Fire & Safety ●From previous page


decision makers can specify and seeking out products that are, for example, London Underground (LUL) approved for fire safety is one way to ensure safety and reliability.


Enclosures Enclosures housing electronic switchgear


ensure the safety of third parties, often pedestrians, as well as the protection of utility works and equipment. When an underground enclosure fails, for example, due to a broken cover or cracked sidewall, a utility is exposed to potential liability in addition to any repair and replacement costs and in extreme cases can pose a risk to the public. To minimise these issues and to ensure the reliability of the system, specified underground enclosures, such as ATEX, will help guarantee system integrity over the long run. Most suppliers offer a choice of materials including mild and stainless steel which can provide flexibility of choice according to the environment conditions, with self- extinguishing materials also a consideration. In each case a risk assessment should identify what hazard exists and the next steps in managing these conditions. The use of ATEX compliant products within such environments is one of the ways of reducing the likelihood of ignition and the danger of an explosion. Protecting cabling systems and high risk installations via enclosures is crucial.


Identification


Using cable management solutions to identify wiring, long-running cables and components is vital. Clear identification aids future maintenance and reconfigurations, as well as providing reassurance to those responsible for health and safety. Without the correct identification on the cabling systems, risk is increased to those handling installations, readability can be affected and health and safety regulations may not be met. Choosing the right material to withstand extreme environments is therefore crucial. A Thermal Identification Printing System, or TIPS, makes it possible to have multiple lines of text with images and even bar and QR codes, and with the accompanying software, creating data tables that consist of hundreds of


between cables and corrosive chemicals, as well as providing easy identification. Used in a variety of applications, heat shrink tubing is, in most cases, easy to apply and work with, particularly as it can be used across a spectrum of industries, unifying cables and wires and can even be flame-retardant and halogen free depending on the type of tubing. Unlike other traditional methods, the tubing


HellermannTyton's Trakmark printer


automatically sequenced idents takes just seconds. A system such as this is ideal for utilities companies that have large scale, regular cable or component identification projects that would benefit from having their own on-site printing capability due to the complexity and variety of their identification needs, including underground cabling. TIPTAGs are ideal for easy and convenient identification as they are clearly visible, resilient and can be fastened with cable ties with ease. This type of identification provides resistance to chemical, fire and other potential risks. For those seeking to mark a variety of cable


sizes and find an even simpler way to apply information, heat shrink tubing is an option to consider. Essentially printable sleevings, the tubing significantly reduces costs by eliminating the need to make up legends using individual cable markers and the tubing shrinks to fit around cables and wires to become a permanent marking. This once again ensures no tampering or removal and provides a safe way to avoid human error. It is advisable to use a product that has a


good resistance against solvents and chemicals, as this will ensure cables and wires remain properly identified in a range of environments.


Insulation and protection Heat shrink tubing offers unique and specific


Thermal Identification Printing System 26 | electrical wholesaler August 2015


properties that provide essential protection against mechanical, environmental or electrical effects within a multitude of applications. Used in sensitive sectors such as rail, utilities and aerospace, the development of high performance cross linked polymers from polyolefin, polyesters to elastomers can produce heat shrink tubing and shapes to meet a whole spectrum of specifications and cable management needs. Heat shrink products can be found in most applications where there are cables and wires, with the tubing providing insulation, protection and, in some cases, cosmetic enhancement. However, when talking about protection it doesn’t just mean against the elements; heat shrink tubing can insulate in extreme environments in aircraft, boats and military vehicles, and can also provide a barrier


installing underground cabling, heat shrink tubing offers other benefits include being waterproof, durable, protective against impact and able to withstand exposure to environmental elements resulting in all components being highly secured. There are many important considerations to think about when it comes to underground cable management. Some of these include understanding failure when it comes to conditions and stress factors, the physical limitations of cable fixings and mounts, the environmental conditions that installations are exposed to and the initial design of a cable system. When these concepts are understood, installers will have a good base knowledge for underground cable management.


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also retains its shape and does not falter with age or use. The maximum diameter of a cable bundle and the temperature range required for the application are both important factors to consider when choosing heat shrink tubing. An additional benefit of heat shrink tubing is


its ability to work in extreme temperatures between -55°C and +225°C, which again is ideal for arduous and unpredictable environments. Halogen free tubing is an essential requirement when assessing and


Heatshrink tubing


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