiring of the metallic sheath of single-core power cables, shall comply with the requirements;

  3. Cable terminations and splices shall be free from oil leakage and securely installed. For oil-filled cables, the oil pressure and instrument setpoints shall comply with the specified requirements.

  4. Possess a solid foundation;

  5. The phase colors of cable terminations are correct, and the paint on metal components such as supports is complete;

  6. Cable trenches, tunnels, and cable trays shall be free of debris, and all cover plates shall be in place.

  Cable Engineering: What precautions should be taken during cable transportation and handling?

  During transportation and handling, cable works shall ensure that cables and cable reels are not damaged. It is strictly prohibited to push cable reels directly off the vehicle. In general, cables shall not be transported or stored in a horizontal position. Prior to transportation or rolling, cable reels must be securely fastened, with the cable wound tightly; for oil-filled cables, the oil tubing connecting the pressure oil tank must be firmly secured and free from damage, the pressure oil tank itself must be securely mounted, and the pressure gauge readings must comply with the specified requirements.

  What fire-protection measures are implemented for cables in cable engineering projects?

  1. Use flame-retardant cables; 2. Employ fire-resistant cable trays for cable installations; 3. Apply fire-retardant coatings; 4. Install fire-rated partitions and fire dampers at cable tunnel entrances, cable tray interlayers, and other critical locations in cable installations.

  Overhead cables shall be routed to avoid oil pipelines and explosion-proof doors; otherwise, local conduit installation or thermal insulation and fire-protection measures shall be implemented.