Tag insulated cables

One of the most important considerations when it comes to cables is the insulation. Proper insulation is necessary for its role in preventing wires from coming into contact with water, people, and other substances and for its ability to reduce the likelihood of unsafe and dangerous situations. Below are the top 7 reasons your cables need to be properly insulated. 

7 Reasons Your Cables Need To Be Properly Insulated

There are several key reasons why cables need proper insulation and jacketing. Take into account the following to ensure your cables are safe and reliable.

1. Improved Safety 

Firstly, proper cable insulation is necessary for safety purposes. Electrical wires can be dangerous and even fatal if proper precautions are not in place. Electrical wires, especially those for industrial and commercial purposes, carry currents that can be deadly if they come into contact with water or people. If these wires are not properly insulated, those who come into contact with them can be shocked or electrocuted. In this way, adequate cable insulation prevents serious physical harm.

In addition, it is necessary to reduce the risk of electrical fires. Exposed and damaged wires can overheat and ignite, causing widespread damage to people and property. Insulation serves as a barrier of protection to prevent these types of hazards.

2. Protective Layer

Cables are often required in environments that can cause accelerated wear and tear. This can lead to the need to maintain or repair your cables often. Luckily, cable insulation can protect your cables from harsh environments. Common environmental factors that can negatively impact the function and longevity of wires include UV rays, moisture, extreme temperatures, and corrosive substances like chemicals. Without insulation to protect against these influences, cables can crack, corrode, and completely fail.

3. Cost-Effective

In step with the previous point, electrical wire insulation ensures that cables last longer, which can save you time and money on maintenance and replacement costs. Insulation helps to protect wires from wear and tear and potentially damaging environmental factors. High-quality insulation can extend the lifespan of the cables and lower your overall costs. 

4. Prevents Interferences

Cables are often grouped with and surrounded by many other cables. With multiple cables and wires overlapping and operating at once, electrical interference is common. Insulating your cables prevents interference and reduces the risk of greater complications. Insulation to protect against interference is especially helpful in the industries that are involved in telecommunications and data transfer.

5. Regulatory Requirements

Many industries have strict regulations and safety standards regarding the electrical equipment used. Properly insulating your cables ensures compliance with these important regulatory requirements. Regulatory requirements are designed to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of your cables and networks. Full compliance is necessary for both companies and homeowners to avoid any legal issues that may arise from accidents in the future. 

6. Prevents Short Circuits

When electrical wires short circuit, they can cause serious damage both to their own structure and to the cables they are connected to. Furthermore, short circuits can create sparks and lead to electrical fires. Short circuits occur when electricity flows along an unintended path. Insulation prevents this unintended flow of electricity by ensuring cables do not directly touch each other—or other conductive materials—and can only follow their predefined path. Proper wire insulation can prevent costly and time-intensive damage caused by short circuits.

7. Improves Performance

Custom wires and cables with proper insulation will perform better than those without. In the same way that insulation on wires will prevent short-circuiting, it will prevent external disturbances, which would make the wiring less effective. Specifically, it prevents electricity from traveling in unintended patterns and helps regulate cable temperature ratings. Regular care and maintenance can keep electrical cables in good shape, especially when they are covered in high-quality insulation.

Custom Wire and Cable Company

If you are searching for electrical cables for your application, contact the team at Calmont Wire & Cable for more information.