HellermannTyton offers solutions that help prevent photovoltaic panel downtimes. These solutions are designed to ensure long-term reliability, with some specifically developed for the solar sector.
With competitive price and timely delivery, SUNUA sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
This checklist is designed to assist installers in the correct application of cable ties, clips, and clamps to solar modules.
Check it out now and learn how to find the right solution for your specific solar panel installation needs.
1. Avoid “Cable Curves”: Never tie cables in an oval shape. Oval lashings are one of the most common causes of premature failure. This type of lashing can break over time due to movement caused by thermal expansion and wind. Make sure cables run in straight lines rather than ovals.
2. Never tie cables near a metal edge without a suitable product: There is a high risk of damaging the cable sheath, which can cause short circuits and, in the worst-case scenario, a fire.
3. Use appropriate fastening clips for perforations: Use LOC series clips for mounting holes on the solar module. The clip with fir tree and LOC series clips are most suitable for photovoltaic systems. These clips not only secure cables but also enable cable tying—all in one product.
4. Use solar cable clips to avoid drilling panels: Edge clips are some of the most flexible and durable solar cable management solutions on the market. UV-stabilised and made of stainless steel, MSC2 edge clip models allow you to hold one or more cables without drilling. This ensures that cable insulation remains intact and is not exposed to the elements.
5. Take special care with cables in floating photovoltaic systems: For underwater applications or cabling exposed to moisture, ensure that cables and connectors are properly protected and managed to prevent damage.
6. Use mounting points appropriate for the number of solar modules: Cascade effects can result from incorrect sizing of the mounting points. If mounting points are not sized correctly and a fault occurs in one of the fixing elements, a cascade effect may occur, leading to energy loss and potential damage to the system.
7. Clamps for solar applications must meet a wide variety of requirements: It is crucial that clamps are made of materials resistant to UV light and can handle movements, such as those caused by solar trackers. Additionally, clamps in solar applications must withstand various temperature fluctuations.
8. Avoid exposed, sharp, or pointed edges: Sharp or pointed edges can damage cables, potentially causing short circuits.
9. Always ensure proper cable routing: Poor cable management can lead to issues such as excessive strain on junction boxes, resulting in frequent maintenance.
Cable in roadways, bridges, and tunnels is used to connect lighting controls, traffic monitoring systems, and GPS signaling devices. Without reliable cable, we lose this functional transportation network. Here’s what to consider when selecting the right low voltage cabling solutions for DOT projects.
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#1 Insulation Durability
PROBLEM: Roadway projects often involve complex layouts with long runs and multiple 90-degree bends in underground conduit. These installation conditions can cause damage to cable if the wrong insulation type is used.
SOLUTION: That’s why XLPE insulated cables (XHHW-2/USE-2) are recommended for DOT projects. This insulation is more resistant to abrasions with almost five times the crush resistance of THHN/THWN-2. XLPE cables are durable enough to outlast the pull and prevent cable fault, while still being flexible enough to bend with ease.
PROBLEM: Extreme temperatures can negatively impact roadway cable exposed to the elements when installed outside of the recommended ratings. Cables like THHN/THWN-2 with substandard insulation compounds can melt under high heat or freeze and crack in extreme cold.
SOLUTION: It’s important to select cables with temperature ratings suitable for the local climate. XLPE insulation has a higher maximum and lower minimum temperature rating than thermoplastic insulations (PVC). XLPE is a thermoset compound. During the curing process, the polymers chemically crosslink so the insulation retains its shape and will not remelt under high heat or freeze in extreme cold (-40°C).
PROBLEM: Roadways are treated with de-icing salts, corrosive chemicals, and excess moisture that can lead to premature cable failure. The cable’s insulation and conductors can corrode overtime.
SOLUTION: To prevent accelerated corrosion, use tinned copper conductors. Adding a layer of tin coating on the copper conductors will protect against oxidation that weakens the bonds of the metal and makes it brittle.
PROBLEM: Roadways are evolving to incorporate smart signaling and surveillance technologies. These devices often require cables with non-standard phase identification.
SOLUTION: Contractors will need to source black, red, white, green, and purple XLPE insulated cables to meet these specs.
XLPE insulated cables enhance the overall reliability of transportation networks and reduce the risk of failures and disruptions—resulting in improved safety standards, operational resilience, and streamlined maintenance.
If you’re looking for a wire and cable partner for roadway projects, turn to Service Wire. We’re the experts in XLPE single and multi-conductor cabling solutions. We can supply standard street lighting cable in black, red, and white as well as non-standard green and purple color codes for video surveillance and GPS specifications.
Our high service levels and on-hand stock in our three nationwide facilities allow us to ship quickly and fast-track your roadway projects. Contact your rep to learn more about our transportation infrastructure products.
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