Have you noticed the rubber-like material when you hold a cable? Usually, it is black in color?
Yes, that’s a Cable Sheath!
What Is The Purpose Of Sheath In Cable?
A Cable Sheath is used to protect the inner conductors and prevent us from electrocution. It can have both single and multilayers of insulating material.
What are the advantages of a Cable Sheath?
- If there are multiple wires, a sheath joins together the conductors inside a cable.
- Intact Cable Sheathing also prevents rain, snow, and other environmental hazards from damaging the cable.
- It reduces the risk of accidents from short-circuits.
- It safeguards passerby/ workers by minimizing the chance of direct contact with an energized cable.
Numerous Cable Sheaths are available in the market and are equipped to handle varying voltages and settings. The heavy-duty sheathing is meant for high voltage power lines like outdoor environments and power plants.
On the other hand, sheathing for low voltage lines includes phone wires and thermostats, which doesn’t pose a significant risk and is used in a relatively tamer indoor environment.
Over time, cracks and creases can develop in Cable Sheaths.
Such consequences can be a result of weathering or erosion.
How to detect such cracks/ creases?
Fault checkers can locate the hideous cracks/ creases in a Cable Sheath. In some cases, it may be possible to fix the sheath, while in other cases, the lengths of the cable need to go for replacement.
How do technicians can repair a Cable Sheath?
Technicians utilize specialized tools to cut through the Cable Sheath and access the inner portion for splices, repairs, and other activities. Keeping in mind safety, the tool is equipped with a non-conductive handle if the cable is energized during on-going work. Such tools can be purchased from industrial electrical suppliers.
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