cables
cables
(OP)
what is a life long of a pvc/swa/pvc/copper cable , even if it hasn't been connected to a load ?
When was the last time you drove down the highway without seeing a commercial truck hauling goods?
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RE: cables
If the cable has been sitting in conduit or tray, de-energized and you are thinking of energizing it, I would probably do some testing such as a megger.
Cables are affected by environmental factors (especially organic insulations) by water, radiation, sunlight, heat oxidation, etc. Also the operating environment where the cable is installed can affect the life - salt spray, chemicals, etc.
Hope that helped
wbd
RE: cables
I do agree with your last two paragraphs.
Wirenut
RE: cables
RE: cables
Perhaps a little flippant, but in the UK, PVC with respect to cables was run over and killed be the wiring regulations (BS7671 2001). PVC cables are now to be known as thermoplastic!
RE: cables
Thanks for the information. I have never thought of it that way before now.
Wirenut
RE: cables
I think your last question is a request for the expected life of a cable?
There are a few dependent factors when you are trying to determine life expectancy, and it is far from an exact science. In fact I wouldn't go so far as to call it a science yet. (I know some statisticians would disagree)
As WBD mentioned, operating environment is a factor, as is the operating voltage and the insulation thickness.
Usually the cable manufacturer can give you some hints based on the application, but usually they shoot for life cycles of about 30 years for what they call "normal" conditions. (I placed "normal" in quotes becuse the manufacturer needs to define that based on the design of the cable.)
Good luck!