Choosing the Right Cable Carrier
One of the most unappreciated, yet beneficial parts of electrical wiring is a cable carrier. Unfortunately, many people, even those who work in and around the industry that utilizes these cable carriers, do not really understand what they are or how they help provide safety for various wiring in a wide array of situations that may be faced in different industrial settings.
What is a Cable Carrier?
A cable carrier, also known as a cable drag chain, is an important piece of equipment for a variety of industrial uses. Before the advent of cable carriers in the 1950s, flexible materials used in industrial machines, such as cables, electrical wires, and hydraulic hoses, were left to hang from the machine. This caused the wires, cables, and hoses to become damaged or wear far too quickly.
A cable carrier provides protection for these various wires, cables, and hoses from the many dangers they may face within the industrial complex. These carriers can help keep wires and cables from becoming kinked, tangled, or twisted. They can also prevent pulling and winding that can cause damage. These drag chains can even protect the equipment from exposure to oils and corrosive chemicals.
How Does a Cable Carrier Work?
Most carriers are rectangular-shaped with a cross-section that allows the cables, wires, or hoses, to lie so that they stay untangled. There are often crossbars all along the length of the carrier to allow easy access to the materials inside. These crossbars also provide an easy method for inserting or removing materials as needed. There are also separators that keep the materials separated from each other.
These carriers can then be used to keep the materials protected from the various hazards within the industrial complex. It is harder for them to become damaged or tangled. Some carriers can even prevent the materials from being exposed to various liquids that may cause damage.
How to Choose the Right Cable Carrier?
Choosing the right cable carrier depends greatly on the type of materials being used and the area where the materials need to be protected. The types of materials can include whether the carrier will be used for electrical wiring, cables, hydraulic hoses, or a combination of these things. Determining the right starting material is important to ensure that the chambers of the carrier can securely hold the materials.
The next step in the process is determining what the cables may be exposed to when in use. If the cables or wiring may be around moving machinery, it is important to protect them from getting caught in the works and creating damage. In some cases, the carrier may need to be more flexible to allow easier access to the wiring inside for changes needed during the workday.
The type of material used in a carrier can also be important depending on the industry. Some machines that operate with magnetic parts may require plastic materials to prevent issues. Some carriers may need to be made of materials that can stand up to various corrosive chemicals that may be present in or around the machinery.
Fortunately, there are companies that can help find the best carrier for the job. Their team of experts is ready and available to help find the perfect solution for any machinery. They can even offer quotes and provide repair services for their products.
