A well designed and properly installed electrical infrastructure is crucial for the safe and efficient operations of mines and tunnel excavations. There are various methods of installing mining cables, both on the surface and underground. From suspension and cleats to ducts and trenches, each installation method plays a significant role in ensuring the longevity and reliability of our mining cables through thought-out ease of installation for manual handling safety, ensuring relevant mechanical protection and standards compliance.
A. Surface Installations
a. Suspension: mining cables can be suspended using our CAB cable management products from centenary wires or wall hooks. This method is suitable for areas where the cable needs to be elevated. See our CAB cable management products here
b. Cleats: Cleat fixing is used when the cable runs along the side of a building and cleats securely hold the cable in place.
c. Ducts: for cables installed along a designated path, a duct is created by digging a trench and utilising precast concrete segments. Brackets or cleats fasten the cable to the duct’s walls ensuring a stable and protected installation. Additional spacing can be undertaken via cable tray and supports to ensure spacing and ventilation.
d. Wall Brackets: Inside buildings cables can be secured to walls with brackets bolted to the wall to provide damage to cables.
e. Trench: when burying cables, a cable trench of adequate depth is excavated considering the operating voltage and site conditions. The cable is placed on a bed of sand and covered with additional sand. Interlocking cable tiles are placed on top to provide continuous cover, followed by a layer of earth. Marker posts are erected to indicate the cable trench route.
f. Shaft installation: Vertical cable installation in a shaft involves clamping the cable at regular intervals using wooden cleats. The cleats are bored individually to fit the cable securely, ensuring a firm grip.
B. Lowering the Cable – Single point Suspension and standard cable installation
In shaft installations, cables are typically lowered into the shaft using a drum-mounted system or runway system depending on cable weight and length of run. Cables that can be secured within the winder shaft can be secured within the cage. As the cage descends, the cable is laid out and anchored at the shaft top.
An alternative method involves lashing the cable to an engineered design utilising wire suspension ropes.
C. Underground Installations
In underground mining, cable installations near the pit bottom may utilise cleats on brackets or cable hangers to secure cables to walls. In roadways and gate roads, cables are commonly suspended from the roof or rib bolt bars or arches. Maintaining slackness in the cable is crucial to accommodate roof movements and prevent strain.
Australian Power Equipment provides mining cables to Australian mining standards in various lengths and widths to suit different requirements. See NEW PRODUCT CABLES here
Australian Power Equipment also can provide cable management solutions via their CAB cable hangar products. Proper installation of mining cables is vital for maintaining a reliable and secure electrical infrastructure in mines. Whether on the surface or underground, selecting the appropriate installation method ensures the longevity of mining cables and minimises the risk of damage. By adhering to best practices and considering the specific conditions of each mine, mining operations can enjoy uninterrupted power supply and enhance overall safety and efficiency.
Contact Australian Power Equipment for your cable management needs at www.australianpowerequipment.com.au or info@australianpowerequipment.com.au
コメント