WCA November 2013

This change isn’t going to take place overnight, and so specifers and engineers need to take steps to aid the correct specifcation of cable cleats. Perhaps key is being aware that levels of cable protection can be enhanced ❍ ❍ Novorail, Sydney, a success story for Ellis

❍ ❍ Managing director Richard Shaw

by selecting only products that are classifed in section 6.4.4 of the International Standard (IEC 61914:2009). What this means is that the cable is guaranteed to still be intact and operable after a short circuit, as opposed to just the cleat. Unfortunately, eradicating the problem isn’t that simple. Most specifers and engineers are diligent when it comes to system design. Where the problems really begin is when the specifcation reaches the buyer. At which level there isn’t the technical understanding of cleats and instead the focus is far more on cost. Should a buyer see a specifcation for 4,000 of our Emperor cable cleats it is natural that they may look elsewhere to fnd a better per unit price. The issue, though, is that the specifcation is particular to the project and the product, having been set according to the strength of the cleats and their spacing along the cable. As such, any change in the type and strength of cleat will result in a change in the numbers required, which in turn will have a knock-on effect on price. Therefore, if a buyer is intent on changing the specifcation they really need to look at overall as opposed to per-unit cost. Looking at things from a budgeting point of view, it is fair to say that certain initial costs would be increased by adopting practices that ensure the correct specifcation of cable cleats. But if you consider the kind of sums involved in replacing an entire cable management system due to a short circuit occurring and causing irreparable damage it is easy to see the point of the additional expense. Ellis is the only leading manufacturer in the electrical industry that focuses solely on cable cleats. Many of its products have London Underground (LUL) approval and are extensively used in the transport industry. Notable specifcations include the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, Lantau and Airport Railway in Hong Kong and, most recently, the Novo Rail project in Sydney. Ellis – UK Website : www.ellispatents.co.uk

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Wire & Cable ASIA – November/December 2013