As we all know, all products have a production date and, therefore, a lifespan. In the cable industry, cables and wires also have a lifespan. Generally speaking, power copper cables are designed for a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, telephone cables for 8 years, and network cables for less than 10 years. Unlike other products, cables and wires don't necessarily break down within this lifespan; it simply serves as a reminder. So, let's discuss how to extend the lifespan of cables. What methods are available? Below, I'll explain:
How to Extend Cable Life
(1) When laying cables parallel to heating pipes, maintain a distance of 2m; if crossing, maintain a distance of 0.5m.
(2) When installing cables parallel to or crossing other pipes, maintain a distance of 0.5m.
(3) When installing cables directly buried, the burial depth for 1-35kV cables should be no less than 0.7m.
4. When cables 10kV and below are installed parallel, the clearance between them must be no less than 0.1m; for cables 10-35kV, no less than 0.25m; and when crossing cables, the distance must be no less than 0.5m.
5. Minimum cable bend radius: Multi-core cables must be no less than 15D, and single-core cables must be no less than 20D (D is the cable's outer diameter).
There are three different situations where problems need to be avoided.
Heat - Cables in metal conduits or cable trays can reach very high temperatures, and many polymer materials experience reduced service life at these temperatures.
Water - Moisture in LAN twisted-pair cables increases the cable's capacitance, reducing impedance and potentially causing near-end crosstalk.
Mechanical damage (repair costs) - Repairing optical cables is very expensive, requiring at least two terminations at each discontinuity.
How to extend cable life
Storing cables and wires according to different outdoor environments:
1. Under eaves. Standard LAN cables can be used as long as they are not exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat. Pipes are recommended.
2. On exterior walls. Protect the walls from direct sunlight and human damage.
3. In ducts (plastic or metal). If used in ducts, pay attention to the damage of plastic ducts and the heat conductivity of metal ducts.
4. For suspended/overhead cable installations, consider cable sagging and stress. What binding method should be used? Will the cables be exposed to direct sunlight?
5. Direct installation in underground cable trenches. This type of installation has a smaller control range. The cable trench installation should be regularly inspected for dryness and moisture levels.
6. Underground ducts. To facilitate future upgrades, cable replacement, and isolation from external pressure and the surrounding environment, auxiliary ducts are a preferred method. However, do not rely on the ducts to remain dry for extended periods, as this will affect your choice of cable type.
Thus, the storage of cables and wires requires close attention, as it is crucial to extending their lifespan. Because the use of wires is a test of their performance; if the internal performance of wires and cables is changed due to external influences, their lifespan will be shortened. Problems such as waterproofing and insulation must also be avoided, and strict control is required both indoors and outdoors.
