Choosing the Right Elevator Cable

1. Choosing the Right Elevator Cable When it comes to elevators, the cable is perhaps one of the most important features. It connects the elevator car with the controller. It carries power as well as signals in the elevator system. In simple terms, it ensures the elevator car moves up and down. It relays signals that tells the cable when it should move and where it should stop. There are a number of different cables that elevator cables manufacturers are required to make. Most of these cables are in a fixed position. The flexible cables include mining cables, oil well boring cables, crane cables and elevator traveling cables. The fixed cables — accounting for 95% of the cables and wires — are easily replaceable. However, the flexible cables are not as easily removed and hence, most have a long life. Choosing the Right Cable Since the elevator works mostly due to the functioning of the cable, selecting the right elevator cables manufacturer is important. Since the elevator’s functioning and safety both depend on the cables, this is critical. It is also important to understand how and what you should look for in an elevator cable. • Strength This is an obvious requirement given the function of elevator cables. The cable must have the strength to carry the elevator. It must also be durable enough to carry this weight for a long time. This is why many of the elevator cables are made of steel. Steel for elevator cables is made especially tough through a special manufacturing process. This is achieved by putting the steel through a heat process.

2. The steel support is also essential to ensure that there is minimal strain on the copper core. In a round cable, the steel support forms the centre member. In a flat cableit forms the integral support members. • Flexibility Ensuring cable flexibility is important to ensure that it stays durable. This is where a good elevator cablesmanufacturer comes in because the flexibility of the cable is largely dependent on its construction. It depends both on the material and the construction of the cable. For instance, the copper core is very flexible. It is multi-stranded, sometimes with 30 strands of 0.18mmdiameter. The insulation and jacket is also designed with the same criteria in mind. • Torsional balance This refers to the ability of the cable to be twisted around when under load and returning to its original shape when there is no load. The elevator cables are usually subjected to heavy load and this varies with the position of the elevator car. For instance, when the elevator is at an ascent, the cable attached to the car is under maximum load. When the cable reaches the top this section is completely relaxed. To achieve torsional balance, manufacturers use different methods. For instance, a low torsion wire rope is often used in round cables. The ratio of cable conductor twists to its diameter is also calculated. In flat cableslow torsion steel support members are utilised in outer position. • Minimize vibrations The problem with torsional support cables is their tendency towards vibration. As the cables come back to the original position, they often vibrate with the strain. The problem with that is the possibility of tangled cables, too much jarring contact with the wall or the car. This is why cables are manufactured and placed carefully to reduce vibrations. • Abrasion and flame resistance Cables in the elevator shaft often slide against each other. The cables also often move against other structures like the sheave (the pulley around which the cable is looped at the top). The abrasion from this movement causes friction, which can cause overheating of the cables. To ensure that this does not break into a fire hazard, it is important that the cable be abrasion and heat resistant. This is where the insulation and the jacketing material comes in. The most common insulating material is PVC, which is both economic and heat resistant. In special cases polyurethane coating can also be used. Conclusion Elevator cables are very strong, durable and flexible cables that are essential for the it’s safe functioning. This is why we must select an elevator cables manufacturer carefully. Source:Choosing the Right Elevator Cable