FAQ
The installation of 66kV high-voltage cables must adhere to strict international and local standards to ensure safety, reliability, and long-term performance. The primary international standard governing the design, manufacture, and testing of 66kV cables is IEC 60840. This standard specifies requirements for cables with extruded insulation and their accessories. During the laying process, key specifications to follow include:
-
Pulling Tension: The maximum allowable pulling tension must be carefully calculated and monitored to prevent damage to the cable. This is typically based on the conductor's cross-sectional area and material (e.g., copper or aluminum), with a safety factor applied. Our specialized hydraulic cable pulling winches are equipped with a line tension indicator to ensure the pulling force remains within safe limits.
-
Bending Radius: The cable's minimum bending radius must be maintained during both installation and its final operating position to avoid stress on the insulation and conductor. For 66kV cables, the minimum dynamic bending radius is generally specified to be 20 times the cable's outer diameter, and for static operation, it is typically 15 times the outer diameter.
-
Trench Dimensions: The size of the trench and the type of backfill material are critical for the cable's thermal performance and long-term health. The trench must be wide and deep enough to ensure proper spacing between cables and to maintain the correct depth of cover.
A successful 66kV cable laying project requires a full suite of specialized tools and equipment to handle the heavy, large-diameter cables safely. As a leading manufacturer, Ningbo Changshi provides a comprehensive range of solutions for this purpose. Essential equipment includes:
-
Hydraulic Cable Pulling Winch: This is the core piece of equipment for pulling long lengths of heavy cable through trenches, ducts, or conduits. It must have precise tension control and a load-limiting device to protect the cable from over-stressing.
-
Cable Drum Stands & Trailers: Used to safely support and unwind the heavy cable drums. Our hydraulic drum stands are designed for robust and stable operation, allowing for smooth cable deployment.
-
Cable Rollers: A variety of rollers, including straight line rollers, corner rollers, and manhole rollers, are indispensable for guiding the cable and minimizing friction and sheath abrasion during the pulling process.
-
Conductor Pulling Tools: This includes specialized cable pulling socks or pulling eyes that securely attach to the cable's conductor or sheath. A swivel link is used to connect the pulling eye to the winch rope, allowing rotation and preventing cable twisting.
-
Cable Trenching & Duct Laying Tools: Tools for preparing the trench, such as shoring and trench shields, as well as equipment for laying and sealing ducts, are also vital for a compliant and secure installation.
Using the right equipment not only ensures the integrity of the cable but also significantly improves project efficiency and worker safety.
To ensure a safe and efficient cable pulling and laying operation, several key tools and equipment are necessary. These tools are designed to manage cable tension, protect the cable sheath, and simplify the installation process.
-
Cable Winches: A mechanical device used for controlled pulling or letting out of cables. Winches provide the pulling force necessary for long runs, ensuring smooth and consistent tension.
-
Cable Rollers: Used in trenches and conduits to support the cable and reduce friction during pulling. There are different types, such as straight rollers for straight sections and corner rollers for bends, which prevent damage to the cable's outer sheath.
-
Cable Drum Trailers/Stands: Used to transport and stabilize heavy cable drums, ensuring the cable can be unspooled smoothly and without kinking.
-
Cable Socks/Grips: These are attached to the end of the cable and connected to the winch wire rope. They distribute the pulling tension evenly along the cable, preventing damage to the conductor.
-
Swivel Links: Placed between the cable grip and the winch rope, a swivel link allows the cable to rotate freely, preventing twisting and kinking during the pull.
-
Lubricants: Specialized lubricants compatible with the cable jacket are used to reduce friction and decrease the pulling tension required, especially in conduits.
A cable pulling tension calculator is a tool or software used to estimate the maximum force required to pull a cable through a conduit or duct run. This calculation is critically important for preventing damage to the cable during installation. The maximum allowable pulling tension is determined by the cable's construction and is specified by the manufacturer. Exceeding this tension can lead to sheath fracture, conductor deformation, and insulation damage, which can cause premature failure.
Calculating tension is important because it helps to:
-
Prevent Cable Damage: Ensures that the pulling force remains below the manufacturer's specified limit.
-
Select the Right Equipment: Determines the capacity needed for the cable winch and other pulling tools.
-
Optimize the Pulling Path: Helps identify potential problem areas in the cable run, such as tight bends or long sections, where tension could become excessive.
-
Ensure Safety: Reduces the risk of equipment failure or a sudden snap of the pulling rope, which could endanger workers.
-
Professional Answer: The reliability of underground cable systems depends heavily on the quality of the ducting installation. Best practices include:
-
Proper trench preparation: Ensuring a stable, level base free of sharp rocks.
-
Use of high-quality ducting: Selecting materials like HDPE or PVC with appropriate compression strength for the application (e.g., Twinwall HDPE for areas under roads).
-
Correct sizing: Ensuring the duct is adequately sized for the cable and future expansion.
-
Watertight joints: Sealing all joints and ends to prevent water ingress.
-
Draw ropes and spacers: Using draw ropes to facilitate cable installation and spacers to maintain correct separation in multi-duct banks.
-
Color coding: Following local or national standards for color-coded ducting to identify the service type (e.g., power, telecom) and prevent accidental damage during future excavations.
-
Our range of underground cable laying equipment, from duct rods to cable drum trailers, is designed to support these best practices, ensuring a robust and durable installation.
-
Professional Answer: For fiber optic cables, two primary installation methods are used: blowing and pulling.
-
Blowing: This method uses compressed air to propel the cable through the duct. It is highly efficient for long distances and routes with multiple bends, as the air helps "float" the cable, significantly reducing friction and cable stress. This method is faster and minimizes the risk of damage to the delicate fibers.
-
Pulling: Traditional pulling uses a rope and winch to physically pull the cable through the conduit. While effective for shorter, straighter runs, it can induce significant tension and friction over long distances, potentially damaging the cable's integrity.
-
Choosing the right method depends on project specifics, but for long-distance installations, especially in congested conduits, the blowing method is often the preferred choice to ensure the longevity and performance of the fiber optic network. Our tools include specialized equipment for both methods, allowing you to select the best approach for your project.
Successful cable pulling installation relies on meticulous planning and execution. We recommend the following best practices:
-
Thorough Pre-Planning: Conduct a detailed review of the cable route, including pull distance, number of bends, and conduit conditions.
-
Equipment Inspection: Before any pull, inspect all equipment such as winches, rollers, and ropes to ensure they are in optimal working condition.
-
Proper Cable Handling: Always handle cables with care to avoid twists or kinks. Store and transport cable drums on both flanges and always uncoil the cable at a tangent, not over the flange.
-
Lubrication: Use a high-quality cable lubricant that is chemically compatible with the cable jacket to reduce friction and pulling force.
-
Adherence to Parameters: Adhere strictly to the manufacturer's specified parameters for the cable, including its minimum bending radius and maximum pulling tension. Exceeding these limits can cause irreparable damage.
-
Wall Bearing Pressure: Monitor and manage sidewall bearing pressure, especially on bends, as excessive pressure is a leading cause of cable damage during installation. Our equipment is designed to help maintain optimal pulling conditions.
Temperature is a critical factor in cable installation. Extreme temperatures can compromise cable integrity:
-
Cold Weather: Low temperatures can make cable insulation and jackets brittle, increasing the risk of cracking. Cables with PVC insulation, for example, should not be handled below -10°C (14°F). It is best to store cables in a heated area for at least 24 hours before installation in cold conditions.
-
Hot Weather: High ambient temperatures can increase the coefficient of friction, requiring more pulling force and potentially softening the cable's plastic components. This can lead to irreversible damage.
Our equipment is built to perform reliably across a wide range of environmental conditions, but proper handling and site preparation are essential.
Underground cable installation presents unique challenges:
-
Obstructions: Encountering existing utilities, rocky soil, or debris can cause significant delays. We recommend a thorough site survey and utility mapping before trenching. Our specialized underground cable laying equipment is designed to navigate and manage various soil conditions efficiently.
-
Water and Drainage: Trenches and ducts must have proper drainage to prevent water accumulation, which can damage cables and delay work.
-
Cable Protection: Ensuring adequate burial depth and using protective conduits are crucial to prevent future damage from external forces. We can supply the necessary tools and equipment to ensure your cables are laid securely and safely.
On behalf of Ningbo Changshi Electric Power Machinery Manufacturing Limited, we emphasize that safety is paramount. The primary considerations include:
-
Knowing the Load: Always accurately determine the weight of the cable and all rigging equipment. Never exceed the Working Load Limit (WLL) of any component.
-
Equipment Inspection: Before every use, conduct a thorough visual inspection of all rigging hardware, including wire ropes, slings, shackles, and hooks. Look for signs of damage like kinks, frays, corrosion, or heat damage. Any damaged equipment must be immediately removed from service.
-
Proper Rigging Techniques: Use the correct sling, hitch, and rigging configuration for the specific application. Ensure that a rigging plan is developed and followed, and that all anchor points are capable of supporting the intended load.
-
Maintaining Communication: Establish a clear and reliable communication system between all team members, especially the winch operator and those at the pull point, to ensure a safe and controlled operation.
On behalf of Ningbo Changshi Electric Power Machinery Manufacturing Limited, we know that preventing cable damage is crucial for project success. These issues are often caused by improper equipment handling and rigging. To prevent them:
-
Use the Right Equipment: Use quality cable rollers and jack drum stands to support the cable and maintain a smooth, straight path. This prevents the cable from dragging on the ground or rubbing against surfaces, which can cause damage.
-
Properly Unreel the Cable: Always unwind the wire rope from the reel using a reel stand or a rotating table. Never pull the rope off a stationary reel, as this can introduce twists and lead to kinking.
-
Maintain Proper Tension: Keep constant, controlled tension on the pulling rope at all times. Using a tensioning device on the winch ensures the pull is steady and within the cable's specifications, preventing excessive strain and potential damage.
-
Use a Swivel: A swivel should always be used between the pulling grip and the pulling rope to absorb any rotational forces and prevent twisting during the pull.
On behalf of Ningbo Changshi Electric Power Machinery Manufacturing Limited, we provide a complete suite of equipment for a professional rigging setup. The key components include:
-
Winch/Cable Puller: The motorized or hydraulic machine that provides the pulling force.
-
Pulling Rope/Line: A high-strength rope, often steel wire or synthetic fiber, that connects the winch to the cable.
-
Swivel: A crucial component that connects the pulling rope to the pulling grip, allowing it to rotate and preventing the pulling line from twisting the cable.
-
Cable Pulling Grip/Stocking: A woven mesh sock that securely attaches to the end of the cable for pulling.
-
Cable Rollers and Sheaves: These are placed along the pulling path to support the cable, reduce friction, and guide it smoothly around bends and obstacles.
-
Jack Drum Stands: Used to safely support and rotate the cable drum, allowing the cable to be paid out without kinking or damaging the reel.
-
Rigging Hardware: A collection of specialized components such as shackles, rigging links, and slings used to connect all the elements of the rigging system.
-
Tension Monitoring System: A device, such as a dynamometer, that measures and displays the pulling force in real-time to ensure it stays within safe limits.
Answer: At Ningbo Changshi, we prioritize safety above all else. For both overhead and underground cable pulling, adhering to international safety standards is non-negotiable. Key best practices include:
-
Pre-Project Planning: A detailed plan that includes a risk assessment, route mapping, and obstacle identification is crucial. Our equipment, such as our hydraulic puller and tensioner sets, are designed to assist with this by providing precise control.
-
Choosing the Right Equipment: Using the correct tools for the job is paramount. This includes hydraulic cable pullers with tension monitoring capabilities, appropriate cable pulling grips, and drum handling equipment that ensures smooth and controlled payoff.
-
Cable Integrity Protection: We recommend using rollers, sheaves, and guides to prevent excessive bending, twisting, or friction, which can damage the cable's sheath and insulation. Our specialized running boards and swivels are engineered to prevent cable torsion and ensure a clean, trouble-free pull.
-
Proper Training: All personnel must be trained on the correct use of equipment, including our overhead line stringing equipment and underground cable laying tools, and be aware of all safety protocols, including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
