The value of wires and cables lies not only in production quality, but also in storage conditions before delivery. Improper storage will not only degrade product performance and shorten service life, but also pose potential safety hazards, which in turn affect project progress and increase additional costs.
If cables need to be stored for a long time or laid permanently, targeted protection can be carried out according to the environmental characteristics of the specific placement location. The core precautions for different scenarios are as follows:
You can lay cables directly in trenches.
This way of doing things works well for factories or towns where all the wiresre in one place and you do not need to cover a big area. Before you start laying the cables you need to make sure the trench is built according to the rules, for wiring like the rules set by the IEC. You have to check the trench to make sure it is not too humid or dry inside because water and moisture can damage the cables. Regular checks will help prevent water from accumulating and moisture from building up which can erode the layer of the underground cables. If conditions permit, dehumidification equipment or moisture-proof cushions can be used to assist in protection, preventing conductor oxidation and insulation layer aging due to moisture. At the same time, measures to prevent rodents and debris from entering the trench should also be taken.Under the eaves. As long as the cable is not directly exposed to sunlight or extreme heat, standard LAN cables can be used. It is recommended to use conduits.
Under the eaves.
You can use LAN cables like Cat5e or Cat6 in this situation. However these cables should not be exposed to sunlight or high temperatures. Rain and snow are also bad for them. The suns strong ultraviolet rays can make the cable covering get old and break easily.To keep the cables safe it is an idea to use special tubes that can withstand bad weather and do not catch fire easily. These tubes will protect the cables from the environment and make it easier to fix them later. This way of doing things works well for homes and small businesses, in other countries.On the exterior wall, avoid direct sunlight exposure to the wall surface and prevent any man-made damage.
Suspended applications/overhead cables.
It is necessary to fully consider the sagging and long-term stress caused by the self-weight of the cable, and select weather-resistant binding components (such as nylon cable ties, metal clamps) that meet the load-bearing standards. The binding force should be moderate to avoid damaging the sheath due to excessive tightness. At the same time, priority should be given to avoiding direct sunlight areas. If avoidance is not possible, UV-resistant outer sheath cables should be selected to reduce the loss of cable performance caused by high temperatures and UV rays. For outdoor overhead cables, wind resistance and corrosion prevention requirements should also be considered.Inside the pipeline (plastic or metal). If inside the pipeline, pay attention to the damage of plastic pipelines and the heat conduction of metal pipelines.
On the exterior wall.
When laying or storing on the exterior wall surface, it is necessary to avoid areas with prolonged direct sunlight, reduce the repeated stretching of the insulation layer caused by excessive temperature differences between day and night, and slow down the aging process. At the same time, physical protection measures should be taken to avoid damage from construction collisions, human scratching, etc. Protective grooves or cover plates can be added, especially in areas with frequent human activity, where both safety and durability need to be considered.
Underground pipelines.
The use of underground pipelines is the preferred solution for cross-border construction and industrial projects. It not only facilitates subsequent cable upgrades and replacements but also effectively isolates external interferences such as ground pressure, soil corrosion, and underground debris. It should be noted that underground pipelines cannot be permanently kept dry. Cables with suitable sheath materials (such as PVC sheath for ordinary humid environments and XLPE sheath for stronger corrosion resistance) should be selected based on soil moisture and pH levels. Advance planning for pipeline sealing and drainage design is necessary.
Inside the pipeline (plastic or metal).
If cables are stored or laid through pipelines, it is necessary to pay special attention to the characteristics of the pipeline material. Plastic pipelines need to be inspected for signs of aging, cracking, and damage to avoid scratching the cable sheath by pipeline fragments or external sharp debris. Metal pipelines have high thermal conductivity and need to be kept away from high-temperature equipment or heat source areas to prevent the pipeline from heating up and conducting heat to the cables, which could accelerate the aging of the insulation layer. If necessary, a thermal insulation layer can be laid inside the pipeline, while also reserving a certain amount of space for heat dissipation.






