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What Issues?

Designing a cable to fulfil these functions is harder than it seems. Cables used in robotic machines are often subject in intense and prolonged flexing due to the continued operation of mechanical parts. This sustained flexing can lead to abrasion and cuts on the cable, significantly reducing its operational life. There is also the issue of electromagnetic interference from external sources. This is particularly an issue in industrial settings where many machines are working at once. Electromagnetic interference can seriously hamper the operation of a robot, leading to reduced data transmission or even a total loss of data. Space can also present something of an issue. Cables are used in robotic machines to power them, control them and transmit data; this usually requires quite a lot of cabling to be housed inside a single machine, space that sometimes cannot be afforded.

The Solution

Cable manufacturers have long been working on finding a solution to these issues and there are a few standard procedures that can ensure a robot performs as well as it can. It’s important to note, however, that most machines are different and will require specific differences in cable design to function at their optimum level. The issue of abrasion is relatively easy to overcome. Using highly flexible cables and low friction cable shielding, the effects of flexing are usually negated entirely and the cables enjoy a long operational life. In some instances, this shielding will also need to be resistant to oil and solvents too. Cable screening and cable braiding is commonly used to counter the effects of electromagnetic interference, with twisted conductors and copper screening ensuring that the robot works properly in it’s designated environment. Finally, space can be saved by using a multicore cable combining data, power and control into a single cable. This cable will also be screened and shielded to ensure it performs as it should at all times. For more information on cables for use in robotics, get in touch with Custom Designed Cables.

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Although every cable is designed to carry out its function in a safe and reliable manner (or at least should be), it’s a universal truth that they can, and often will, go wrong.

Often, this is through no fault of the cable manufacturer but rather because of poor maintenance on the part of the company or individual using the cable.

Custom Cables and Safety: What Can Go Wrong?

Cables, especially custom cables, will be designed with optimal safety in mind. A cable designer will consider all of the possible safety implications brought up by the environment in which a cable will operate.

The safety features of a cable might include extra layers of insulation, cable shielding so that the cable can continue operating regardless of interference and cable jacketing to provide environmental protection.

Despite these features, however, the fact remains that cables can be dangerous. They will often have extremely high voltages running through them, the kind of voltages that could cause a lot of harm should someone come into direct contact with an exposed cable.

One of the biggest safety issues that arise with cables is the degradation of the cable jacket, leaving open wires exposed. This can be due to natural wear and tear but can also arise as a result of tampering and accidental damage.

Cables can also present a tripping hazard if they are left trailing across the floor. You might think that health and safety regulations would ensure that these kinds of incidents are a thing of the past, but a surprising number of accidents occur because of trailing cables.

A less common safety issue is a cable being used for a purpose different to that which the cable was designed for. In an age where most phone chargers are universal, some assume that cables (so long as they fit in a socket) are universal too. This can lead to too much voltage passing through a cable, which can cause the cable to fail.

How To Maintain Your Cables

A great deal of accidents involving electrical cables could be completely avoided if proper maintenance procedures were adhered to.

One of the most important safety ‘to-do’s is to have your cables tested by an electrical safety tester. This is usually a once-a-year procedure and will diagnose any potential technical issues that could arise.

On a more regular basis, you should inspect your cables for any signs of damage. This might be a small hole forming in the jacket or the actual internal cabling being exposed. Catching these signs earlier means you can do more about it.

Should you find any damage to your cable, you have a number of options. If the damage isn’t too bad, you could use electrical tape as a makeshift fix. However, the best option is always to replace the cable entirely. This is especially true if your cable is housed in a potentially dangerous environment (such as being exposed to water).

Cables should be fixed and placed away from any walkways and places people could potentially trip over them. The person installing your cables will usually do this for you, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you choose to install the cable yourself.

And finally, an important safety notice: never, ever use a cable for anything other than it’s intended purpose. As previously mentioned, cables are designed specifically for certain pieces of equipment. Using a cable to power a different piece of equipment affects this fine balance and can lead to some serious safety issues.

For more information on custom cables, get in touch with Custom Designed Cables on 01204 658 784.

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Reliability

The obvious one, but reliability is a characteristic that is so important when it comes to performances. Any cables you buy for theatrical performances should be highly durable (with cable jacketing) to protect from any wear and tear that might naturally occur, as well as cable shielding to protect from the effects of electromagnetic interference. The levels of shielding and jacketing you’ll require will largely depend on how much equipment you’ll be running, how often you’ll be using the cable and how many people are likely to damage it by tripping and so on! A good cable designer will be able to consider all of these factors and design a cable that stands up to all of your specific environmental dangers.

Functionality

Functionality is another aspect of theatre cables, with the ability to carry out multiple functions in a reliable manner essential. Theatres tend to run a lot of equipment at once and powering all of this equipment with separate cables would result in the kind of tangled cable mass to give the average technician nightmares! Multicore cables can provide the solution to this issue, combining the functions of many cables into a single cable with multiple cores! Multicore cables run as a single cable for most of the cable run before breaking out towards the end in order to connect to multiple pieces of equipment.

Non-disruptive

Tied into the above point, cables running to various pieces of equipment shouldn’t disrupt the performance itself. That means avoiding having cables running across the stage or anywhere where a performer might potentially trip up. The consequences of someone tripping are multiple; not only could it damage the cable and disrupt a performance but it could also lead to injury and potential legal fees! A multicore cable deals with most of these issues but any cables you use should be taped down and placed in an area where no-one is likely to trip over them. If the latter isn’t possible, make it clear that the cable represents a potential tripping hazard with a clear, legible sign. For more information on how custom cables can transform your theatre or performance space, get in touch with Custom Designed Cables today.

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