7
Guidelines for cable installation
Learn more at www.igus.com/chainflex
The proper installation of a cable is key to get the maximum performance and service life. Simple, easy-
to-follow guidelines can make the difference between thousands and millions of cycles of service life. In
this guide, review 7 quick rules for proper cable installation in your next application.
Before installation, many professionals and cable manufacturers will claim that it is necessary to allow for
at least 24 hours for cables to be "relaxed," or "shaken out." Relaxation time is a luxury these days – most
engineers are faced with increasingly tight deadlines, reduced resources, and a multitude of different
responsibilities. We relax to de-stress from hectic work and family lives. Likewise, many manufacturers
recommend cables to be relaxed for installation to
release stress from storage on a spool or reel before
installation.
To allow for more relaxation time for the engineers and
installation team, the igus
®
cable experts agree that a
Chainflex
®
cable should be cut to the desired length
and installed directly into a cable carrier. Our 25 years
of experience in cable manufacturing and installation
allows us the confidence to say that if properly
designed (see the 7 seven key design features of
a continuous-flex cable here), it is not necessary
to waste time laying or hanging cables before their
installation. Instead, use the following guide to ensure
the performance of your cables quickly and easily.
1. Unspool cables properly- always allow spools to roll while unspooling cables. Do not pull cables from the flange,
or uncoil from the top of the spool. This can cause unnecessary stress to cables.
2. Check the jacket materials of different cables - in some instances, different jacket materials can stick together
and cause abrasion. Check to see if your cables' jacket materials are intended for use inside a cable carrier, or for
use with corresponding jacket materials. Abrasion of jacket materials can sometimes be prevented with interior
separation.
Always allow spools to roll during unspooling.
Ensure that different jacket materials are intended for use with corresponding cable jackets.
