Cable types & selection Flashcards
True or false:
The location of the proposed cable plays a major role in cable selection.
True.
If an area has a high ambient temperature or may come into contact with mechnical damage/ stress, the appropriate cable needs to be selected.
True or false:
The voltage of the proposed load plays no part in cable selection.
False.
Cables have a capacity, if the cable is too small it may not power the load.
True or false:
The type of building doesn’t matter when it comes to cable selection.
False.
You need to be aware of what you can and can’t actually put in the building.
True or false:
Being aware of environmental stresses (mechanical, environmental etc.) is important when selecting a cable.
True.
If it’s a damp environment the cable needs appropriate protections.
True or false:
All cables have protection against electromagnetic interferance by default.
False.
Some cables have insulation which protects against interferance, but most do not.
True or false:
The accessibility of cables by people or livestock is something to bear in mind when selecting a cable.
True.
You don’t want cables to be fucked with by idiots or eaten by livestock.
What does SWA stand for?
Steel Wire Armored
What are the three main advantages of SWA cable?
- Variety of types & lengths & sizes
- Great mechanical strength
- Armouring can be used as CPC
What are the three main disadvantages of SWA cable?
- Expensive to buy and install
- Large & heavy
- Requires special terminations
What are the three things which add additional support to an SWA cable when clipping it?
- Plastic cable cleat
- Saddle
- Tub-tape
Why is the recommended burying depth of SWA cable 600mm?
600mm is longer than the average spade
What are the two main types of fire-resistant cable?
- MICC (Mineral insulated copper clad)
- FP200
What is the mineral which insulates a MICC cable? Why is this mineral chosen?
Magnesium oxide
Because it has a very high ignition temperature
Name three potential advantages of MICC
- Fireproof
- Mechanical strength
- Waterproof
- Non-ageing
- Small diameter
- High-current capacity
Name three potential advantages of MICC
- Copper cladding can be used as earth continuity
- High corrosion resistance
- High operating temperature
What are the three major downsides of MICC?
- Moisture absorption
- Complicated termination
- Expensive
True or false:
MICC should always be clipped when installed, as movement or vibration can damage the cable.
True.
The copper is brittle.
What is a MIMS cable?
It is a Mineral Insulated Metal Sheathed cable, MICC specifically refers to the copper cladding.
What is the colloqueal name for MIMS cable?
Pyro
What are the two main types of Pyro cable?
Light gauge
Heavy gauge
What do the following codes mean?
4L1.5
2H2.5
- 4 core light gauge 1.5mm
- 2 core heavy gauge 2.5mm
True or false:
MICC & MIMS cables require special terminations.
True.
What two things give FP200 cables and their ilk their fire resistant qualities?
There is a layer of silicon insulation surrounding the conductors, which has a high heat resistance.
AND
There is a thin sheath of metal just underneath the final PVC sheath.
True or false:
The thin metal sheath inside FP200 is very durable.
False.
It’s very fragile and can be damaged when stripping.
What metal is the sheath inside FP200 made from?
Aluminium