Introduction of Preventive Measures for Outdoor Cables

When installing cables outdoors or underground to ensure long-term performance, several different types of outdoor cable products need to be considered:

• Outdoor Cable

• Buried Cable

• Direct buried cable

However, not every outdoor cable can be buried directly in the ground.

So let's take a closer look at these cables and the differences between them and how to use and maintain them in outdoor applications.

Outdoor Cables

Outdoor cables have an outdoor rating that maintains performance even in harsh environments and conditions.

For example, it is resistant to moisture, high/low temperatures, and tears, but it is not suitable for burial underground.

Underground Cable

Refers to a cable that can be installed underground.

When it is located in a conduit, this additional protection allows the cable to be located underground and withstand exposure to conditions. These cables have water barrier properties that prevent water from penetrating the underground buried cable.

However, the cable jacket is not likely to withstand water resistance for long periods of time. If immersed in water for too long, water will eventually penetrate into the core of the cable.

When learning about cables, you can learn that PE cable sheaths offer better water resistance than PVC sheaths. When data cables are exposed to moisture, they will decay more quickly to damage, which can affect the performance of the cable over time.

In addition, copper data cables that have been exposed to moisture will not be usable.

Direct Burial Cable

Direct burial cables are UL rated once they have passed water and crush resistance tests. Generally classified as "direct burial cable," it has been tested and rated to verify that the cable can withstand environmental factors when used outdoors or placed underground.

These cables typically have a rugged sheath that can withstand stress and prolonged exposure to moisture.

In outdoor environments, it maintains the performance and signal integrity of the cable.

Cable installations are faced with the problem of how to effectively transmit data in a wide variety of environments.

Routing, transmission distance, and application environment all affect the choice of cable media.

And incorrect or inappropriate selection can lead to limited cabling investment periods and reinstallation can cause system operation to stop.

Therefore, the cabling system designer must consider the application environment, which includes the following environments and parameters that affect the cable

Whether the Cable is Placed under the Eaves

Standard LAN cables can be used as long as the cables are not exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures.

If the cable is on an exterior wall, it is recommended to use cable ducting to avoid direct sunlight on the wall and human damage.

Is the Cable in Conduit?

Also, consider whether the cable is inside a plastic or metal conduit. For example, in ducts for copper cables for electricity, watch out for damage to plastic ducts and heat transfer from metal ducts.

In the case of Overhead Cables

Also, consider the cable type and model.

If it is an overhead cable such as AAC ACSR AAAC, take into account the sag and pressure of the cable.

Which bundling method to use? Is the cable directly exposed to sunlight? Laid directly in an underground cable trench? Is this the minimum control area?

And cable trenches should be installed periodically to check for dryness or moisture.

Is it an Underground Conduit

Because conduit is a great method for future upgrades, cable replacement, and isolation from ground pressure and the surrounding environment.

However, do not expect the conduit to remain dry forever; this will affect the choice of cable type.

Any cable conduit should be checked regularly to ensure it is dry.

This is an introduction to the various types of outdoor cables and preventive maintenance.

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