Steel Cables: What Do You Need To Know To Protect Them From Risk?

Steel cables are a kind of rope of two or more strands twisted or intertwined, produced with flexible, strong, and durable steel. They are used for various services such as supporting objects, lifting, supporting, and providing stability for equipment and various loads.In the industrial environment, they are more used than fiber ropes since they have greater strength in the same diameter and weight. Its resistance does not change, regardless of weather conditions. And, due to its high durability, it is the best cost-benefit on the market in the long term.

However, performing constant inspections to preserve the life of your company’s wire ropes is essential that is why you need a 5 channel cable ramp for example to protect your cable. But after all, do you know what to do in case of damage?

Watch Out For The Most Common Damage

The inspection of steel cables must be carried out periodically by an Occupational Safety professional and daily by the employees who handle the cables. As these materials are always under a lot of stress, you must be very careful when conducting your inspections.

Signs Of Corrosion, Wear Or Bending

In this case, discarding the cable is the best thing to do. Steel ropes, when bent, cannot be repaired.

Broken Wires

If some broken wires or wires do not meet safety standards, replace them immediately! If you notice that the cable has been crushed, flattened, opened (in the form of “cages”), or any other damage that causes it to distort, it is also essential to discard it.Now that you know the most common problems see simple maintenance you can do to ensure the effectiveness of cables and the safety of those who work with them.

How To Maintain Your Cables

Correct Lubrication

The cable must be well lubricated and stored, so there is no corrosion or other damage. Always check the quality of splices and connections and, at the first signs of imperfection, try to correct it immediately!

Sacrificial Metal

Cables that are left outdoors are exposed to oxidation, and for them, the use of a sacrificial metal is indicated. Typically this metal is an anode – the electrode to which negative ions migrate – which is placed in contact with the steel cable to create a protective layer that provides a temporary shield. It protects the durability of cables and can be replaced when necessary.