A cable chain is a must-have item for carrying and organising utilities (cables and flexible hoses) neatly and safely while protecting them from damage and preventing friction.
Based on this knowledge, it is easy to see that choosing the right cable chain for a project is essential to ensure its safety and efficiency.
Such a choice cannot be simply based on mathematical calculations of certain factors but must include a comprehensive analysis of several data.
The factors to take into account depend as much on the specific requirements of the project as on the work environment in which the cable chain will be used.
We have made a list of the most important features required for a preliminary assessment so that you can make the best possible choice, ensuring that the cable chain will work properly in your project.
THE KEY FACTORS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WHEN CHOOSING A CABLE CHAIN
- Size: The size of the cable chain must be appropriate for the available amount of space and for the size of the utilities you need to carry. If the chain is too large, it can be bulky and difficult to manage, whereas if it is too small, it may not be sufficient for your utilities.
- Self-supporting capacity: Ensure that the chain can bear the weight of the utilities you need to carry (including fluids inside hoses). Weight capacity is not the right way to call it: in fact, we are talking about the ability to support the added weight of the utilities, which is referred to as ‘self-supporting capacity’.
- Environment: Take into consideration the environment in which the cable chain will be used. For instance, if it is going to be exposed to specific weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures or high humidity, it is crucial that you choose a cable chain that ensures optimal performance in the work environment.
- Performance: Verify the kind of performance the cable chain must be able to deliver. What kind of movement (vertical, horizontal, mixed, rotational) will it be making? What are the speed and acceleration required? Choose a cable chain that meets the performance requirements and respects the bend radii of the utilities running through it.
- Installation and maintenance: When choosing a cable chain, it is essential to consider not only the features of the product, but also installation and maintenance requirements. Ease of installation and part replacement, as well as accessibility, are also important assets to make sure maintenance and inspection are as easy as possible.
Let’s now take a look at what each of the elements we have pointed out actually means:
The right size
When choosing the right type of cable chain, size is an element to take into consideration. The size of the cable chain must be appropriate for the available amount of space and for the size of the utilities you need to carry.
In order to choose a cable chain of the right size, you must look at the diameter of the utilities to carry, their minimum bend radius and the space available. Most cable chains are available in a variety of standard sizes and can even be tailor-made to match your needs.
Self-supporting capacity
The cable chain's self-supporting capacity is a critical factor to consider in order to choose the right type of product. In fact, a cable chain needs to be able to withstand the total weight of the utilities running through it, or damage may occur. In order to evaluate the self-supporting capacity, the total weight of the utilities and the length of the unsupported cable chain have to be compared. The correct evaluation of the self-supporting capacity contributes to system stability and safety, minimising the risk of failure and unexpected equipment downtime.
Resistance to corrosion and abrasion
Resistance to corrosion and abrasion is a must, especially when working in dusty and aggressive environments. In fact, if a cable chain is not resistant to corrosion and abrasion, it can quickly deteriorate and, as a result, the safety and efficiency of your project may be compromised. When it comes to assessing corrosion and abrasion resistance, the chain manufacturing material makes the difference. Stainless steel chains, for example, are known for being resistant to corrosion.
Performance
Which cable chain you choose also depends on the required performance and what its application will be. Performance covers various factors, such as the type of movement that the cable chain will be making (vertical, horizontal, mixed, rotational), or the required speed and acceleration.
For instance, a cable chain used on machines for industrial automation makes repetitive and fast movements and should be designed to offer low resistance to friction and allow utilities to slide easily, as well as to withstand high accelerations and ensure resistance to vibrations and impacts.
Installation and maintenance
Last but not least, never underestimate the importance of easy installation and maintenance of the utilities and the cable chain, since they have a major impact on the overall efficiency of the project. Making such an assessment can be difficult for non-experts, since it is based on specific design features of the cable chain, including whether it can be opened, how it is fastened, and so on.