CABLES LAYING

1. Laying of power cables direct in the ground

Before laying is commenced, the route must be selected considering the local conditions. To ensure a satisfactory cable life, it is necessary to examine the soil for corrosive substances. If any of these harmful substances is found the cables must be protected with a special anti-corrosion compound. The cables are laid in trenches of suitable depth, especially excavated to this purpose along the selected route in which a sand layer of 10cm is applied. The best method of laying the cable depends on the type of cable and working conditions. One simple method is to lay the cable straight from a cable truck running along the side of the trench. This method calls for a suitable way for the truck to run and no obstacles to prevent the cable from being lowered direct. Another way is to carry the cable. The distance between each man and the next is 3-10 metres, depending on the weight of the cable. The cable must not be shouldered but carried by hand. To limit the labour required the drum should be placed at the most suitable point along the trench line. Rollers are a great help in drawing heavy cables. When rollers are used, the cable can be drawn out manually or with a winch. If the cable is pulled out solely by its end, guide rollers should be placed at the corners to ensure that the cable is not bent at less than the minimum radius. In all these methods, the drum should be placed so that the cable is unreeled from the top, i.e. the cable is unreeled in the opposite direction to that shown by the arrow on the drum flange. After laying, the cables are covered with sand of 10cm depth followed by bricks in order to protect the cables in case of future excavation works and the duct is filled completely by riddled soil.

When several cables are laid side by side, they should be separated either by brick or by a special cable cover. The covers must fit the cable closely, as air pockets between the cable and the cover would considerably reduce the safe current-carrying capacity.

2.

Laying of Power cables in Underground ducts

The system of installing underground ducts into which cables may be pulled is commended especially in congested areas where excavation work is difficult to be carried out. Old cables can be removed and new cables can be installed without further excavation. It must be considered that, when new power cables are pulled into vacant duct the current rating of the cables in the duct will be affected. Current ratings for cables in underground ducts are lower than those of cables laid direct in the ground.

Rope Attachement

Type of cable

Permissible Tensile Strength

Non armoured 2 kg/mm Copper To cable stocking or 1,2 kg/mm Aluminium Steel tapes armoured cables All type of cables with Copper or Aluminium conductors Steel wire armoured cables 5 kg/mm Copper 3 kg/mm Aluminium 10 kg/mm Armouring

To conductors

To armouring