As summers continue to get warmer and last longer, many are making the most of the finer conditions by creating liveable outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertainment. In essence, they’re building an extra room in their homes.
Often Overlooked
To optimise functionality in these spaces, the right equipment needs to be selected. From speakers and lighting, to sound equipment and Wi-Fi, they must be suitable for the outdoor environment where changing weather and ground conditions come into play. Interestingly, as people focus on the big ‘wow’ devices such as HD TV’s and sound systems, one of the most common mistakes is made on cable selection, which is in fact the linchpin to connect it all together.
Wise Choices
It’s advisable to avoid cables with Low Smoke Non-Halogen (LSNH) jackets in external environments, otherwise the jackets can discolour, become brittle, crack over time, and then cause malfunctions. From a safety perspective, if the jacket fails it can expose the core bundle inside.
Where cables are being routed ultimately determines the best type to use. If cables are being run above ground - along walls, fences, or roofs where they’re exposed to the elements, then external grade polyethylene (PE) jacketed cables are recommended. They have good water and UV resistance, remain flexible and thus easy to route, and are competitively priced.
By contrast, if cables are being buried in the ground, in ducting/conduit, or in more challenging environments, then the best advice is to use something more robust such as duct grade cables.
They have a double jacket, with the outer jacket being made from a heavy-duty PE material that’s resistant to water, moisture, and UV light, to ensure that cables can be pulled through ducts.
Watertight Connectivity
Webro has a specific range of duct grade cables, some of which also include the latest water blocking technology. They have a dry, water blocking fleece tape that’s wrapped around the core bundle. It only becomes active if moisture comes into contact with the tape, which then causes it to swell to form a blocking layer of gel. This immediately stops moisture migrating through cables, and enables the equipment that they’re connecting to function without interruption. The upshot for installers when terminating cables is that by using this technology, they don’t have to worry about making a mess or cleaning up cables that have old-fashioned petroleum jelly inside them.
In conclusion, the main points to note on choosing cables for outdoor living applications are:
- Polyethylene (PE) is the best material for outdoor cables.
- Choose the best cable for the application by understanding where it’s being routed.
- Apply cables with integrated water blocking technology for uninterrupted service in more challenging environments.
If you have any questions about cables for outdoor living spaces or need help selecting the right option for your installation, our technical team is here to help. Get in touch online, call us on 0115 972 4483 or email sales@webro.com
Article written by Shane Caswell, Business Development Manager
of Specialist Cables at Webro Cables & Connectors, with over
15 years of experience in the cable industry.
