A cable holder, also known as a drag chain, secures cables attached to moving equipment to reduce the risk of injury to workers. Open and closed models are available, and plastics are the preferred material. Manufacturers offer standard and custom options and can assess the need for a facility.
A cable holder is a device that contains and secures cables connected to moving equipment to allow the cable to move with minimal effort reducing the risk of injury to workers in the area. Open and closed models are available for various applications in sites such as manufacturing plants, amusement parks and newspaper newsrooms. Such systems can be installed as equipment is commissioned and operational, or can be added later to meet evolving safety concerns.
Without a cable carrier, also known as a drag chain, cables attached to moving equipment would be slack. They could become entangled with each other, nearby cables, and other components. Movement of the equipment may also stress the cable, potentially creating the risk of premature fatigue and cable breakage. Additionally, workers should be careful of cables, which could easily tangle and trap workers or pull them into machinery.
The cable holder acts as a case to enclose the cable and hold it in place. It moves with the fixture to guide the cable as needed while protecting it. Open models have meshes or straps through which the cable is visible, while closed models are totally sealed to protect the cables from materials that might float into the room. Technicians can open hatches to access cables as needed for tasks such as maintenance.
Plastics are the preferred materials for cable trays in many regions due to their low expense, durability, and flexibility. Metals can also be used. The carrier can be articulated in several ways to meet cable and equipment movement needs. Proper articulation is very important in reducing stress, as a cable holder that cannot offer a full range of motion could chafe or otherwise deform the cable.
Cable support manufacturers produce standard product lines along with custom options. Companies can ask a consultant to visit a facility and assess the need. This can help the manufacturer develop the most appropriate cable tray for a given setting, considering the type of equipment and how it will be used. Designers can also consult manufacturers during the planning stages to determine if there are any changes to the plan that would make it easier to install a cable tray, such as moving some of the controls on a fixture to group cables closer together.
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