Choosing the wrong cable protection could result in potentially compromised cabling, lost time and higher expenses. Alex Smith, Technical Director at Flexicon, shares his advice on what to look out for when choosing your cable protection solution.
One of the biggest challenges for electrical installers and contractors is time. The requirement to move onto the next task quickly will often see electricians defaulting to products they know well and have used multiple times.
While it can be tempting to select based on previous installation experience or personal preference, when it comes to specifying cable protection systems, it is well worth considering all the available options, especially where time is an important factor.
A brief history
Historically, conduits and conduit fittings were only available in metal, but, over time, the development of engineered plastics saw more flexible, corrosion and water-resistant solutions enter the market.
These solutions could withstand large temperature ranges, offered improved fuel and oil resistance, and enjoyed a high level of mechanical strength.
As the market acceptance for these systems grew, nylon (polyamide) became an increasingly important material. However, metallic and composite systems also remain in demand because of their excellent mechanical strength and EMC screening possibilities.
Specification first
Specifying cable protection based on one property alone can be a costly mistake and the full range of environmental factors should be considered. These can include exposure to extremes of temperature, UV radiation, harsh chemicals and the likelihood of water or dust ingress. Additionally, fire performance, compression strength and impact or abrasion resistance, risk of explosion or even the resistance to build up of bacteria should be considered.
Nylon, metal or composite?
Where fatigue life or impact resistance is important, installers should consider nylon polyamide (PA) corrugated flexible conduits, which can offer high impact strength and recovery if crushed, combined with excellent temperature performance.
Polypropylene and PVC conduit systems are available; however, both systems are inferior to nylon polyamide (PA) when it comes to fire performance, resistance to solvents and abrasion, as well as UV properties in external applications exposed to the damaging effects of the sun.
With no exposed metallic content, non-metallic conduits do not rust or corrode thus maintaining performance and appearance over time. In addition, it is worth considering labour and installation time – non-metallic systems are often quicker to install than metallic options as they are easier and faster to cut. Non-metallic fittings will typically be one piece and simply push on and twist to secure. This makes them easier to handle as well as providing a lighter weight system.
For installations subject to increased UV exposure, it is important when specifying non-metallic and polymer-coated metal conduit to consider that ultraviolet (UV) radiation will naturally degrade any plastic materials. Failure could result in materials cracking, an increase in brittleness, reduced flexibility and lower impact strength.
Metallic flexible conduit typically has a higher level of crush resistance, high mechanical strength and can provide excellent EMC screening properties. Metallic systems are ideal for applications that require a very high compression or pull-off strength, or where there is the need to protect cables from exposure in hazardous environments. They also offer excellent performance for extremes of temperatures, both high and low – with uncoated options, such as stainless steel, offering a performance range from +600°C through to -100°C.
Composite products, such as plastic sheathing on metal conduits, metal over-braiding or metal threads on plastic fittings can also offer the ideal combination of light weight and high strength.
Retrofitting options
In existing applications, retrofitting cable protection has, traditionally, been a more complex task, with the installer required to pull existing cabling through the open end of a conduit system.
Conduit system manufacturers are therefore developing enhanced retrofit options to make it easier and quicker to install cable protection in existing applications, such as interlocking slit conduit. The construction allows existing cabling to be inserted laterally via a slit opening, enabling the installer to wrap a flexible conduit around the cables retrospectively with minimal disruption and without the cable being exposed.
It is also important to consider the cable routing. Traditional split conduit options can potentially expose cabling when bent or routed around corners, whereas newer options can maintain continuous protection of the cabling irrespective of orientation or routing.
Don’t forget the fittings
The specification process should also take into consideration the range of fittings available, especially where these can help reduce installation time. Conventional fittings can take time to assemble and install, whereas newer designs feature innovations such as simple push and twist conduit connection. These can offer significant time and cost benefits, particularly where there are numerous cables to terminate.
Elsewhere, design improvements to help simplify cable management and routing are available. Some junction boxes now feature easy-to-connect entry points which can be used with flexible conduit. These use push, twist and lock connectors to make a reliable connection in seconds, with the highest ingress protection of IP66, IP67, IP68 and IP69. This is without having to remove knockouts, drill holes, fit lock nuts or even torque tighten any components.
Bespoke-designed cable protection
For more complex application requirements, customers should speak to their supplier to discuss bespoke options.
These could include conduit supplied in non-standard or pre-cut lengths, in larger or smaller diameters or with different thread termination or fitting options. Additionally, more complex requirements, such as altering performance characteristics to meet a certain temperature requirement, compression strength or abrasion resistance or to achieve a greater fatigue life may also be considered.
