When it comes to maintenance, keeping your operation moving must be a top priority. Down time isn’t an option and costs businesses time and money that they can ill afford, not least in the current economic climate. For the paper technology industry, this has never been truer and while preventative maintenance should be high on the business agenda there is increasing concern that some crucial aspects are forgotten during routine maintenance checks. Here Sue Wright, offer manager for cable management systems at Schneider Electric talks through the issue of cable management, the potential risks that poor maintenance can present and offers some advice on how it should be addressed.
When considering the sheer volume of cables within any processing facility it’s not hard to see the importance of cable management systems. Wherever there is a pump, compressor, drive or electronic equipment, there will be a series of cables and it is imperative that they are stored and managed effectively for the safe and efficient running of all electrical equipment on site.
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Despite being one of the key components in the operation of equipment, it is astonishing to see just how many businesses fail to carry out sufficient checks on both the cables and cable management solutions at their premises. It’s important to check for any cable damage, corrosion and damage on the mesh trays.
Choosing the right specification of mesh trays must therefore be imperative, saving not only time and money but also providing long-term safety and security of electrical equipment. Whatever the application, the containment and protection of wiring and cabling networks is essential. Mesh trays are typically used as raceways for cables and wires, supporting power, data, building management systems, and security, as well as allowing the network to be upgraded, reconfigured or relocated.
For some time now, sheet metal was the only choice of cable tray material but as demand for cable management systems has grown, manufacturers have been investing in product development to produce solutions which are not only versatile and easy to install but also durable. As a result, over the last few years, stainless steel and hot dip galvanised trays have become the products of choice, but they have also presented a number of challenges.
Hot dip galvanised trays for example often have an uneven surface as a result of the process used in their creation which can in fact scratch and damage cabling during installation and maintenance. Furthermore when using stainless steel and HDG, edges where the material is cut, any scratches can cause weaknesses in the trays and open them up to corrosion, therefore not protecting the cabling as it should. As such, while HDG may prove more than sufficient for a variety of harsh environments, when it comes to the most extreme conditions an even tougher solution is needed.
There’s help at hand…
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With this in mind, the newest generation of high-performance mesh trays have been specially designed for the toughest working environments by featuring an intelligent coating which is self-repairing and resistant to corrosion. In fact, the surface consists both zinc and aluminium and acts as a self-healing skin on the mesh trays. If scratched, cut or bent the coating will repair and cover any imperfections to ensure protection against corrosion, therefore extending the life of the cable management system.
Asides from an unrivalled performance, this highly innovative product offers many functional benefits including eliminating the risk of zinc whiskers which are a major concern in data centres.
In addition, this product is certified for E90 which means that the tested mesh trays and accessories, in combination with E90 cables, are certified to withstand 90 minutes in temperatures up to 1000º C while remaining intact. This can help to significantly decrease the number of casualties in the event of a fire. In particular, these are highly recommended in well-attended public areas, such as hospitals or airports, where a fire can easily cause panic and where a prolonged evacuation time is sometimes unavoidable.
Robustness is another factor. This new, advanced type of mesh tray is made from an alloy of aluminium and zinc. This means it is twice as hard as HDG with a high wear resistance, enabling the system to resist corrosion and outperform HDG by up to six times. Testament to this, following intensive testing in which the mesh tray was subject to 2,000 hours in a salt-spray, it remained fully intact, in comparison to its HDG steel counterparts which showed signs of red rust.
Beware the atmosphere….
Clearly, the issue of corrosion is an incredibly important one particularly in environments where there is a class 8 subsidiary risk. Understanding atmospheric corrosivity during specification must therefore be a priority. In tough environments with high humidity levels and aggressive atmospheres, such as chemical plants and dockyards, the demand on a cable management system will be much greater than that of a heated and clean environment such as a school or shopping centre.
Understanding this distinction will save time and money in the longer term ensuring products are specified based on the intrinsic qualities of the environment and not on a like-for-like basis.
Ultimately, when the health and safety implications of poor cable management are understood, finding a solution to meet the stringent demands of a processing facility is essential. By taking advantage of the latest cable management offers, businesses can provide a safe, secure and reliable cable management system and working environment, which will continue to meet their needs now and in the future.
However, getting it right when it comes to specification can certainly help in the long run but should never be in place of regular maintenance and checks. Understanding the various options available is just part of the battle and an important step in specifying the right solution for the application.
Schneider Electric, Telford, Shropshire
Can be contacted on: Tel: 0870 608 8 608.
Web: www.schneider-electric.com/uk
