If you have exposed cables in your operational workplaces, it can be dangerous for you and the workers which surround equipment & machinery. Cable protectors are the perfect solution for you to handle such situations.
In this guide, you will explore what cable protectors are, their types, main applications, and why they are necessary for your safety.
What is A Cable Protector? Definition of Cable Protector
A cable protector is a special cover that shields your heavy cables and keeps them well protected. When people move around or cross their cars on the road, cable protectors will be the best solution for you to stay away from any damage caused by electric lines.
Furthermore, many businesses and factories install cable protectors at their workplaces and building sites. The main aim is to stop tripping and save workers from any harm. You can also use it to make sure your wires stay in good shape and don’t lead to any electrical accidents.
Cable Protector Material: What is Cable Protector Made of?
Cable protectors are usually made from different types of materials. Each has its unique quality and features.
The most popular types are rubber, plastic, metal and thermoplastic polyurethane. But you can also choose vulcanized rubber, which is the most common material among all.
Type of Material | Characteristics |
PVC (Plastic) | Generally lightweight, cost-effective, weather-resistant, and easy to mold. |
Polyurethane | They are tough, wear-resistant & flexible. It can also handle extreme temperatures. |
Vulcanized Rubber | It is strong, durable, and flexible. Plus, it is weather-resistant / shock absorbent. |
Metal | It offers you extreme durability, resistance to heavy loads and strength too. Metal has the ability to handle high impacts as well. |
What Are Other Names Of Cable Protectors: Types of Cable Protectors
You might hear cable protectors called by different names. Some people say cable ramps or cable covers. If we talk about the reason for such a wide variety of names, it’s because people use them in many places for different reasons.
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Cable Ramps
Cable protectors are called cable ramps because they let vehicles drive over them without damaging cables. You will see them on roads where cars/trucks pass over heavy wires. Plus, you can place them in construction sites and festivals to prevent accidents and protect cables from heavy traffic.
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Cable Protector Ramp
Well, people called cable protectors as “cable protector ramps” due to its functions like a ramp. Furthermore, the design of cable protector ramps usually has a sloped surface which makes it easy for your cars, trucks and equipment to cross and also keep cables safe underneath.
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Wire Protector
You can easily safeguard your wires from being crushed, stepped on and exposed to heavy equipment. This name highlights how it protects wires specifically. It also ensures you don’t have to worry about damage. It is a simple way to hold your wires intact and secure.
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Cable Covers
You can wrap them around and shield cables from damage and any breakage. It will be an ideal option for you if you want to install them in both indoor and outdoor areas.
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Cable Guards
At construction sites and in factories where numbers of workers and equipment are moving around. Cable guards handle that type of rough conditions and create a safer environment for you and your all laborers as well.
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Drop-over Cable Protectors
Mostly in busy zones, you just need to drop a wire protector over the cables to secure them. The major benefit you get is that it easily covers your wires and avoids harm from foot traffic, vehicles and other equipment.
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Yellow Jackets Cable Protectors
Cable protectors that have a bright yellow color and black stripes are known as yellow jacket cable protectors. This type of protector offers you high visibility so that you can easily spot it where they are (even in busy zones).
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Floor Cord Covers
Like a standard cable protector it covers the wires but those cords which are on the floor. Additionally, you can install them in your homes, offices and public spaces too. It can clear the walkways and organize the cables.
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Cord Protector
From the perspective of cord protectors, we will say that you can purchase them if you want to shield your industry electrical wires and power cable. No matter if it is heavy machinery, foot traffic or bad weather, it will be a safer option for you.
This protector is commonly used in your fire departments and industrial settings where hoses are exposed to heavy traffic. Plus, it ensures that your factory pipes & lines stay intact and functional during emergencies and work operations.
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Light-Duty and Heavy-Duty Cable Protectors
In low traffic areas and for lighter vehicles, you can install light duty cable protectors. But, heavy-duty cable protectors are built for high activity zones and can manage the weight of your large machinery.
Connector Types
The users of cable protectors such as warehouse managers, construction workers and industrial crew use different kinds of connectors. To set up your cable protection, we listed some connector types below.
1. Dog-Bone Connectors
You can use dog bone connectors to combine sections of cable protectors together. Basically, they get their name because of their shape, which resembles a dog bone. It can hold your cable protectors in place to prevent them from shifting in commercial areas.
2. Hourglass Connectors
For the tight specs, we suggest you use hourglass connectors. Because they are manufactured in a way that allows they to align easily. Moreover, you get stable connections for flexible setups as well.
3. Gripper Connectors
Gripper connectors have superior holding power that binds the cable section tightly. They are ideal for you if your working areas have high foot traffic and heavy machinery. It is the most versatile option for you as compared to other connectors.
4. L-Shaped Connectors
If you want to create sharp angles between cable protector sections, you can place an L-shaped connector. They allow you to smoothly connect cable protectors around corners and obstacles. It will be an ideal choice for you to install in curved sites.
Load Capacity
There are different types of cable protectors available in the market. Each has its own unique load capacity level. Some quality cable protectors can manage thousands of pounds as well.
However, we will give you the average load capacity rate, which is up to 900 kilograms for a light-duty cable protector. On the other hand, a heavy-duty cable protector can handle around 30,000 KG (30 tons).
Furthermore, we will suggest you always keep in mind that weight limits vary according to the type of cable protector that you have. So you don’t need to exceed that limit and please always make sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications & model number of your cable protector.
Where Are Cable Protectors Used?
You can use cable protectors in a variety of ways and locations as per your requirements. Following are some common applications and sites where cable protectors are needed.
- Industrial Areas: Protect heavy cables from being crushed and damaged. You should place them in areas where big machines, forklifts and trucks move around all day.
- Construction Sites: At project zones, you can use cable protectors to cover wires and hoses lying on the ground. Because it is important for your installed cables, vehicles and workers safety.
- Warehouses: It is essential for logistics supervisors to place cable protectors. So that you can secure your wires safely from forklifts, carts, and heavy goods.
- Sports Arenas: If you are an events coordinator or a set-up crew, ensure that you install cable protectors around the fields in the stadium. It helps you keep people, equipment, and cables safe during games
- Offices and Workspaces: Cable protectors maintain wires and are safe from people walking around and office equipment. They also help prevent trips and keep things neat as well.
- Parking Lots: You can use cable protectors in parking lots to cover up the power supply and cables. With its help, cables remain intact,when constant movement from vehicles has occurred.
- Heavily Traveled Areas: We will suggest you place these cable protectors in places with lots of movement. It prevents damage and reduces the risk of accidents.
- Fire protection: During fire, cable protectors are used to safeguard cables from heat, flames and damage. It also allows emergency systems to function properly in such situations.
Benefits and Functions of Cable Protector
As we already mentioned, cable protectors safeguard your cables from damage, wear, and accidents. Not only limited to this, they also extend the lifespan of cables and prevent costly repairs and replacements, too.
Some functions of cable protectors are.
- It protects your cords from physical impact, such as harm by vehicles & people walking over them.
- They also allow you to cover cables but still provide you easy access for maintenance and any replacement when necessary.
- Cable protectors are suitable for a wide range of environments. For example: construction sites, warehouses, offices and outdoor events.
- These protectors can manage multiple cables in one place. This actually prevents tangling and clutter.
Cable protectors offer you many advantages, such as:
- You can install cable protectors for both indoor and outdoor environments.
- You can protect your equipment from sudden power loss if you have a cable protector.
- With the help of these cable covers, your cables can last longer. Hence, it also saves your money.
- You can avoid trips, slips, and falls if you cover loose cords properly.
- Plus, you can quickly set it up wherever you need extra protection.
- No matter if it is an office, factory, concert, or sports ground, you can use it almost anywhere.
Purpose and Importance of Cable Protector
When you use a cable protector, you have to make sure your cables stay safe and last longer. Cables left open can easily get damaged by heavy traffic and by people stepping on them.
Therefore, a cable protector covers them and keeps them in good condition. Furthermore, when your cables are hidden properly, you can create a safer space for everyone. We use cable protectors in many ways; below are the major purposes.
- Cable Protection
- Accident Prevention
- Equipment Safety
- Traffic Management
- Workplace Organization
- Durability Increase
- Cost Saving
- Weather Shielding
If we talk about the importance of cable protectors, they protect your equipment, save you repair costs and also keep your place looking professional.
Without a cable protector, you may risk your cables and even face safety problems. That’s why you and we both need to install it wherever cables are exposed.
How To Choose The Right Cable Protectors?
Well, if you are looking for a cable protector for your any type of project, we will say that, it’s very important for you to take a look at all factors that can impact the overall quality and cost of a cable protector. So you can enjoy the right benefits according to your needs.
Load Requirements
You must know the weight the cable protector needs to handle. Light, medium or heavy-duty? It depends on the traffic around you. Also consider what you need to protect. Is it cables, hoses, pipes, or wires?
Measure Cable Size
Now, you should measure the thickness and number of cables you want to cover. In this way you can pick the right sized cable protector.
Location
You also have to look over, Where will you install it? Is it Indoors, outdoors, at events or construction sites? Because, each place may need a different type of cable protector.
Material Selection
Next, always pick the material according to your environment. We will suggest you, in extreme heavy-duty places, You should go for metal. However, rubber is an ideal option for indoor setups.
Right Connector Type
As we already mentioned, a connector will really decide the performance of the cable protector you use. So you should really see if you need straight, corner, or specialty connectors.
Safety Features
We recommend you check if the protector has anti-slip surfaces. Cable protector that has bright colors and warning symbols is ideal for you if you want extra safety.
Various Options of Cable Protector
Conclusion
To summarize, you can see that cable protectors are an important part of the safety of your wires and vehicles as well. You just need to carefully choose the right protector and material.
However, if you are looking for a trusted manufacturer for cable protectors, you can contact Jackwin team now. We have a large stock of cable protectors in our factory. Plus, our engineers are available 24/7 to customize products 100% according to your brand color, size, logo & other requirements.