Evening all. was just wondering if anybody could tel me what the permissable air temp is to install pvc cables.? Just im on a new build site 1st fixing and been told to just get on with it. U know wot these site gaffers r like, when they have a problem it has to be sorted when u have a problem tough!!!! Honestly its like a ice ring on site and my can of pop actually froze today. Im guna hit him with the regs tomorrow and tell him his 1st fixings r off and its time for xmas wind down.
weather
- Thread starter Lenny07
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iirc SWA should not be installed below 0, but no idea of others
or just get on with the job. wrap up warmer and stop moaning about it.
or maybe extend the 'xmas wind down' until next may when it gets warmer?
or just get on with the job. wrap up warmer and stop moaning about it.
or maybe extend the 'xmas wind down' until next may when it gets warmer?
As Andy says..
there are probably plenty of others who'll just get on with it!
there are probably plenty of others who'll just get on with it!
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I have started using Prysmian Cable as it seems more flexible than PX cables. I am doing new build stuff at present and seem to be getting on ok although the grommets don't seem to want to go in the boxes.
Doc Hudson
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This thread may help? http://www.talk.electricianforum.co.uk/showthread.php?p=102254&highlight=installing+cables+cold+weather#post102254, but individual manufacturers data would be needed though.
Doc H.
Doc H.
Manator
©Honorary Essex Boy™
PVC twin not usually installed either below 1 degree.The extension that I'm working on is cold at the moment but a decent pair of Cat boots and a padded jacket and moving about usually warms you up with plenty of hot tea on the go. The client kept the drums of cable in the property itself so it was good to work with.That is not always the case on a building site though. Plastic capping can have it's moments too. 
PC Electrics
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Whilst Manator was posting I was looking through the Draka Cables and Tables book. It states the operating temp of pvc t&e as -20 to 70m but gives no advice regarding installation temperatures.
However, from my knowledge of environmental testing of automotive components I was going to suggest that 0C was probably a fair cut off point. PVC looses it's plasticity very quickly as the temperature drops below 0C. In the case of cables this can lead to physical damage of the cables such as cracking or even pieces of pvc breaking off. This damage may well occur internally and not be visible.
I would suggest using the BASEC news item as your standard, but try contacting some cable manufacturers for their advice. Draka are in Derby.
However, from my knowledge of environmental testing of automotive components I was going to suggest that 0C was probably a fair cut off point. PVC looses it's plasticity very quickly as the temperature drops below 0C. In the case of cables this can lead to physical damage of the cables such as cracking or even pieces of pvc breaking off. This damage may well occur internally and not be visible.
I would suggest using the BASEC news item as your standard, but try contacting some cable manufacturers for their advice. Draka are in Derby.
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keep the grommets in your pocket where it is nice and warm(ish) makes life a lot easier. also helps with green sleeve...[yes , I know, green and yellow striped cpc sleeving]
:coat
Larnacaman
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As others here have rightly posted, it's the handling/Installation temperature that's important in this instance, ...Not it's working/operational temperature limits....
Any temperature much below freezing is Bad news for any PVC insulated or/and sheathed cables....
Any temperature much below freezing is Bad news for any PVC insulated or/and sheathed cables....
septiclecky
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This is your Gaffer, pick your P45 up on Thursday and dont bpther coming back to site you whinging git. :red card
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It's regularly been -10 overnight up here for the last 2 weeks and not above 0 in the day.
I bring my drums of cable indoors in my house over night to stop them getting too cold, and have no trouble installing them, but I suspect they would be hard to handle if left outside or on site all night.
I bring my drums of cable indoors in my house over night to stop them getting too cold, and have no trouble installing them, but I suspect they would be hard to handle if left outside or on site all night.
